1920s: Anna conquers a mountain

In Mt Komorebi, summer has arrived, and while the mountain is as cold and snow-covered as ever, the countryside where Anna lives is getting warmer. For Anna this is a welcome change, as she enjoys the opportunities the warm weather offers. Right on her doorstep, she and Omisco has found a little beach, where she can swim in the lake on particularly hot days (or on cold days just because she likes it). The nearby waterfalls is a beautiful backdrop when you're swimming around.

By now, Anna has gotten to know most of her neighbors and started to master, some, basic Japanese. Enough to be understood, and to understand, the people around her. She spends a lot of her time in the evening at the Onsen, enjoying the hot springs after days of hard climbing, and has found that it's a great way to get to know the locals better.

And then, finally, the moment has arrived. Through years of hard work, of lessons and climbing practise, she is ready to tackle the mountain itself. She cannot wait! The night before, she and her guide (as the local law stipulates that you have to have a local guide with you up the mountain) meet outside the Onsen to get ready for the climb. Anna has done everything she can to prepare. She's bought brand new climbing gear, since her old one was getting worn, and brought her old tent from Selvadorada and sturdy sleeping bags so that they won't be cold. And so the climb begins.

They spend their first night on one of the leges about half way up, and even though there is a long way to go, Anna cannot believe how high up she is. [i]It's exhilarating, and intoxicating, to see the view from up here. I am only half-way and yet I already feel like I am at the top of the world!" she writes in her journal.

The next morning, they push on, and now it's time for the biggest wall of all. Just looking up at it, Anna is wondering if she was not hasty, if she did not need more practise first, but then she pushes that thought out of her head and starts to climb. One grip at the time, carefully scaling the wall, she makes it closer and closer to the top.

And just like that, she's there. It's almost a bit of an anti-climax. So much work, so many months of preparations, and then it's just over. Breathless, Anna tries to wrap her head around the fact that's made it, but it's not until she steps up on the plateau, looking out over nothing but clouds that it finally hits her. She's here! She made it! She's one of few people who has ever been this high, and most likely the only woman.

Taking out her camera, she takes a photo of her guide, who in spite of their massive achievement looks as grim as always: 

Before they set up their camp for the night, Anna takes the time to explore a cave nearby, while Takagi waits outside.

As night settles, they prepare their camp-site, and then Anna takes out her camera again, taking the most amazing photographs.

Once back down, and after she's returned to pick up Omisco from the neighbors and had a well deserved rest, she and Takagi visit the lounge for a celebration and farewell feast for Anna. After two long years, it's time to return home. To be honest, Anna longs for it. Climbing is fun, the adventure was amazing as was the feeling of being at the top of the world, but Anna misses her family, her friends and most of all her sister. She pens her a quick telegram before leaving. 

I made it! Now it's time to return. When you receive this I am already on my way. Expect me within a few weeks. Love, Anna.