Hello everyone, this is Kyon.
It’s March, and we’re starting to feel the arrival of spring. Amidst this, the plum blossoms are the first to bloom. Compared to cherry blossoms, they are smaller and less conspicuous, but I find the scent of the plum blossoms so soothing.
With that in mind, the Makuiwa Park in Izu was holding a plum blossom festival, so I went to do some flower viewing. Wait, no—I went climbing. Haha.
It was a bit of a strange sight to be climbing mixed in with the people who came to see the plum blossoms, but there was something about climbing amidst the scent of the plums that made time feel like it was flowing more slowly than usual. It’s nice to have days like this every once in a while.
Izu is full of great climbing spots
At the start of a climb, there’s an indescribable sense of tension and excitement. As I begin to climb, I become so focused on the rock that I don’t have the luxury of looking around. Haha. The sense of achievement when I reach the top, the feeling of release when that tension suddenly vanishes, and the view that opens up before me all at once—these things always move me.
This time, I was especially moved. That’s because the plum blossoms were spread out everywhere.
Also, I was finally able to finish a route I hadn't been able to climb after trying it a few times, so I ended the first day very satisfied.
On the second day, we changed locations and headed to Joyama. This place was a complete contrast to yesterday, with massive cliffs towering above us. There were various routes and difficulty levels, and I had a great time.
The allure of climbing
The reasons I’m hooked on climbing are: first, that irresistible sense of altitude. Second, the fun of climbing while thinking. Changing how you use your body can help you climb parts that you previously couldn't. And third, I love that sensation of suddenly seeing the path open up when you overcome your fear and step forward.
When I go out to climb on real rock like this, I want to become even better, and my motivation stays high even after I get home, which gets me fired up for the gym as well.
I always go to the gym by myself, so if you’re interested, let’s go together sometime.
Tabby socks are perfect for climbing too
By the way, I only just started working part-time at Circles recently, but there’s something I’ve been using and loving for a long time.
I’m one of those people who wears socks under their climbing shoes (though many people don’t), and I often wear the thin split-toe socks from RAL, the Tabby Light. Not only are they cute, but because they’re thin, they go perfectly with tight climbing shoes. They’re made with wool, too, so the comfort is exceptional.
We are running low on sizes, but we still have stock in the S size, which women can also wear. Please give them a try.