Climbing Mt Fuji: Follow up

 I have had some time to think about the trip and it really IS like childbirth.  It was so gosh-awful when I was doing it, but the pain has faded and I can't quite remember what made it quite so bad.  It was a lot of fun to hang out with the super-awesome ladies I hiked with, and it kind of WAS a good time. I know it was hard, and I felt dreadful, but I can't exactly remember how or why.

I did have very sore legs on Saturday as we hobbled through the trains to get home.  Sunday was not bad unless I had to go up or down the stairs, and then it was rather ouchy.  Monday I decided running was not a good idea and just did Body Pump class at the gym.  That required wearing shoes a size larger than the norm, since my toes were still feeling bruised.  Tuesday everything seemed back to normal.

And, I do want to do it again.  I have a compulsion to see if I can do it and do it better.  I'm sure I can beat the altitude sickness next time!  And next time I would do the Yoshida trail.  I would do an up-and-back in a day so I could carry a much smaller pack.  I would bring hiking poles. And for the love of all that is holy, I would wear something that gave me pockets! I need easy access to stuff like my camera and chapstick and sunscreen.

And here are a few more photos taken by by others in the group.

The group, before we started.

I think this is the 6th Station.  It was wet.  And I looked like Bob the Tomato in my red poncho.  A very hunch-backed Bob. 

The glorious sunrise from the top of Mt Fuji that I did not see.

Group shot at the crater.

 Closer group picture at the top.

That is Annie, Sabrina, Me, Kelly, Julia and Shelley.

Group shot at the Tori on top.  This is about 50 yards from the top of the mountain. We had to hike back down to get this photo and I can't tell you how much I did not want to have to go back down and then up again.  But it is a rather awesome picture!

 Group shot at the end!  We could barely walk straight right about here.  Or maybe it was just me...