It's Climbing Season! (A View from the Top)

Mt. Fuji's climbing season is off to a chilly start. Last Friday, a couple of our Gauntlet family members braved their way to the summit, tossing a few snowballs when they were able to catch their breath. The gravel "down" path was closed because of snow, making for an arduous and crowded descent via the "up" trail (all of those stairs, ugh!). The huts at the very top were closed, but climbers were able to get their summit stamps at a lower station (gotta get those stamps!).

The reward for extra trouble? A beautiful view of the crater (and no wind at the top).

Journey along (acrophobics beware)...




Fifth Station (starting point) at 6:27 AM. Looks like a lovely day.




On the way up at 6:39. Lovely? More like foreboding.




It's 7:52. Say, that looks a little steep.




8:40. Now that's steep!




Three and a half hours of climbing (9:50). No end in sight!




Looking down at 10:22. Is this really a good idea?!




It's 11:56. Almost there!




12:17. Finally made it! Oh look, the huts are closed. :(




Making it all worthwhile!