Essential Props to Set the Mood

Mornings on picnic days are hectic. That’s because our family’s style is to “get into it with the right gear,” so we have a lot of preparations to make. First, we pack ingredients for open sandwiches—vegetables, cheese, pickles, crispy bacon, fried eggs, and fruits for dessert—into separate containers. (Sometimes we also pack ratatouille brimming with summer vegetables.) Then, we set up a special basket with condiments like grainy mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. The toast bread is buttered and wrapped in cloth napkins. And, bracing ourselves for the considerable weight, we bring glasses, plates, and cutlery from home, not paper or plastic ones. We mustn’t forget the table, chairs for everyone, and a tablecloth. After all, just spreading that over the table elicits gasps of admiration from everyone present. They are indispensable props for setting the mood. We also pack badminton gear and a rug to lie on the grass. Once we arrive at the riverbank, we set everything up. Then, everyone tops their toast with their chosen ingredients as they please. That’s the plan.

After eating, the men go fishing. The women bring their foldable chairs with pipe legs into the river to cool their feet while chatting, reading, playing badminton, or napping. When you’re in nature, you naturally feel like spending time at a leisurely pace. You want to surrender yourself to the sound of the flowing river, the birdsong, and the pleasant breeze. Then, your body and mind feel wonderfully relaxed, as if you’ve taken a big stretch. The hurried pace of your daily life gets reset.—Perhaps this is why I’ve grown so fond of “riverbank picnics.” And, of course, lunch eaten together in nature (with beer and white wine!) tastes exceptionally delicious!

Experiencing Something New Activates Every Cell in Your Body!

Now, as the seasons change, it’s time for mountain climbing. There’s a recent boom in “yamajo” (women who love mountains), and I, too, made my debut last year. I climbed relatively easy mountains near Shimoda, like Neguzura-yama and Chokuro-yama. However, I got lost on the trail partway up both times, which gave me a bit of a scare. While it was an interesting experience, I learned right from the start the golden rule of mountain climbing: never underestimate nature, no matter how simple the mountain may seem; complacency is forbidden.

Despite being a novice hiker, my gear is, of course, that of a seasoned mountaineer. I spent a considerable amount of time deliberating over every item—from clothing and shoes to accessories—at a specialty store. But the real reason it took so long was that I had to consider factors different from when I choose my everyday clothes. For example, I chose colors I’d never worn before, thinking, “A brighter color like this would stand out in the mountains, making it easier to be spotted if something happens.” I also chose materials I’d never tried, like, “Let’s go with a light and warm fleece for the inner layer.” Beyond just “it’s cute!”, I had to consider safety and functionality. It might be obvious, but as a beginner, I learned many things I hadn’t known, like “Oh, this kind of thing is suitable.” It was refreshing and fun to choose items after a long time, and I felt like I gained something. That’s because I believe that experiencing something new activates every cell in my body.

My Current Craze: Playing in Nature (2)

We Are Kept Alive by Nature

So, what are my thoughts on the actual mountain climbing? “It’s refreshing, fun, and joyful.” The crisp air and beautiful scenery are invigorating, and the act of walking step by step—feeling the ground, thinking, and occasionally exclaiming “Whoa!” as I stumble—is enjoyable. The thrill when the summit, which seemed so distant, suddenly appears before your eyes is joyful. I’m surprised and impressed with myself, thinking, “Wow. I’ve climbed this far without even realizing it!” You always reach your destination by moving forward, and the sense of accomplishment is deeply moving because you reached it using your own two feet. That, I believe, is the true essence of mountain climbing.

Of course, I don’t forget to pack food. For some reason, onigiri (rice balls) and bento boxes just feel right for mountain climbing. The standard side dishes are tamagoyaki (rolled omelet), braised chicken wings, and pickles. Eating them while looking down at the scenery below is so pleasant and delicious, unlike eating at home. It’s almost addictive. Moreover, for some reason, food feels incredibly precious. So, I savor every bite. I wish I could savor my food like this every day. Oh, and chocolate is essential, just in case.

Still, once you “enter” the mountains, you keenly feel how distant nature and humans normally are—as if they are separate entities. Even if you admire the fresh greenery or autumn leaves from afar and feel grateful, thinking they are beautiful, it’s like observing something from the outside. But once you step into nature, its presence, your admiration, and your gratitude multiply manifold. They say you feel awe towards nature, and it’s truly so. And you feel that we are kept alive by nature. It’s not that humans are great; nature is great. But unfortunately, perhaps because I am ordinary, these feelings of admiration and gratitude fade as time passes after descending the mountain. So, to revive that feeling, I plan to climb again this year. Of course, with onigiri and chocolate packed in my backpack…!