Earlier this month, I went hiking with my usual group. Although we changed our plans due to the typhoon, it was my first time hiking in the Northern Alps. We arrived early in the morning, put on our headlamps, and started preparing.

At the trailhead, there is a stone monument that reads "Trials and Aspirations." I set off without understanding its meaning.

The group walks past a tree that is __ years old!?

We were blessed with good weather and headed towards the summit, enjoying the beautiful views.

I felt the oxygen getting thinner as I climbed above 2000m, and I began to understand the meaning of the opening line, "trials and aspirations."

A helmet is a must when climbing rocky areas. If a small rock falls from your feet, shout "ROCK!" to the people below.

And finally, the summit of Mount Tsurugi appears in sight.

And we successfully reached the summit. It was my first time climbing the Northern Alps, and climbing one of Japan's three steepest mountains was a big challenge. However, after achieving it, I was so glad that we went! I was so grateful to my friends.

to be continued