Today we have visitors arriving who are forest guides on the Japanese Island of Yakushima. Were looking forward to meeting them. The forests of Yakushima are magnificent and consist mainly of Cedar trees,many of which are ancient giants over a thousand years old. The forests are a designated world heritage site and the most ancient of the trees can be reached after a few hours on a comparatively easy trail that rises up and up to the side of the mountain that dominates the island. This is a popular trail, but the best is a rarely traveled trail that leads through the heart of the heritage site, from way below, beside the sea and rises all the way to the very top of the mountain, passing the extremely rare pine trees that helped the island gain World Heritage status. I walked that trail and it was difficult, taking all day to reach a mountain hut and then several hours more to meet the trail that every one else takes. A wonderful way to go. No people, only forest and the occasional spectacular view of the most crystal clear sea I have ever seen. In this photo is Wilsons Stump. It was 3,500 years old when it was chopped down several hundred years ago for Emperor Hideyoshi who wanted it as the main beam for his temple in Kyoto. This act of worship led to the destruction of many magnificent giants, until the forest was once again appreciated and became a World Heritage Site.
Posted on: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 12:29:47 +0000
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