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Beautiful Akan
99.09.22/ Temperature: 8C/ Weather: Partly Cloudy/Wind Direction: S
Start: Highland Koshimizu Campground, Akan National Park/Latitude: 43 55 17 N/Longitude: 144 28 53 E
Destination: Sunayu Campground, Akan National Park/Latitude: 43 37 20 N/Longitude: 144 21 19 E
Distance Traveled: 24 kmEverything from my ankles to my calves, hips to shoulders is more worn than I suspected. Today was the hardest day yet (I have a feeling there will be more hard days to come).
The morning here at Akan National Park was amazing. Over the hills to the east rose the sun. I could see rolling hills of green all the way to Shiretoko and the Sea of Okhotsk where this adventure started. Today's start was one of the most peaceful and pleasant so far. Few cars passed by, the crisp dry air smelled of Autumn, and I was walking with the rising sun and the natural forest of Akan. I wondered how many places in Japan had this much open space and preserved nature.
One of the first things I noticed was how the forest has been left in its natural state. My eyes have become so used to the planted stands of trees throughout Japan and near my home in the US, that it was pleasant to see the forest growing at its own pace. This was my thought but I remember something that Mr. Takedatsu had said. "People don't like to be over-pampered and protected, they just want to stand with each other. Nature is the same way."
What does it mean for us to preserve the land here in the park? The land in this park could be used for forestry or for farming, but who chose to preserve it as a National Park? Today throughout my journey I was thankful for this; I could breath clean air and look out over the beautiful sight of Kusharo Lake. I enjoyed the preserved nature but I wondered what other kind of merit there is in such preservation. Do you all have any idea?
Though my day started off very peacefully, the number of kilometers that me and my boots have traveled has taken its toll on my body. Since arriving at my campsite for the night, I have been close to speechless; my body wouldn't allow it.
For now I'm going to feed myself and rest because tonight I need some energy to go see an Ainu (native inhabitants of northern Japan) dance and speak with Mr. Atoi, organizer of the event.
Greg
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