Hail O Splendid Autumn!

Yesterday the handsome Mr Hiroki and his friend took us gadding about Mt Daisen in Tottori province by motor, with the sole intention of admiring the autumn foliage (koyo) for which Daisen is famous. Unfortunately, we hit a snag in the guise of a freak storm, and much of the day was spent holed up in cafes or battened down in the car moving at snail's pace as hail hammered down, rendering some motorists immobile and stuck on the icy road, and the temperatures plummeted to 4 degrees. Thankfully Mr Hiroki had the car suitably attired for treacherous weather conditions, so we didn't slip into a crevasse or anything, but it was a little harrowing watching other cars mislay themselves in ditches or on the wrong side of the road. During lulls I managed to get a few snaps, but they're rather miserable-looking. The koyo itself was splendid - burnt oranges and glorious golds were abundant, with a smattering of reds.

The storm gathers above Mt Daisen.

Colours in the mist.

Berries and leaves.

Gold, red.