JaJ- JaJu @ Japan VI: "Mt Fuji"

Mt Fuji
Mount Fuji is Japans tallest mountain (sea level 3766m), exceptionally Symmetric Volcanic Cone, has always been a subject of Pride, Literature,　Poems in Japan. The dormant Volcano which was last erupted in 1708, is　considered as Active with low Risk of Eruption. First ascent is　supposed to be 6th century, and the Summit was considered Sacred since ancient times, was forbidden to women until Meji era.
Now, it is considered as Hiker’s paradise, with 2,00,000 enthusiasts reaching the Summit, in which 30% are foreigners.　

So after having tiring work schedules for few months, very much needed break was on cards... there comes NATSU YASUMI-SUMMER HOLIDAY, which generally as long as a　week. "Have you been to Mt Fuji?" was a questioned asked many times by various Japanese friends, which sparked lot of excitement and curiosity about this Volcano. And I made one more item in To Do wish list coming true this week.　

Having mercury rising to 40degrees in Tokyo, we were all geared for Summer Trek, which later created many challenges for us, as temperature at Summit was around 2-5 degrees, and accompanied by strong Wind and couple of heavy showers. We reached the Base camp, "gogome" (sea　level 2300m)　which is situated West of Tokyo about 2 and half hours, around mid afternoon. Full of bubbling enthusiasm around and majestic view of Fuji san kept our spirits up!

There are 5 intermediate camps, whereby one can shelter in case of bad weather. We could race to 1st camp in half an hour, and next one in an hour. There started the real challenge, The straight and clear routes were replaced by narrow and rocky slopes, and sliding rocks, and rare Oxygen　But the magnificent view around, of 5 surrounding lakes, and surrounding cities, shadow of Fuji san, made us comfortable.
I have been always admirer of vision for commercialization of Japanese ppl, here I could note one more instance of it. Generally ppl purchase Sticks at base camps to aid during trek. at each Intermediate camp there is facility to have Stamps on the stick, marking memory of the FUJI TREK　And no one minds paying 300 yen-2-3 $ on such occasions as its a memory for life time.　

As we start towards next lap, which is the longest and toughest, flash lights were on, which dampened the pace. At the mid night toll we were mid way, resting on Rocks, observing Stars..which we haven’t done since long time...silence. remote.. from busy life Tokyo..an attempt to realize bond with Universe..and feel of insignificant existence in the world of Stars.　Soon our energy levels were replenished, which lasted till the Summit.

Around 4:00 it started showing signs of fading away darkness, we were yet to reach the summit, we spotted a position, poised the Camera to catch most awaited moment. First ray of sun, of the Day all over the world...Its a indeed a great feeling to witness the Rising Sun in country of Rising Sun.　Unlike to many other Sunrise have seen till the day, this time Sun rising out sea of Clouds...non　conformity of Shapes of Waves was taken by non conformity of shape of Clouds..making it more memorable and special　A magnificent view made its place in memory to be remembered forever.　

Soon we reached the way for Summit...Smiling faces all around, most of which unknown to fact that Descending is rather tough than reaching there　After a quick photo session we headed for Breakfast, friends sent Post cards to parents, back home in India, at Post Office, at Highest sea level in Japan.
Descending way is tougher, as all Volcanic Ash flowing all around, which eventually gets breathe in.　On way back we met group of childerns..descending at own pace..falling many times..still standing up with same zest..keeping themselves undistracted...after watching them for some time..it just reminded me..if we guys have lost this attitude, in fear of falling….　

We reached base camp, at around 14:00 ... those 20 hrs have been most active and spirited hours of my life. The very first sign of Sunrise, and that school group will definitely keep me afresh for months to follow.
I put MUST SEE ONCE on Mt Fuji!