20-Jul-2003 -- On a trip out to the Shiretoko peninsula we thought we'd make an attempt at this confluence which is positioned right in the middle of the peninsula. This area is a national park, but the confluence is just a little west of the park boundaries. It's a wonderfully beautiful place with waterfalls, outdoor hotspring pools, volcano climbs, and lots of natural wildlife, including big bears!

There's only one road, the perimeter road, and the closest we could get was 6.5 kilometers. We took a look at the vegetation and decided it would be too difficult. Some amateurish maps at the park showed some possible trails but nothing was certain.

Because of the thick vegetation we may make a snow-shoeing trip out here this winter.

The joint reconnaissance team consisted of Rob and myself (USA team), James, Gillian and Nick (British team), Yara (Canadian contingency), and Chris (New Zealand contingency).