After leaving the mountain we were enjoying the autumn colours so much we decided to take the long road through the mountains rather than heading for the Coast. We literally stumbled upon (not mentioned in Lonely Planet) this gem of a camping area! It is a large camping area near an onsen and nearly empty at this time of year. The cost is ~$5 per person per day.
41.38245°N 141.07320°E
We made use of the laundry and covered areas to organise our equipment and generally tidy up. We tried out the mosquito netting awning we had had made in Brisbane. We had to estimate some measurements from photographs, and we got some measurement done by Mark and Susan at Earthcruiser. It is a simple netting box (no floor) to be hung from the awning rails. It has a opening for the rear locker, and one for the camper door -to pass things out through rather than to walk through, but this position did not work out correctly.
41.38245°N 141.07320°E We made use of the laundry and covered areas to organise our equipment and generally tidy up. We tried out the mosquito netting awning we had had made in Brisbane. We had to estimate some measurements from photographs, and we got some measurement done by Mark and Susan at Earthcruiser. It is a simple netting box (no floor) to be hung from the awning rails. It has a opening for the rear locker, and one for the camper door -to pass things out through rather than to walk through, but this position did not work out correctly.
For Earthcruiser owners, if you want one made I recommend Mr Dong at Dong Leisure.
dongphd@yahoo.com.au
29 Pannard st
Darra Qld 4076
Australia)
He is a Vietnamese long term Australian resident working from his home. He does quality work, and I'm sure that if you took your vehicle to him you would have a very suitable mosquito proof enclosure.
We haven't needed the mozzy enclosure yet this trip but sure wished we had it last time. There were biting flies as well as mozzies.
At the end of the day we went to the "Kappa-no-Yu" onsen. The Kappa is a river imp who plays tricks on people and helps them when they need it. He is a bird/man imp.
The onsen was stunning. It is built of stone, on the edge of a sparking flowing stream, and looks onto vivd autumn coloured vegetation. A soak in the hot steaming water in that environment certainly was an experience not to be missed.
After dinner we roasted chestnuts (which are in season here) over an open fire until we got too cold . It went down to 2 degrees C during the night.
In fact we liked it in Yagen valley so much we stayed a second day! There is a "promenade" along the Yagen River, through old growth forrest (according to Wikipaedia). At this time of year it is in glorious colour. The walk is 3km each way. This was the most spectacular walk I think I have ever experienced. There was breathtaking beauty at every turn. Between the river, the colours and the large old oak trees it was bliss all the way. This beats the cherry blossom season without question.
We have come across monkeys (red faced "snow monkeys", mackaks) a few times in the last couple of days. At one camping spot they came down the track towards us, noticed us and took to the trees where they shook the branches, grunted and glared at us. Yesterday they were calling in the trees near the camp ground and the manager recommended "caution". We look forward to seeing the famous snow monkeys in the onsen further south on Honshu.
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