danwiz.com
This is Page 4 of 4 - the best of May 2015!
posted: May 31st, 2015
Go To Page:

This page begins with May 17th and a trip to the Shizuoka and Yamanashi Prefecture Boundary Area in search of Paeonia japonica in bloom. Then we jump to May 23rd and our 109th climb of Mt. Takao and our 55th climb of Mt. Kobotoke-Shiro-Yama in search of whatever we could find.   Click on any thumbnail to begin.

Begin May 17th
  On May 17th we got up at 4:30 AM and after getting ready, we headed for the Kawaguchi Lake area and then the "Prefecture Boundary" bus stop where we went back on April 18th. When we went there on that date we found a small valley that had an abundance of Paeonia japonica plants growing and we wanted to see if they were in bloom. The first 2 shots in this row show Polygonatum odoratum plants in bloom. The first shot also shows Mt. Fuji in the background. The 3rd shot is a nice one of Mt. Fuji.
May17_11_PrefectureBoundary_FlowerRC
May17_11_Prefecture
Boundary_FlowerRC
May17th_AsagiriKougen005_PolygonatumOdoratumRC
May17th_AsagiriKougen005
_PolygonatumOdoratumRC
May17_14_PrefectureBoundary_MtFujiRC
May17_14_Prefecture
Boundary_MtFujiRC

  In first position in this row is a 2-shot panorama of Mt. Fuji. The 2nd shot shows that the Paeonia japonica that we came here to find in bloom had, unfortunately, already finished for this year. In this shot you can see seedpods on the plant. By the way, if you want to refresh your memory of last month's photos of this area CLICK HERE (new window or tab). The 3rd shot is a nice blue and green scenery shot.
May17_15_16_PrefectureBoundary_MtFuji_AutoPanorama_FrRC
May17_15_16_PrefectureBoundary_
MtFuji_AutoPanorama_FrRC
May17_24_PrefectureBoundary_PeonyRC
May17_24_Prefecture
Boundary_PeonyRC
May17_29_PrefectureBoundary_SceneryRC
May17_29_Prefecture
Boundary_SceneryRC

  This photo of Mt. Fuji shows that just 2 or 3 hours after the shots in Rows 1 and 2, clouds were forming around Mt. Fuji, and it was not nearly as picturesque as it had been earlier. The 2nd shot shows an Azalea - a Rhododendron molle ssp. japonicum. That's it for May 17th - a rather disappointing adventure when all was said and done, primarily due to there being a traffic jam on the way back to Kawaguchi Lake Station, which turned a 50 minute bus ride into one that lasted for more than 2 hours!
May17_38_PrefectureBoundary_MtFujiRC
May17_38_Prefecture
Boundary_MtFujiRC
May17th_AsagiriKougen024_RhododendronMolleSubspJaponicumRC
May17th_AsagiriKougen024
_RhododendronMolleSubspJaponicumRC
End May 17th, Begin May 23rd
  On May 23rd we went out to climb Mt. Takao (for the 109th time) to see if anything was in bloom. In first and second position are shots of Caesalpinia decapetala var. japonica. We had never before noticed this tree here. It is very well hidden behind the other trees and we could only see it from one very small "window" through the trees, as you may be able to deduce from these photos. The third shot shows that the Dendrobium moniliforme - The Japanese Stone Orchid (Sekkoku in Japanese) was already beginning to bloom - this was a surprise to us - we cannot ever remember it being in bloom this early in the year. Generally we find it at its peak during the first couple weeks of June.
May23rd_Takao004_CaesalpiniaDecapetalaVarJaponicaRC
May23rd_Takao004_Caesalpinia
DecapetalaVarJaponicaRC
May23_04_Takao_Caesalpinia_decapetala_var_japonicaRC
May23_04_Takao_Caesalpinia
_decapetala_var_japonicaRC
May23_03_Takao_Dendrobium_moniliformeRC
May23_03_Takao_
Dendrobium_moniliformeRC

  Here are 3 more shots of Dendrobium moniliforme - The Japanese Stone Orchid (Sekkoku in Japanese).
May23rd_Takao015_DendrobiumMoniliformeRC
May23rd_Takao015_
DendrobiumMoniliformeRC
May23_06_Takao_Dendrobium_moniliformeRC
May23_06_Takao_
Dendrobium_moniliformeRC
May23rd_Takao034_DendrobiumMoniliformeRC
May23rd_Takao034_
DendrobiumMoniliformeRC

  And here are another 3 shots of Dendrobium moniliforme - The Japanese Stone Orchid (Sekkoku in Japanese). The 3rd shot kind of gives you an idea of how abundant this species is in these very old and very tall cedar trees where it is out of reach to plant thieves.
May23_13_Takao_Dendrobium_moniliformeRC
May23_13_Takao_
Dendrobium_moniliformeRC
May23_15_Takao_Dendrobium_moniliformeRC
May23_15_Takao_
Dendrobium_moniliformeRC
May23_21_Takao_Dendrobium_moniliformeRC
May23_21_Takao_
Dendrobium_moniliformeRC

