Fuji-san

As you may notice, I've taken quite a few photos down from this section...but I think I've left enough up to give you the general feel of the whole experience.

So, I didn't make it to the top, but I had a damn good try. At the beginning, when the altitude started to get to me within the first half hour I just wanted to turn around and go back to the coach. After the eight hour drive and just 30 minutes walk I'd had enough. I came so close to giving up, but through sheer determination and single-mindedness (which I have in the past been criticised for) I kept walking for another 12 hours. And, little by little, (100 paces at a time, to be precise) I made it higher and higher. As you can tell from the photos, the view at sunset and after was well worth it.

I wasn't alone on my journey, either. I have to thank Kat, who climbed with me, and encouraged me when I felt I just couldn't go any further. I prodded her a few times when she fell asleep, too!

I would also like to thank my Mum, who bought me a very expensive pair of walking boots before I came to Japan. Would you believe that my feet suffered no ill-effects whatsoever after the climb. No blisters. Nothing!