Descending Jirisan is no simple task. After relaxing on the peak for nearly an hour and seeing a helicopter rescue we finally decided to get moving. Before we actually climbed down we had a few kilometers of trail to cover on the ridgeline.
Traveling among the clouds we enjoyed the youthgiving mountain air and stunning views. To the horizon and beyond all you could see were mountains and valleys. Although Spring was blooming below it was oddly dead at this altitude.
The ridgeline’s steady downgrade only had a few uphills thrown in. It made for a wonderful stroll before we got to the first shelter. While there we had a chance to refill our water, sit in the shade and enjoy a few “choco pies” from the quartermaster. Silly me only brought a giant bag of trail-mix thinking I’d be able to pick up gimbap along the way. I devoured a few of these snacks before beginning the real descent and seeing my first greenery of the day.
Steps after steps; for some reason we forgot that 1900+ meters up also meant 1900+ meters down:( At least there was a babbling brook to follow. By now all the animals of the forest had woken up and birds and insects joined the river’s beautiful symphony!
Playing with my tripod & long exposures
Playing with my tripod & long exposures
Playing with my tripod & long exposures
Following the stream we eventually came to a massive rock riverbed. The path swerved through the stones and we paused for a quick photoshoot!
perfect camouflage!
Playing with my tripod & long exposures
Playing with my tripod & long exposures
We took a brief rest in these gorgeous pools. The chilly water refreshed us all as we dipped our feet and snoozed in the shade. Back on the trail I was suddenly aware of the the forest looming overhead! The shade it provided was welcome in the heat of the afternoon. Were we really hiking for 10 hours already? Only a few more to go!
Before we knew it nature’s lullaby guided us to the park entrance. It was hard to believe how green it was down here with the barren peak above. Jirisan, you were a bitch to climb but the natural beauty you showed me made it all worth it!
6 comments
‘Jirisan you were a bitch to climb but the natural beauty you showed me made it all worth it’ – I felt exactly that when I finally descended mountain rinjiani in Lombok. Precious unforgettable moments of travelling 🙂
If it were easy everyone would do it. The crazy adventures are my favorites
[…] Jirisan – The Descent […]
Hey, Mike =) love your writings!
so clouds below the mountain is not that common thing in Jirisan?
2 weeks ago it was my first time hiking Jirisan, and I thought that stunning view is what you usually see there…
Ana,
Thanks for reading! I’m glad you like my writing 🙂
I’ve only been to Jirisan one other time and it was rolling hills as far a the eyes could see. From what I understand these clouds are common if it rains overnight (or even maybe if its raining during the day). Rain clouds tend to be below 2000 meters and the top of Jirisan is at 1915m so I guess its just luck. Makes me want to go hiking on more rainy days though!
Mike
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