Angelica and I decided to make an overnight trip into the Hakkoda mountains. When we first arrived, it appeared that the forecast of rain was wrong. But, alas, we learned soon enough what rainy season in the Hakkodas was all about.
The first part of the trip was kind of a suffocating mix of vegetation, humidity, and bugs.
While not technically "above the treeline", the more acidic soil apparently thins the vegetation towards the top.
Some of you may recall my blog about my snowshoeing trip up this same trail. I wrote about the estimated 30-40 feet of snow judging by the tops of the gigantic conifers barely peaking through the tops of the drifts. I was also briefed this in a winter safety brief. Now, seeing these "giant" trees in the summer time, I believe my estimations of winter snow depth to have been off by 20-30 feet:) Still a pretty impressive sight in the wintertime.
A fresh water well near Sennentai Cabin. The water tasted great and I'm sure we would have enjoyed it much more had the weather not been chilly and wet.
The Japanese apparently have an insatiable appetite for trivial facts. Would you believe that this pond is the most elevated location in Aomori Prefecture where amphibious creatures spawn? Fascinating.
A Shinto shrine near the Ohdake summit.
Apparently, the Shinto gods accept cash or sake.
Our main goal...Ohdake Summit, the highest in the range at 1584.6 meters (5199 feet). From the map, it appears that this summit is actually the edge of a large volcano crater. I'm sure it would have been quite a sight, had the clouds allowed it. But, as you can see, we were still quite excited about the feat. The high winds and low visibility made it feel all the more exciting (especially for an 8-year old).
Our home for the night...Ohdake Cabin. The dense cloud cover and constant rain kept us from exploring too much.
Before hitting the sack, we took the opportunity to summit Iodake. This is the crest near the summit. While the cloud cover and heavy winds added to the sense of adventure, I really wish I could have seen down the sides.
MMMM....freeze dried eggs.
Most of the second day was spent crossing these marshes. Actually quite beautiful despite being soaked and wet the entire day.
Angelica and I decided to make an overnight trip into the Hakkoda mountains. When we first arrived, it appeared that the forecast of rain was wrong. But, alas, we learned soon enough what rainy season in the Hakkodas was all about.
The first part of the trip was kind of a suffocating mix of vegetation, humidity, and bugs. 
While not technically "above the treeline", the more acidic soil apparently thins the vegetation towards the top.
Some of you may recall my blog about my snowshoeing trip up this same trail. I wrote about the estimated 30-40 feet of snow judging by the tops of the gigantic conifers barely peaking through the tops of the drifts. I was also briefed this in a winter safety brief. Now, seeing these "giant" trees in the summer time, I believe my estimations of winter snow depth to have been off by 20-30 feet:) Still a pretty impressive sight in the wintertime.
A fresh water well near Sennentai Cabin. The water tasted great and I'm sure we would have enjoyed it much more had the weather not been chilly and wet.
The Japanese apparently have an insatiable appetite for trivial facts. Would you believe that this pond is the most elevated location in Aomori Prefecture where amphibious creatures spawn? Fascinating.
A Shinto shrine near the Ohdake summit. 
Apparently, the Shinto gods accept cash or sake. 
Our main goal...Ohdake Summit, the highest in the range at 1584.6 meters (5199 feet). From the map, it appears that this summit is actually the edge of a large volcano crater. I'm sure it would have been quite a sight, had the clouds allowed it. But, as you can see, we were still quite excited about the feat. The high winds and low visibility made it feel all the more exciting (especially for an 8-year old). 
Our home for the night...Ohdake Cabin. The dense cloud cover and constant rain kept us from exploring too much.
Before hitting the sack, we took the opportunity to summit Iodake. This is the crest near the summit. While the cloud cover and heavy winds added to the sense of adventure, I really wish I could have seen down the sides.
Most of the second day was spent crossing these marshes. Actually quite beautiful despite being soaked and wet the entire day.
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