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Inch by inch
little snail
creep up Mt. Fuji
-Issa
little snail
creep up Mt. Fuji
-Issa
Chad, our friend Yasu and I climbed the Fujinomiya route on Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, last Sunday. The photo above was taken as we were driving up to level 5. At this time, we were still in awe of the mountain's majesty and sacredness. Despite these initial feelings, it didn't take much climbing for our focus to shift from one of reverence, to one of rethinking our bright idea of climbing a 3,776 meter high mountain. It was a tough, tough hike.
Level 5
We started our ascent around 10:40 in the morning. This was a rather late start, but we heard we should try to acclimate to the altitude for a while before beginning (we were on level 5 for quite some time before starting). The hike from level 5 to 6 is quite deceiving--it is relatively easy and quick. Once you pass level 6, however, you're in for the real challenge.
Since we decided to go on our journey in September, all bathrooms and restaurants above level 6 were closed. The main climbing season is from July to the end of August, so we had to endure this trek without using...well...legal facilities. It is technically illegal to climb past level 6 this time of year, too, but many Japanese hiked regardless (why shouldn't we?). Many of our fellow hikers told us they always wait until September to climb because the weather is perfect and there are less people.
As for the weather, the other hikers couldn't have been more right: it was beautiful. Michigan winters are much colder than the weather that greeted us on Mount Fuji. When we were moving, we only wore long sleeves; when we rested we wore sweaters.
After about 4 1/2 hours, all three of us were ready to be done climbing. But alas, we were only at level 9.5! No matter how tired we were after the slow and steady slog up, you can bet that our physical fatigue wasn't going to stop us from getting to level 10!
...However, lack of daylight was.
When we got to level 9.5, we could see the top of Fuji--only a 30 to 35 minute hike away. It was 3:00. No matter our determination, physical ability, or lack of being affected by altitude, we had to turn around or we'd be descending the mountain in the dark. I cannot explain what an awful feeling it is to see the goal you've been working toward for 4 1/2 long hours so close, and then be forced to turn around and go back to where you started. And it wasn't just a matter of turning around and going back--it was a gruelling, stressful descent, watching every step and trying not to slip on the loose gravel. Three hours and ten minutes later, with darkness enshrouding us, we made it back to level 5.
I wish I could say we made all kinds of self-discoveries and learned all kinds of life lessons, but the main thing I found on this trip is that I am no mountain climber. Despite this, I can honestly say that overall the experience was amazing. And we are planning on going next year and doing the whole crazy adventure again--this time watching the sunrise, and this time going to the top. I recently read a saying: "If you never climb Mt. Fuji once you are a fool, if you climb it more than once you are twice the fool." When we really stop and think about our plans, this saying makes a lot of sense, but we're still determined as ever to fulfill our goal of getting to the very top. And we will.
On the way down...
~
Level 5
We started our ascent around 10:40 in the morning. This was a rather late start, but we heard we should try to acclimate to the altitude for a while before beginning (we were on level 5 for quite some time before starting). The hike from level 5 to 6 is quite deceiving--it is relatively easy and quick. Once you pass level 6, however, you're in for the real challenge.
Since we decided to go on our journey in September, all bathrooms and restaurants above level 6 were closed. The main climbing season is from July to the end of August, so we had to endure this trek without using...well...legal facilities. It is technically illegal to climb past level 6 this time of year, too, but many Japanese hiked regardless (why shouldn't we?). Many of our fellow hikers told us they always wait until September to climb because the weather is perfect and there are less people.
As for the weather, the other hikers couldn't have been more right: it was beautiful. Michigan winters are much colder than the weather that greeted us on Mount Fuji. When we were moving, we only wore long sleeves; when we rested we wore sweaters.
After about 4 1/2 hours, all three of us were ready to be done climbing. But alas, we were only at level 9.5! No matter how tired we were after the slow and steady slog up, you can bet that our physical fatigue wasn't going to stop us from getting to level 10!
...However, lack of daylight was.
When we got to level 9.5, we could see the top of Fuji--only a 30 to 35 minute hike away. It was 3:00. No matter our determination, physical ability, or lack of being affected by altitude, we had to turn around or we'd be descending the mountain in the dark. I cannot explain what an awful feeling it is to see the goal you've been working toward for 4 1/2 long hours so close, and then be forced to turn around and go back to where you started. And it wasn't just a matter of turning around and going back--it was a gruelling, stressful descent, watching every step and trying not to slip on the loose gravel. Three hours and ten minutes later, with darkness enshrouding us, we made it back to level 5.
The top of the mountain as seen from level 9.5--crystal clear.
It was so bright!
I wish I could say we made all kinds of self-discoveries and learned all kinds of life lessons, but the main thing I found on this trip is that I am no mountain climber. Despite this, I can honestly say that overall the experience was amazing. And we are planning on going next year and doing the whole crazy adventure again--this time watching the sunrise, and this time going to the top. I recently read a saying: "If you never climb Mt. Fuji once you are a fool, if you climb it more than once you are twice the fool." When we really stop and think about our plans, this saying makes a lot of sense, but we're still determined as ever to fulfill our goal of getting to the very top. And we will.
On the way down...
~
1 comment:
Goodness! I'm impressed, I'm not sure I could have gone a far as you did! I love the pictures that you can see above the clouds though!
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