  Three more shots of Dendrobium moniliforme - The Japanese Stone Orchid (Sekkoku in Japanese). WOW! It's so very amazing to find such beauty so high up in the trees.
May23_22_Takao_Dendrobium_moniliformeRC
May23_22_Takao_
Dendrobium_moniliformeRC
May23_25_Takao_Dendrobium_moniliformeRC
May23_25_Takao_
Dendrobium_moniliformeRC
May23rd_Takao059_DendrobiumMoniliformeRC
May23rd_Takao059_
DendrobiumMoniliformeRC

  The first shot in this row should give you a good feeling for the abundance of this Dendrobium moniliforme - The Japanese Stone Orchid (Sekkoku in Japanese).
May23_26_Takao_Dendrobium_moniliformeRC
May23_26_Takao_
Dendrobium_moniliformeRC
May23_32_Takao_Dendrobium_moniliformeRC
May23_32_Takao_
Dendrobium_moniliformeRC
May23_33_Takao_Dendrobium_moniliformeRC
May23_33_Takao_
Dendrobium_moniliformeRC

  All three images in this row show the same clump of Dendrobium moniliforme - The Japanese Stone Orchid (Sekkoku in Japanese). The first shot is zoomed in moderately. The 2nd image is actually four shots which were merged together in Photoshop, so this shot is zoomed in a great deal. The third shot is only zoomed in a little bit.
May23_36_Takao_Dendrobium_moniliformeRC
May23_36_Takao_
Dendrobium_moniliformeRC
May23_37_38_39_40_Takao_Dendrobium_moniliformeRC
May23_37_38_39_40_Takao
_Dendrobium_moniliformeRC
May23rd_Takao065_DendrobiumMoniliformeRC
May23rd_Takao065_
DendrobiumMoniliformeRC

  This clump of Dendrobium moniliforme - The Japanese Stone Orchid (Sekkoku in Japanese) is higher up on the mountain and most people do not even notice this one because one has to stop and look back to see it. The 2nd shot is of Helwingia japonica and the third shot is of Pseudopyxis depressa.
May23_46_Takao_Dendrobium_moniliformeRC
May23_46_Takao_
Dendrobium_moniliformeRC
May23rd_Takao073RC
May23rd_
Takao073RC
May23rd_Takao091_PseudopyxisDepressaRC
May23rd_Takao091_
PseudopyxisDepressaRC

  Here is a shot of Pseudopyxis depressa f. angustiloba in first position and then a shot of Pseudopyxis depressa. Notice the difference in the shape of the flowers. The 3rd shot shows Mt. Fuji from the summit of Mt. Takao.
May23_49_Takao_Pseudopyxis_depressa_f_angustilobaRC
May23_49_Takao_Pseudopyxis_
depressa_f_angustilobaRC
May23_52_Takao_Pseudopyxis_depressaRC
May23_52_Takao_
Pseudopyxis_depressaRC
May23_54_Takao_Summit_MtFujiRC
May23_54_Takao_
Summit_MtFujiRC

  Now we have hiked about 45 minutes towards Mt. Kobotoke-Shiro-Yama. We are actually now at I-Ccho-Daira and the first shot in this row shows a flowering Mountain Dogwood (Benthamidia japonica). This is the species which we showed you the fruits of last September. If you want to see those very interesting fruits again CLICK HERE (new window or tab). The second and third shots show Calanthe discolor - another orchid - close to Mt. Kobotoke-Shiro-Yama.
May23_57_Takao_Benthamidia_japonicaRC
May23_57_Takao_
Benthamidia_japonicaRC
May23_59_HikageArea_Calanthe_discolorRC
May23_59_HikageArea
_Calanthe_discolorRC
May23_61_HikageArea_Calanthe_discolorRC
May23_61_HikageArea
_Calanthe_discolorRC

  In first and third position are additional shots of Calanthe discolor. This species was finishing up and the flowers are well past their prime. The center shot shows a Paeonia obovata - the rare Japanese Pink Woodland Peony. A LOT of people now know the location of this plant - while we were there around 5 or 6 people came by to photograph it - so this probably means that it will soon be stolen by plant thieves. As you can see, the flowers are not yet open - we'll have to return here next weekend.
May23_66_HikageArea_Calanthe_discolorRC
May23_66_HikageArea
_Calanthe_discolorRC
May23_71_HikageArea_Paeonia_obovataRC
May23_71_HikageArea
_Paeonia_obovataRC
May23_67_HikageArea_Calanthe_discolorRC
May23_67_HikageArea
_Calanthe_discolorRC

  Here are two shots of Cremastra appendiculata - another orchid. We found this group of three plants down near Hikage Creek.
May23_72_HikageArea_Cremastra_appendiculataRC
May23_72_HikageArea
_Cremastra_appendiculataRC
May23_73_HikageArea_Cremastra_appendiculataRC
May23_73_HikageArea
_Cremastra_appendiculataRC

