We are at the Moto Valley, currently at 1000 meters.

After a lovely bento lunch, we heading down.

We all made it to the peak, safe and sound.
Now, we will all enjoy a much deserved lunch.

The weather is getting colder but most of the students seem to still have smiles on their. As we climb, the students are amazed that the clouds are so close and the view is so beautiful.
1600 meter.

We are taking our 4th break - we are at 1368 meters and have reached the 6th station. These breaks may seem like many, but they are perfectly timed for the students to take a drink and enjoy the views.

We are 1200 meters
Everyone is still doing well and still have smiles on their faces.
This is the view we are enjoying.

We have climbed to 1086 meters,
Everyone is doing well and have smiles on their faces.

We are at the first break point,
We have climbed 18 minutes and climbed to 850 meters.

We have started our climb at 750 meters.
Beautiful blue skies and bright sun will help us up the
mountain. Some of the students seem a bit nervous,
but our guides are leading us at a very pace comfortable.

Good morning.
All the students were extremely well behaved through
the night as they all slept quietly.
After the light showers yesterday, we have some perfect conditions
for hike. Today is the main event, the climb up Mt Daisen
which peak is at 1729m.
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e8150.html
Along with 10 teachers, 2 veteran photographers,
and 3 nurse, we also have the expert guidance
of 3 local guides to take us up Mt Daisen.
They will be setting the perfect pace to get us
all to the top safely. Wish us luck.

The students are now having room photos taken by the photographers and writing reflections on the day. What do you think they enjoyed most? What did they find most memorable? Maybe it was just being with their classmates.

After a long day traveling from Osaka to Tottori, everyone was eager to have dinner. Classes 1 and 2 ate dinner indoors and were served hot sukiyaki. Each student had their own burner and could make their sukiyaki.
Classes 3 and 4 ate outdoors as all of three teachers barbecued vegetables and meats for the extremely hungry students. Ms Sai had shown her barbecue skills in full as she had the hottest fire and fed the most people. We need to hear what her secret is.
After dinner, we watched and informative video on Mt Daisen as well as heard about the does and don’t about hiking.
Attached are a few photos of dinner.

We arrived at last.
Our excellent drivers as well as the teachers perfectly executed plan
has got us to our destination - The Hotel Daisen Shirogane.
https://hotel-daisen.jp/
After our hotel entrance ceremony, we will check into our rooms,
take an early bath, and have dinner.

Many of the students are sleepy from the lovely lunch as well as the walk at the Sand Dunes, so the bus ride was very quiet. We are now at the Hawai Roadside Station,
This is the last break before he arrive at the Hotel Daisen.

The students are collecting washed up seashells - some shell hunters have found some beautiful shells.

We are at the waters edge and most seem to like the waves more than the sand dunes. The strong ocean breeze, the never ending waves, the beauty of the sea, I can understand their fixation.

We are now at the Sand Dunes which are part
of the Sanin Kaigan National Park.
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e8102.html
After sitting for a few hours and a hearty lunch,
many students are eager to run around and
enjoy the sand dunes firsthand. As this is a
national park, the children cannot draw in the
sand! They cannot draw pictures in the sand
or make sandcastles! Japan is so strict, but
the national parts are so beautiful.

Half the students seemed to be extremely excited,
while the other half seemed to be extremely frightened.
But, once they sat and enjoyed the relaxing views, I think everyone enjoyed the experience.

The Sand Dune Center has been extremely accommodating
with us, not only providing our meals 20 minutes earlier than
scheduled, they have provided different meals for
dietary needs. Can you figure out which is which?

Tottori Sand Dune Center
After our fantastic bus drivers safely delivered us to Tottori, we are finally having lunch at the Sand Dune Center. Many of the students are enjoying Beef Bowls. Those of us with other dietary requirements are having special meals.
砂丘センター
https://goo.gl/maps/haweqrUc2Q17SSRaA