The Golden Week Mountain Road Trip

The most exciting time of the spring had arrived: Golden Week! It was a series of four national holidays all in one week, and the whole of Japan was celebrating. Most people visited crowded shrines or parks, but Lyn had a better plan.

"Good morning, everyone! The city will be too busy today," Lyn announced at breakfast. "Pack your bags, because we are going to the mountains!"

The announcement caused instant excitement. The four best friends quickly prepared for their adventure. Lyn was dressed comfortably in a clean white spring blouse and light blue pants. Linda looked ready for a hike in an orange t-shirt and blue denim maong pants. They made sure the pets were fashionable, too. Star, the large Akita Inu, was wearing a cheerful, frilly red spring dress.

After packing food, water, and map, they piled into Lyn’s blue hatchback car. Lyn took the driver’s seat, and Linda navigated from the passenger seat. Star sat in the back with her special pet seatbelt, while Pinkysan, the elegant calico cat, settled into her favorite "first-class" spot: the dashboard.

Wrooom! The car started, and they began their long drive toward the distant peaks of Nara.

The atmosphere in the car was happy. But soon, Star’s behavior changed. She was an Akita Inu, and she had a powerful, curious nose. Sniff, sniff! The car was passing from the city air to the fresh, woody air of the countryside. Star could smell the mountain trees, and she wanted to feel them.

"Woof!" she barked, nudging Lyn's shoulder with her nose.

"Oh, I think I know what she wants," Lyn laughed. "Can you open your window a little bit, Linda?"

As soon as Linda rolled down the passenger window, Whoosh! Star used her powerful paws to lean forward. She popped her big head directly out of the window.

"Star! Be careful!" Linda cried, but Star was completely fine. Star’s ears were flapping wildly in the strong spring wind, and her long red dress was flutter. She closed her eyes slightly, her face was a picture of pure, doggy joy as she breathed in the forest scent. Sniff, sniff! The wind felt incredible on her face.

Meanwhile, on the dashboard, Pinkysan was not interested in the wind. She was an expert at relaxation. She watched Star’s flapping ears for a few minutes, then curled into a perfectly round ball. The dashboard was warm from the morning sun. Pinkysan let out a deep, contented Purr... purr... and fell fast asleep, a tiny "fuzz-ball" guardian watching the winding road.

"We are almost there," Lyn said, seeing the large, green mountain peaks rising in front of them. The air was cool, the view was perfect, and the Golden Week trip was already the best adventure ever.