Autumn Camp 2023: Hiking Kobotoke Pass.

This hike was going to be a challenge up and

through Kobotoke pass, spanning four different mountain peaks. Overall distance: 7 kilometers there and back, highest elevation reached: 670.3 meters from sea level. It was a tiring climb for most, but despite the challenge, all the scouts made it in the end with plenty of running power left!

After a drive out into the mountains through winding roads, we reached a good place to park and gear up. Everyone got their warm clothing on, and the smaller scouts gave their heavy water bottles and lunches to the teachers so they could carry them.

In the freezing cold, we started the hike, and began to warm up again. Throughout the day, we tried to find interesting patterns, textures, and colors to take photos of, which were plentiful in the beautiful autumnal nature along the trail. On the way to our first break, we enjoyed the easy incline and even found a huge earthworm.

Once we had reached the first sightseeing point, it was time to have a bit of snack while staring at the gorgeous view. A bit further up the trail we stopped at a shop that had a free stamping station, and some neat badges that we bought for the scouts (pinned on their bags).

Soon enough we were back on the trail, increasing in difficulty through terrain and incline. On the way to the peak, we spotted a beautiful yellow tree illuminated by the sun above, so some of the scouts took photos. Just a bit more walking later, and the top of the mountain was finally in sight. We were tired, but it wasn't far so we pushed and pushed and made it all the way up.

At the peak, there were a few shops and lots of other hikers relaxing and eating. We decided we would have lunch and rest for a while. After finishing our tasty meals, we explored the area and went to the bathroom before it was time to keep on hiking.

The views along the trail were lovely, and many times we stopped to admire them. There were lots more things to take photos of too, from ice crystals to mesmerizing leaves. Up and down hundreds of stairs, and through jungly paths along the mountainside ridge. As we reached another viewpoint, we relaxed for a bit, took some photos turning around and heading back to the peak.

At the peak we ate snack and played Memory with a scout’s cards. Once everyone felt rested and ready to start on the way back down, we packed up our things and made our way back. The scouts had tons of fun running down the mountain with as much agility and dexterity as they could muster.

The day ended with some tasty treats at a convinience store, and a long, sleepy drive back home. This event was perfectly challenging and very rewarding, and we look forward to the next ones to come!