Japan: Nagano/Niigata - Shinetsu Trail (Oct 4-7)

[alt.thomas]

Good for you for taking a warmer UQ; otherwise, you might have been miserable. I was miserably cold on my last backpacking trip but the solitude and quiet makes it worth the discomfort, I think. Thanks for all the pix. I live in the central Sierra of California but I recognized at least two of the plants: pipe stem mushrooms and the green spiky ground cover we call Labrador tea.

Thanks. It was tough call because I wanted to use a smaller/lighter pack but very glad I made the change.

[alt.thomas]

Great report and a very interesting area. I'm like you, the unpleasantness of those kinds of trips fade with time and you're left with great memories!

Already forgetting the the items I placed on the minus columns

[alt.thomas]

I lived in Yokohama in the early 60's (age 10-13). It's heartening to see the rural Japan I remember still exists.

Unfortunately rural Japan is aging. All the rice farmers I saw had to be over 70 years old.

[tiger3]

Great report! Looks like a great challenge. Wish I could have gone with you! Maybe next time!