Chlöe and I have been working on this ambitious and at times masochistic goal of hiking the highest peak in every state. Well, since we're not in a state right now we had to spread our wings a bit. At 12, 387 ft, Mt Fuji or Fujisan, is the highest peak in all of Japan, so we thought what the heck.
As we left the hotel the day looked very overcast and poopy. We got in the bus at 0300 and made the 2 hr trip from Tokyo to the 5 Lakes Region that encircles Fujisan. The farther we drove up to the base of the mountain the better the conditions above us looked.
You can see as we made it to the base camp, the clouds were below us with nothing but goals and high aspirations above us. It was a little cool as we started but once we got in the sun and started powering up the mountain we were nice and toasty
I was amazed at what a difficult climb it was up the mountain. Chlöe and I have traversed some fairly steep terrain but this was definitely up there on the difficulty scale. One of the things, beside the steep grade, that made it so tricky was the composition of the trails. They were covered in volcanic sand which made each step harder than the next.
All along the way were little huts that you could buy some noodles or stay for the night (for ridiculously high prices, $50 per/person for a mat to sleep on.) They did make for great little pit stops along the way and gave us good targets to shoot for up the mountain.
Just a few feet from the summit! The torii gates on the mountain magnify the experience of hiking in Japan
As we were hiking we were going at a parallel speed as a group of teenage boys who would talk and joke with us in our limited communications abilities. Once we got to the top, they ripped off all their clothes to reveal Power Ranger costumes. There is nothing like being on top of the world with the Pink Power Ranger.
The actual summit looking down on the little "village" below
The pose of triumph!We did put together a video, hopefully I can get it edited and posted soon. Check back in a few days.
5 comments:
Really, the Power Rangers were there? I don't know if I'm more impressed that you guys made it to the top or that you were there w/ such famous television icons. You always have thee best travel luck!! Ü Ü
i'm so proud of you guys! i miss fujisan, and i'm glad you got to experience that. i miss the harris family terribly... eat lots of ramen for me! - erinne
Good job Chloe!!
Actually the title could be something a little stranger-
like "Chloe vs the Moutains: Enter the Power Rangers!!!"
At least you knew you were protected from danger
along the hike with the Power Rangers
What an awesome accomplishment by the two of you.
I think you both should get the nickname of the Harris Hiking Crew!!
Luvnl8r
so where are chloe and tyler in their hiking scorebook? How many have they done so far? It seems like the list has gotten pretty impressive, including the variety of locations! what memories!
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