  Here are the final three shots from this adventure - all of Cremastra appendiculata - another orchid. The outlined area in the first photo shows what is included in the second image.
May23_74_HikageArea_Cremastra_appendiculataRC
May23_74_HikageArea
_Cremastra_appendiculataRC
May23_74Part_HikageArea_Cremastra_appendiculataRC
May23_74Part_HikageArea
_Cremastra_appendiculataRC
May23_75_HikageArea_Cremastra_appendiculataRC
May23_75_HikageArea
_Cremastra_appendiculataRC

End May 23rd, End May 2015's Photos, Begin Miscellaneous Links
  Here are links to separate web pages - all of them will open in a new window (or new tab). The first link shows some photos of our DVD Collection, an AVI Movie of our Home Theater System and 9 photos of our Sharp Aquos TV. The 2nd link shows our entire DVD collection in DVD Profiler (if you're asking yourself what might be good to rent for the weekend). The DVD's will be sorted by date purchased. You can click on the "Title" Column to sort that way if you desire. The 3rd link shows our entire DVD collection in php DVD Profiler, which is much more sophisticated than the plain vanilla DVD Profiler just above it. The 4th link takes you to a set of pages which show you the FRONT cover-art of our entire DVD collection.

January 1, 2013 - DVD Collection & Home Theater System





HERE IS

Please check it out by clicking on the above button.
(Click on the "Studies of Plants and Wildlife"  link in the new window.)

only search Kazuya's Blog site


Here is a small hint to let you know that we'd be thrilled to have you buy one of our books. For additional information regarding any title please click the "General Information" tab on the "Our Books" button down at the bottom of this page. Click on any thumbnail to go to its Amazon.com webpage.
Climbing a Few of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains - Volume 1: Mt. Daisetsu (Mt. Asahidake Climbing a Few of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains - Volume 2: Mt. Chokai (Choukai) Climbing a Few of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains - Volume 3: Mt. Gassan Climbing a Few of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains - Volume 4: Mt. Hakkoda & Mt. Zao
Climbing a Few of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains - Volume 5: Mt. Kumotori Climbing a Few of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains - Volume 6: Mt. Shirane (Kusatsu) Climbing a Few of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains - Volume 7: Mt. Shibutsu Climbing a Few of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains - Volume 8: Mt. Kiso-Komagatake
Climbing a Few of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains - Volume 9: Mt. Kitadake Climbing a Few of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains - Volume 10: Mt. Mizugaki Climbing a Few of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains - Volume 11: Mt. Shiroumadake (includes Mt. Shakushidake & Mt. Yarigatake Climbing a Few of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains - Volume 12: Mt. Tate (Tateyama)
Climbing a Few of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains - Volume 13: Mt. Yatsugatake (Mt. Akadake) Outdoor Photography of Japan: Through the Seasons Outdoor Photography of Japan: Through the Seasons - Volume 1 of 3 (Winter & Spring) Outdoor Photography of Japan: Through the Seasons - Volume 2 of 3 (Summer)
Outdoor Photography of Japan: Through the Seasons - Volume 3 of 3 (Autumn) Some Violets of Eastern Japan - 2nd Edition English - Ilokano AND Ilokano - English Dictionary English - Ilokano and Ilokano - English Dictionary - With Some Notes on Ilokano Culture
A Book of Anagrams - An Ancient Word Game A Book of Anagrams - An Ancient Word Game: Volume #2 Forest Resource & Allowable Cut - Fairbanks Working Circle (Alaska) Samurai Seasons Exposed: Nipponese Outdoor Rhapsodies
Heaven and Hell in the Philippines: Journal of a Peace Corps Volunteer All Calendars Wildflowers_of_Interior_Alaska Twelvemile: Summit to Summit



An animated gif of some
of our publications
(Does Not Include 100 Mountains Series)
(34 seconds)
An animated gif of some of our Publications
For details please click the "Our Books"
Button at the bottom of the page.
An animated gif of our
Climbing a Few of Japan's
100 Famous Mountains
Series
(Paperback Editions)
(28 seconds)
An animated gif of our 'Climbing a Few of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains' series of Books
For details please click the "Our Books"
Button at the bottom of the page.
An animated gif of our
Climbing a Few of Japan's
100 Famous Mountains
Series
(Hardcover Editions)
(26 seconds)
An animated gif of our 'Climbing a Few of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains' series of Books
For details please click the "Our Books"
Button at the bottom of the page.


End Miscellaneous Links, End Page 4 of 4, May 2015

Thanks so much for taking the time to look at the website this month. We hope that you found something which you enjoyed. You can use the e-mail link below to respond with any feedback you might have. Go To Page:


(will open in new window)

Purchase Photos Complete List Of All Photos E-mail us Go to the Special Items Page
Top Of Page Lightbox Instructions Comprehensive Site Map Return to our home page



Link to Amazon.com (new window).
We get 2% of whatever you spend if you go to Amazon from this link!! Please shop on Amazon from here.
If you would like to donate to our hiking & traveling fund or show your appreciation for our efforts you can donate through PayPal. A single donation will entitle you to request a single full-sized photo IN THE DONATION MONTH - which you may then use as a desktop wallpaper or whatever. The copyright will be retained by us and the photo will be inconspicuously marked with the copyright symbol (©), year and photographer's name. (Donation probably not tax deductible.)