Train Spotting

TSH set off on a walking tour in the Onuma National Park for a walk which was said to be about 4.5 miles long. He hoped that it would not prove to be as perilous as the two previous tours.  It turned out to be largely on flat ground. Somewhat rough but not a danger to life and limbs.

The tour started with a bus drive of less than an hour after which everyone was invited to get off the bus. It turned out this was to provide a toilet stop before setting out on the walk. It also served to pick up the naturalist who was to be the guide on the walk.

After re-boarding the bus TSH was driven for another five minutes before leaving the bus at Konuma or small lake. The group of walkers were then taken across a bridge to Onuma or large lake from where there were good views of Mount Komag.

Mount Komag is a dormant volcano which rises to a height of about 1,200 metres. The top of the mountain is interesting in that it was once a normal circular crater mouth but at some time in the past the volcano exploded and much of the top of the cone was scattered over the surrounding area.

The bridge that was crossed at the start of the walk also carried a railway over the river between the two lakes. TSH was soon presented with an opportunity to photograph his first Japanese train.

The walking tour continued over a number of bridges connecting small islands in the lake. Frequent stops were made to admire various trees and birds. The birds which attracted the most interest were black kites and herons.

On the way back, the bus drove past a paddy field with rice which was yellow and ready for harvesting. In Hakodate the bus drove along an elevated section of road which afforded TSH with views of the railway station.

TSH arrived back on the ship just in time to join Diva for a late lunch.