MS Moiwa Hike

Words: Melody Lin

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At the end of August when the school year just started, our middle school Huskies went to hike Mt.Moiwa—a 531-meter mountain. When students first arrived at school, all middle school students and teachers gathered on the first floor to ensure everyone brought the essentials: a water bottle, lunch, and anything else needed for the hike—like rain gear. Then, the students headed to the bus through the heavy rain, wondering what might become of their hike. Would they really hike through the downpour?

But by the time the Huskies arrived, just fifteen minutes from the school, the downpour had stopped. With teachers leading, the middle school Huskies started hiking up the mountain. It was muddy, but a little rain doesn’t stop our Huskies. We believe in Kaizen, so we keep going. The Huskies hiked up in two groups: fast and regular-speed. The fast hikers reached the first checkpoint quickly, and students waited for the other group to arrive. Everyone felt so tired, but they eased their exhaustion with good conversation, breaking open snack and exchanging them with their friends. 

When everyone arrived at the checkpoint, the Huskies continued on up the mountain. Soon, the first group arrived at the top, followed by the second and third groups. The Huskies who arrived faster continued their conversations with friends. When everyone arrived, students ate lunch and enjoyed their time on the rooftop of Sapporo's iconic mountain. 

After a small rest, the Huskies started climbing across the ridge to Asahiyama Memorial Park, once more in groups. All students and teachers enjoyed this part of the hike, with its ups and downs, chatting the whole way there! Sure, the trails were muddy and slippery, but a little mud doesn't get in the way of Huskies.

In the end, I can say one thing for certain: We are Huskies, and we believe in Kaizen.