The distance from my house is just right, like an excursion, and there are several routes to climb, so you can choose the difficulty level. After descending, I took a dip in the public bath and had a light meal in front of Gifu Station.
Everything is just right for me.
On a recent public holiday, I went out again to enjoy this perfect Kinkasan routine.
Then, I was riding on a long escalator in the subway to catch the JR train from the nearest station.
Suddenly, I looked to my side and saw a young man in training wear climbing the stairs vigorously.
At that moment, I couldn't help but burst out laughing.
I was wearing hiking shoes, a mountain parka, and a backpack - my mountain climbing gear - but I was being carried elegantly up the escalator.
Meanwhile, the athletic boy next to him is running hard up the stairs.
I was being carried in a cool manner while he climbed panting.
As we got off the escalator, our eyes met, and as he stared at me, I'm sure he was saying:
"You're going up a mountain, right? Then why don't you take the stairs?"
You're right. I understand what you're saying. If you're going to climb, you should climb from here. That's a good point. I was on your side when I was a young guy going to the gym a long time ago.
But, time has passed.
Please, let me save my legs for now. It's going to be tough in the mountains, and it would be impossible for me to go to the city before that.
I felt his gaze on me and made a long excuse in my mind.
And he couldn't help but chuckle wryly at himself for being like that.
Later, while on the JR train, I was remembering a camping trip I had taken with my family.
My favorite campsite in Nakatsugawa was right next to a private house. We had fun living in tents next to the private house, which was inconvenient.
I'm sure the people living in the house were laughing at us and asking, "Why?"
Ah, that's right. We distinguish between the ordinary and the extraordinary.
While I usually enjoy the benefits of civilization to the fullest, I like to occasionally dive into the extraordinary entertainment of "nature."
When you jump in, a switch in your values flips.
Mountains, campsites. What is too convenient and rational is no good there, and what is inconvenient and irrational is good.
In other words, for just that brief moment during our leisure time, we reject civilization. We say things like, "Oh, nature is so nice," and then we leisurely return to the convenience of the city.
But I love that lukewarmness. For me, extraordinary experiences are good because they give me the peace of mind of knowing I can quickly return to a convenient place. What I'm looking for is a subtle spice.
Mostly civilization, occasionally nature. Not cool at all, but that's just right for me.
In the evening, I walked back to the station on shaky legs and got on the escalator again, remembering him from that morning. I was right to save my energy after all. If I had rushed from the beginning, I might have been injured.
“Hey, young people. In life and in mountain climbing, the true skill lies in knowing when to relax.”
Just kidding. Haha. A very old man-like excuse.
