Mt. Fuji II

Two weeks ago felt recovered physically...and mentally from first trip to Mt. Fuji, so it was time to go again. We took bus from Shinjuku to the 5th station (2400m) on the mountain. Started climbing around 10 pm. This time took the eastern side route (most famous route). Weather was perfect (especially compared to last time), clear sky and well...a bit chilly in my opinion, at the 5th station only +16. But you get warm during the climbing. Everything went well until the station located at 3250m. After that got stuck in the crowd. Temperature was too low for standing and started to feel the cold again! Once again, Mt. Fuji is the coldest place in whole island I have been able to find...

Didn't get to the top before sun rise but close enough. Luckily brought lots of extra clothes to keep me warm during the jam. After sun rise weather got much, much more comfortable. Sun rose at 4.40 am. On the top we slept for an hour before started to come down. Lost the right track and ended up 500 meters lower than the starting station. The way to this station was more steep so spent only 2.5 hours for coming down. Took a taxi with American couple to the nearest train station and headed home to sleep. Took bath first. ;P


Night view from the path. Seems like we are not the only ones going up...


My friend Vitalj, so far everything gone perfect.


Heard that two paths are connecting at previous station. Makes the rest of the path crowded.


Crowd is a good cover against shivering wind in these heights.


Finally someone wants to get up.


...


peaceful...


And finally The Sun is showing itself.


No need to be alone at this path.


No hurry everybody gets up...just be patient. Unbelievable, more crowded than Shibuya on Friday night.


The crater of the volcano.


Me ready to go down. Lots dust on the air on this warm day...


This steep parts it's better just to run or slide down. This part was the most fun of the whole trip!