Mt. Fuji

There is a saying in Japan: 'He who climbs Mount Fuji once is a wise man, he who climbs it twice is a fool.' So far I'm a wise man, but will likely become a fool. I hiked Mt. Fuji yesterday with about 50 other US Soldiers. Myself and another Soldier beat everyone out of our group to the top in four hours. Mt. Fuji is 12,395 feet above sea level. There are several stations on the mountian where one can relax and buy food or souveniers. At the top of the mountain they had some shops where I bought some delicious japanese curry rice. Of course, after that climb, anything would probably taste good!
While the hike up was challenging, the climb down is what made me not want to repeat the experience. Mt. Fuji has a trail for going up and another for coming down. The climb up was mostly climbing rocks (see below photos) and steep 'trails.' The climb down was a very steep trail with lots of loose gravel and rock. We mostly slid, fell, skidded, and rolled our way down the mountain.
It was an absolutly wonderful experience. It was mostly cloudy so I wasn't able to see the valleys below. However, the feel of being among the clouds gives one such a feeling of wonder and awe!
If anyone would like to make a fool out of me when they come to Japan they are more than welcome. And for those of you who think you wouldn't be able to make it I saw a ten year old little down syndrome girl climb all the way to the top. NO EXCUSES!!!
Taken at the bottom of the hike, in between stations 5 and 6.Also taken at the bottom of the hike, in between stations 5 and 6.Taken mid-way up the mountain.Almost there... just past station eight
Myself and SSG King. We finally have reached the top after four hours!!
Those buildings on the hill are shops at the top of Mt. Fuji.


The crater on top of Mt. Fuji.All of these photos were taken on my I-Phone on 14 August 2009, except for the first photo of Mt. Fuji. That photo was also taken on my I-phone, except it was taken on 18 July 2009.