The Trail

This is what you are faced with as soon as you step onto Mt. Fuji. It is a barren landscape best hiked up at night. (this shot was taken on the way down actually) This is the trail in its best condition too. Near the summit it gets more...unmanageable.

Crater on top

...and if you make it to the top, and if the fog clears enough, you can catch a glimpse of the crater. The wind was so intense here I could not get closer to the edge and still be able to use the camera without falling in! The fog wooshed in & out of the crater, leaving only split-seconds to catch a shot of it.

Fog, not smoke

That's only fog drifting by, no smoldering, smoking, or steaming of any kind.

Not the first time squatting

This wasn't the first time I had to squat to be safe that morning. If I tried to stand, even for a second, I would have been immediately blown into the crater. Seriously, the winds were hurricane force here. Nice.

Fuji downward view

Coming down during the morning offered better views of the green valley below.

Fuji revealed . . .

When our whole ordeal was finished and survived, I had a chance to sit back and behold a fully revealed Mt. Fuji. The clouds at the top prostrated themselves before Fuji. I did the same during my time on the top as well.

. . . Fuji accomplished.

There's no feeling like looking from the bottom of a mountain back up at the top knowing that just a short time ago you were yourself up on top of that mountain. Contrasts.

It all comes back to the buses . . .

These buses wait to escort the weary back to their homes.