There’s something about the morning that feels, looks and smells different. The air has a coolness and the sun a softness. A summer’s heat can be uncomfortable but morning rays are rarely a nuisance, and instead, they offer needed warmth and light.

My wife and I went up to the Utsukushigahara area just last Sunday and it really made me once again appreciate the joys of living in this area. At first, I was a little disappointed at the morning fog, but then as I walked more and more along the trail, I started to appreciate the mood that the fog was offering.

There was something in the wind, and in the moist air and the morning softness. Beautiful red and orange blooming tsutsuji (つつじ) bushes were slowly revealed to us. I reached for my camera.

Here are a few images from that morning and its special mood.

The place is Omoide no oka” (思い出の岡) or Memory Hill, and to get there, come up the road from Lake Misuzu. Just as you get into the wide open views of the Skyline Drive, there’s a parking lot on your left. A short trail then leads to the top, to the views, to the flowers and the great natural scene around you.

Enjoy!