Mount Tsukuba

Since we now had one simple hike under our belts we thought it wise to declare ourselves mountaineers and take on Mt. Tsukuba-san. At 650 meters high this was certainly not a simple, lovely little nature hike as I had envisioned it in my mind.  Off to a brilliant, happy start - ready to take on the challenge.

Nothing but rocks, then boulders, on our oh so very upward CLIMB.

Amazing, amazing stamina from this one.

Noah climbed for about a half hour maybe 40 minutes and then needed to be carried the rest of the way. I was absolutely amazed that Naoto could do this.

This was no ordinary hike that's for sure. We were in fact mountain climbing.

It was outstanding.

Pretty awe inspiring at times.

Kai blew us away. His will to get to the top and the fact he never gave up almost brought me to tears. He is such a little fighter.

Crazy, gigantic wild tiger lily randomly growing. I personally think a higher being made sure it was there. We were almost to the top and feeling oh so very tired and really needed a cosmic boost to get us to the peak and low and behold there she was!

Sharing a proud papa moment at the summit.

We did it!

Breathtaking view and a glorious feeling of accomplishment.

On the lookout for a toy to celebrate his "climb"

Celebratory drink. Beer never tasted so good!