Photo: Hida mountains aka Northern Alps in Japan

This is an Abou peak which is a border between prefectures in Gifu Prefecture and Nagano Prefecture. Altitude is 1790 m. The No. 158 line which escapes from between an Akandana mountain and Abou mountains. I wanted to see the Alps, Japan, after which it was yearning from already. Since I was poor at mountain climbing, I reached to the place which can go by car. The road in Nagano had poor pavement and its run was severe. I expected the beauty of the Alps. But, the Akandana mountain was a very big active volcano. It was the far devastated mountain that it is beautiful. The rock had exposed the surface of a mountain. Trees were felled by the landslide. Steam had blown and come out from the everywhere of a mountain. It seemed to be hell. We were surprised at the signboard written to be explosion cautions. Soon, it came to the Abou road of the charged tunnel. But, we climbed the Abou peak which is an old road. That is because I wanted to enjoy a mountain fully. The Abou peak had steep slope uphill and hairpin curve. The infernal scene disappeared gradually. The mountain range on which the snow which does not disappear in the distance was put could be seen. When the summit of the mountain of the peak was crossed and it went into Gifu Prefecture, scenes completely differed. It is this photograph. The scene of the Japan Alps which I expected was this.





大きな地図で見る



The little bird sang and trees changed to the needle-leaf forest. This Japan Alps roughly divided Japan. Since the Pacific Ocean side with Nagano Prefecture is warm, there is little snow. But, since snow lies severely, Gifu Prefecture in the Sea of Japan has poor woods. We experienced a drive like Heaven. Sure BGM is "Ripple" by Grateful Dead! However, this ground will change with hell in winter. It will die, if it meets with an accident.



If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung, Would you hear my voice come thru the music, Would you hold it near as it were your own? It's a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken, Perhaps they're better left unsung. I don't know, don't really care Let there be songs to fill the air.


Ripple in still water, When there is no pebble tossed, Nor wind to blow. Reach out your hand if your cup be empty, If your cup is full may it be again, Let it be known there is a fountain, That was not made by the hands of men.


There is a road, no simple highway, Between the dawn and the dark of night, And if you go no one may follow, That path is for your steps alone. Ripple in still water, When there is no pebble tossed, Nor wind to blow. You who choose to lead must follow But if you fall you fall alone, If you should stand then whos to guide you? If I knew the way I would take you home. La dee da da da, la da da da da, da da da, da da, da da da da da La da da da, la da da, da da, la da da da, la da, da da.