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I am happy to say that climbing Mt. Fuji is not near as bad as all the stories I have heard. There were no old ladies pushing and shoving, no long single file line of climbers inching their way to the top. In fact, we encountered only six other climbers on the mountain.

Perhaps all the old ladies were at the top. We wouldn't know, because we actually had to turn back at the 8th step. There are many excuses though... we ran out of time to catch the last bus, we met some climbers who had gone higher (not to the top mind you) and reported that when they took off their backpack the winds blew it away. etc... etc...

The winds were strong. I was anxious to experience being "blown off the mountain" as I have heard happens every now and then. I figure it would be like hang-gliding. Unfortunatly, I chickened out when the opportunity arose, and instead of spreading my coat to make wings, I hit the deck and held on for life.

This time we only had time to make a day trip, next time we gat a chance to climb (only in the off season) we will tke tents and gear to camp... with a few extra hours on our hands we can make it to the top no problem. I forgot when Jon said he would be back next... but I'll be sure to keep that day open.