I really don't think I have a sufficient enough ability to accurately recount my adventure to Mt. Fuji using coherent English. It really was beyond what words could describe both physically and mentally. To this point in my life it was the absolutely most strenuous task I've ever accomplished. The amount of physical and mental exertion required was definitely more than I had bargained for. With that being said I cannot express how happy and lucky our group was to complete the ascension in one piece. Sadly, my pictures aren't even close to justifying the entire experience. And for the record-- the descent isn't as easy as everyone claims it is (*cough cough Lydia)!
Starting our upwards climb at about 8:30 pm on Sunday night, we were all in high spirits ready to take on anything that was in store for us over the next 12 hours or so. At least we thought we were. Some parts of the climbing trail were so sketch and dark, there was no way I could have done it without a nearby flashlight, linen gloves, or a walking stick to assist me. Certain areas of the mountain are so cluttered and bottlenecked with other climbers it's truly miraculous that no one lost their footing and started tumbling hopelessly out of control. There were several points of the ascension where that was the sole concern in my mind: "Oh shit, I'm going to slip and barrel roll and take out this entire section of the mountain..." Again, I'm so grateful that it didn't become a reality.
By about 4:30 am we were well above the clouds and could catch a glimpse of the sun slowly rising above the horizon. As the sky slowly starts to brighten there is a slightly induced sense of urgency to find the best viewing area possible to witness Mother Nature do her thing. Luckily, I was able to find a spot slightly off to the side of the climbing trail. At this point in time I had lost most feeling in my limbs and was repeatedly cursing at myself for not bringing more than a sweater and a pair of sweat pants to maintain my body warmth.
Upon reaching the summit we quickly found shelter and I immediately ordered four bowls of ramen to combat the cold and hunger we were experiencing. Taking into consideration the cirucmstances, it was probably one of the best bowls of ramen I have eaten. Altitude sickness had no effect on me, but it did start to bother Kyle a little bit. After about an hour rest we slowly decided it was time to start our descent. This definitely took longer than planned since we stopped on several occasions to take a handful of epic portrait and landscape photographs. As of right now I don't think I'd ever do the climb again. Looking at tiny hills in parks and my local area is enough to make me shudder. But who knows.. as exhausting as it was the amount of duress is inveresly proportional to the brief moments of glory at the amount of glory that awaits at the top of Fuji-san.
Very windy and bright, it was hard to keep my eyes open!
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