Just as food has its season, so too does nature have moments that must not be missed if you want to experience them fully.
In spring, it is the cherry blossoms that everyone knows.
In autumn, the vividly colored maple trees are the highlight — but there is one more.
The silver grass fields, swaying gracefully as if dancing with the wind.
To meet autumn, I went to Myeongseongsan in Pocheon, Gyeonggi-do.
Perhaps because it was the peak of the season, quite a number of hikers had gathered even on a weekday.
Sunlight streaming down through the vividly colored autumn leaves.
The charm of Myeongseongsan is not only in its silver grass.
As you climb along the stream, you come upon a deep and majestic waterfall.
Listening to the cool cascade of water,
even the heart feels cleansed and refreshed.
Discovering the hidden joys of nature here and there makes the memories stand out even more clearly.
The path made of stones and rocks is irregular,
so you need to walk with a slightly different stride than on a normal mountain trail.
Your eyes must stay focused on where your feet land,
and each step should place the entire instep firmly on the ground.
It is also better to wear shoes with a hard outsole.
That way, it helps reduce fatigue in the feet.
Passing through the lush forest and coming upon a path that climbs uphill
is another sign that you are nearing the summit.
In Korean mountains, the steeper slopes appear as you get closer to the top.
This is what elders often call “Gobau,” the steep uphill climb.
The higher and steeper the mountain, the harder each step becomes,
but the sight that greets you at the end is exhilarating and full of joy.
Yet, the path leading to the silver grass fields is long and arduous.
We climbed up to the silver grass fields of Myeongseong Mountain.
Coffee time with the Welter Experiment crew!
Brewing warm coffee, we shared stories about today’s experiences.
The beads of sweat gathered on our foreheads
will soon disappear, but the taste of the coffee will likely linger for quite a while.
Coffee enjoyed at the summit has an especially rich aroma and deep flavor.
If such small joys are the reward for our efforts,
I think I will not hesitate to seek them again.
