Mountain Seeker Posts

View of Hanauma Bay from summit of Koko Crater

2008-12-26T13:26:00.000-08:00

From Pu'u Ma'i (1,208 ft), the highest point on the rim of Koko Crater, the view southwest extends over Hanauma Bay where the ocean has filled an ancient volcanic crater.

Volcano Climbing, Hawaii: Koko Crater (Kohelepelepe)

2008-12-26T12:50:00.000-08:00

The main "trail" up to the summit of Koko Crater follows the course of an old incline railway that was once used to transport military personnel to lookout posts at the summit of the volcano.

Volcano Climbing, Hawaii: Diamond Head

2008-12-22T15:54:00.000-08:00

A switchbacking trail, a series of steep concrete steps, a tunnel blasted through rock, and a metal spiral staircase comprise the trail to the top of Lēʻahi ("brow of the tuna"), a volcanic tuff cone better known as Diamond Head. The view westward from the summit, 760 feet above the waves, extends over Kapiolani Park to the towers along Waikiki Beach.

Oregon Hike: Sherrard Point, Larch Mountain

2008-11-23T15:37:00.000-08:00

After two days of dreary weather, the sun emerged in full glory beckoning us on a late afternoon excursion to see "the mountain." Though the hike along the quarter-mile-long trail from the Larch Mountain parking lot to the fenced in viewpoint atop Sherrard Peak was short, the icy, howling wind made it a challenge. But the crystal clear views of five snow-clad volcanoes--Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, Mount Hood, and Mount Jefferson--was reward enough!

The hike to Munra Point

2008-11-15T14:43:00.000-08:00

The sharp, treeless ridge leading south from Munra Point in the Columbia Gorge. The lack of forest cover provides for some spectacular views which on this fine day included Mount Adams as well as the top of Mount Rainier!

Munra Point, Columbia Gorge

2008-11-15T14:40:00.000-08:00

A sunny weekend in mid-November beckoned us to the knife-edged ridges of Munra Point in the Columbia Gorge! Off the beaten path, this unmaintained footpath led up almost 2,000 feet to this volcanic rock ridge high above Bonneville Dam. The ridge reminded me of the ridges of Oahu's Ko'olau Mountains where I wandered as a kid! A bit of Hawai'i in Oregon!

Autumn in the Olympic Mountains

2008-10-25T17:51:00.000-07:00

Tawny high country meadows on Hurricane Hill ablaze with golden light as the sun sinks beyond the Bailey Range. The air was heavy with the aroma of Alaska yellow cedar, a scent so typical of the alpine areas of the Olympic Mountains. Lots of memories of my days as a backcountry ranger in the Olympics came flooding back! These are truly magnificent mountains!

Triple Falls, Columbia Gorge

2008-09-21T13:40:00.000-07:00

Right in our own backyard, the myriad waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge beckon. A short weekend hike from Horsetail Falls led us past charming Pony Tail Falls and finally to this lovely treasure enveloped by the resplendent greenery of the Cascade Mountains.

Kunashiri Island

2008-09-17T23:12:00.000-07:00

Kunashiri Island, seen from the crest of Japan's Shiretoko Peninsula, floats dream-like on a sea of clouds (photo taken on September 6, 2008, 13:05 during our group's climb of the Rausu-dake volcano). The island, part of the Kuril chain, is claimed by both Japan and Russia and is administered by Russia. The mountain seen in the photo is the volcano Tyatya (Тятя), also known in Japanese as Chacha-dake (ちゃちゃだけ). For a view of the Kuril Islands dispute, from a Russian perspective, check out the documentary Between Two Shores at YouTube.

Shiretoko Sunset

2008-09-06T17:25:00.000-07:00

Sunset over the Sea of Okhotsk from Utoro. A serene ending to our Hokkaido adventure!

Shiretoko National Park

2008-09-05T23:26:00.001-07:00

The cloud-wreathed peaks of the Shiretoko Peninsula seen from Rausu-dake. The peak in the far distance (with the barely visible, pale-colored blemishes that look like snow) is the active volcano, Io-zan ("Sulfur Mountain"). The blemishes are volcanic deposits.

Comfort on the Sea of Okhostk

2008-09-05T15:58:00.001-07:00

Evening glow on the facade of the Kifu Kurabu Hotel overlooking the Sea of Okhostk.

Oshinkoshin-no-taki

2008-09-05T00:49:00.001-07:00

The Oshinkoshin Falls welcomed us to the Shiretoko Peninsula.

Mysterious Mashu

2008-09-04T19:58:00.001-07:00

A view of Mashu-ko which some say is the most beautiful lake in Japan. In the right background is the peak of Shari-dake. To the right is the peak of Kamuinupuri ("Divine Peak" in Ainu) the high point on a subsidiary volcanic cone of the Mashu caldera.

Ainu Culture at Akan-ko

2008-09-04T05:41:00.000-07:00

Canoe of Ainu-inspired design on display at the Hotel Akan-ko Yuku no Sato Tsuruga.

Marimo Cocktail

2008-09-04T04:33:00.001-07:00

Green beans disguised as marimo encased in gelatin presented in an ice house.

Akan National Park

2008-09-04T04:25:00.001-07:00

View of the Ao-numa and the peak of Akan Fuji from Meakandake.

Dinner at Akan-ko

2008-09-04T03:35:00.001-07:00

Dinner fit for a shogun!

Hokkaido Microbrew

2008-09-03T12:11:00.000-07:00

A Hokkaido microbrew called "Okhotsk Blue" made by the Abashiri Brewery in northern Hokkaido. They say it's made with water from sea ice! The beer is actually dyed blue which makes it a little strange. Best to drink it from the bottle so you don't see the color!

Sushi Time

2008-09-02T23:06:00.001-07:00

Kaitensushi at the Big Sun in Abashiri. Sushi on a conveyor belt.

Northern Latitudes

2008-09-02T21:53:00.001-07:00

Pre-lunch stop at The Museum of the Northern Peoples outside Abashiri where Ainu culture is presented alongside that of other northern peoples.

Midori-numa, Daisetsu Kougen

2008-09-02T00:41:00.001-07:00

Midori-numa (Green Pond) is one of several ponds and small lakes scattered through the Daisetsu Kougen (Daisetsu plateau). The "Takane-ga-hara" escarpment rises beyond.

Daisetsuzan National Park

2008-09-01T23:24:00.001-07:00

View across the roof of Hokkaido from near the peak of Mamiya-dake. The hike across the Daisetsuzan from Sugatami Ponds to Kuro-dake has got to be one of the finest day treks in the world.

Asahidake Venting

2008-08-31T08:54:00.000-07:00

Steam vents on the south face of Asahidake, the tallest peak on Hokkaido. Seen from the trail to the summit.

View from Niseko Anupuri

2008-08-30T10:33:00.000-07:00

Looking toward the peak of Chisenupuri from the summit of Niseko Annupuri.