Back On The Trail

Saturday morning, and I was up at six in the morning and out the door. I haven’t done a decent hike in a long time, so I was eager to do something a little ambitious. I took the train to Kobe, and walked from the station up Rokko mountain.

The day was beautiful – maybe the best weather I’ve ever hiked in. The visibility wasn’t great from the top of the mountain, but it felt great to be outside walking around without a worry in the world.

I continued on past Rokko mountain and went up and down several more mountains on the ridgeline until I finally got to Maya mountain. Maya was where I crapped out during the 50k hike a while back. It was nice at the top, and I snacked on some onigiri that I had brought along.

After enjoying a nap at the top I headed down the ropeway and cable car combination, and then took a bus ride back to Sannomiya station. I took a few minutes to check for American maple syrup at the import food store, but I struck out – just Canadian maple syrup. Not so good – I like the buttery taste of American maple syrup.

Finally I headed back home, and went right to sleep – a sweaty mess. I woke up and decided to run over to the yakitori for dinner. The master was pretty lonely – his wife had commandeered the television to watch volleyball. He was dying to watch baseball, so when I came in he had an excuse to turn the channel – they both know that I enjoy watching baseball when I’m there.

I ordered up kimchee fried rice – one of the usual things I order. We have a sadistic stand-off going with the kimchee fried rice. I said that I like it spicy, so each time I order it they add a bit more spice to see when I flinch and say that it’s too much. This time was pretty close. I was sweating big time as I ate it, but it was delicious so I didn’t say “uncle”. Maybe one more time and then it’ll be too hot to handle.

The master is trying to get Hanshin Tigers tickets. He invited me to come along if he scores the tickets. I’m hoping he gets them – I still haven’t been to a game.

I headed home, and then started studying Japanese while listening to AC/DC. Kuniko called a little while later – she has to work both days of the weekend. I think she’s a little frustrated with the long hours they require at her new school. She’s a trouper, though – she works them and she doesn’t complain.

We talked about her schedule over the weekend and during next week, and it sounded more and more like we wouldn’t be able to get together for a long time. I misunderstood her at first and thought she wanted me to go over there this evening, and then the more we thought about it the more it made sense. I threw some clothes into my backpack and ran out the door, and then took the train ride to Osaka and was at her place by 11:00 p.m.

I’ve tried to do more spontaneous things like this lately, even though my brain’s natural reflex is to stay in a comfortable place. Every time I do something like this, it ends up turning out great, and this time was no exception.