Beech – on top of the mountain

As we approached the pass near the top of White Mountain Forest Road, the flora signaled a change in elevation – fir gave way to pine, maples to beech. Maples added golden hues to beech-covered hillsides until they dropped away, leaving the silvery-bronze beech and a scattering of white pines. I found the beech impressive – strong and stately trees thriving in the exposed mountains. The old leaves had all fallen away leaving rust-colored buds to contrast the bright trunks. Mr. Oomura, our fearless and patient driver, seemed to enjoy himself as much as Boon and I did as we closed in on the pass.

Beech and maples

Beech and white pine

A stand of beech

As if for our viewing pleasure, a large rock outcropping appeared that was covered with fir and pines. Few deciduous trees clung to the rock, yet the conifers held on to even the smaller fissures along the outcropping’s sheer walls.

Pines on the rock

At the highest elevations, we found only beech and white pine. Although the two varieties both found homes on the same mountain, they tended to appear in groups, clusters of white pine surrounded by larger fields of beech.

Beech and white pine

Deciduous and coniferous trees growing together

Occasionally, the white pines appeared on their own.

White pines

The mountain tops belonged to the beech.

Beech

Up close, the trees appeared old, but well balanced.

Old beech

And their view was impressive.

View from the top of White Mountain Forest Road

About four hours and 50 tunnels later – the longest of which was 11km – we returned to Shimpukuji whose tatami and futon charms were not lost on us.