November 24, 2016 • mccsokinawa.com
Caylee Reid
A
utumn brings refreshing breezes and wel come relief from summer humidity—it’s the perfect time to go hiking! Motobu Fuji, also known as cone karst, is a large hill (or small mountain) that offers one of the best hikes on the island. It’s nestled between several hills, so the beginning is difficult to find. Park your car in the small lot, and make your way up the road to the post that says “Motobu Fuji.” The trail starts easy—a dirt path lined with shiikwasa trees. The trailhead to climb the mountain is on the right at the bottom of a set of wide stairs, then look for the small, wooden sign roped to a tree. This is where the fun begins. You’ll pull yourself up through the steeper parts by ropes and chains. The majority of the trail is covered in jagged moon-like rocks known
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as karst. As you scale higher, beware—there are many thorny vines that snag anything crossing the trail. At the summit, the 360˚ view includes folds of neighboring mountains cracking through the landscape, coral shelves stroking the ocean, Ie Island on the horizon and the unending blue of the sky and sea. Before embarking on your adventure, make sure you have sunscreen, plenty of water, bug spray, a camera with an extra battery, a first-aid kit, a high-energy snack and friends to share the fun. If possible, wear a light, long-sleeve shirt and pants to avoid scratches, and pick up a stick on the trail to clear spider webs. A word of caution: do not go if it is raining. The rocks will be very slick, making the hike dangerous. This hike is moderate to difficult, and is not recom-
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"The majority of the trail is covered in jagged moon-like rocks known as karst." mended for children under 10. The GPS coordinates are 26.674658, 127.912170 (parking lot) and N 26° 40.542˚ E 127° 54.3782 for the trailhead.
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