Operation Red Rocks

I always have been thinking a lot about a good trek or some kind of rock-climbing and camping experience. Being in Japan and a city like Tokyo made me feel this could be an experience out here in Jap land.
Until there was a sudden plan to visit Mt Fuji. The largest mountain in Japan.
Mt Fuji - History and details.Click!


Of course most of the members who got involved for this trip were amatuers2 or people with no past experience in rock-climbing and a mountain climb was beyond imagination. However sole determination and the desire to do something different gave us the Charge to go on with the plan. Very soon the mission was named 'Operation Red Rocks'.
Now that every one wanted to see the Fuji in its closeness and experience it, there were two groups formed - Package 1 and Package 2.

Package 1 was the group who wanted to experience the Fuji in its toughness to go further from the base station #5.And Package 2 consisted of the members who wanted to get close to the mountain and experience the majestic view of Fuji san. Both the teams were scheduled to reach Fuji san on the same day and package 2 had started early morning so that they could wrap up their visit by evening the same day. However for the package 1 team, the journey started my noon when we took the train to Kawaguchiko station.

Our special hill train had to stop in between for about 30 minutes as the rain was pouring and the climate was not very conducive FOR THE CLIMB. We were trying to contact our package 1 members to get a hang of the real situation at the Fuji base. However the hilly route and the climate were so much unpredictable that we could never get connected to them easily. We were on the verge of aborting the ORR attempt but decided unanimously to reach the base and then decide on to proceed up or to turn back depending on the then conditions. The spirits were real high. As the train was about to reach the station we got a call from Package 2.They were concerned about our plan to climb that day as the rains were heavy with thunder showers and lightning streaks splitting the skies. We confirmed them that we were all fine and will decide once we reach the base camp. And hope fully we were to meet at the station as they were still waiting at the station due to the heavy down pour.

Soon the rains had stopped and the climate was clearing up. We had our first views of Mt Fuji in its closeness and we all were clicking snaps from the moving train. In a few minutes we were at the station and we were gearing up without pending purchases for the climb such as fluids. We were not able to see any of the P2 members and soon discovered they had gone to the lake as the rains had stopped. It was great to see our known crowd and as usual lots of masti and noise in Japan :)

We were soon joined by Anirudh another SE from India and Anoop an IAF officer from India whom we were really looking forward for some guidance for the climb. Now we were all set. Then we got the tickets for the buses to BS#5 and we were moving soon. Once at the base we realised that there were a few hundreds ready to climb that very same day but had guides with them. Well we started gearing up with our extra padding on clothing and also the food our lady climbers had prepared. Awesome Rotis sealed with Aloo ka masala inside and sandwiches. Soon we got the headlamps on and we started the trail. it was rocky and pitch black and as we climbed from station to station the course toughness was increasing . We were using some real special and specific strategies suggested during the course by our friend Anoop.No: ed 1-9 we kept reporting and climbing.
At each station we had a small break and then proceeded with the climb. The ladies of the team were extra enthusiastic and were so firm in reaching the top- (Seems like they were really ready to do anything to win some bets they had placed before starting the journey .lols.)
The climb was pretty easy to start off with and we took small rest halts at each station. WE were fuelling with energy choc bars and energy drinks. As soon as we started the course from 6-7th station the track was getting rocky and way too scrambled. We were careful to be together and supporting each other all through out. Counts were taken 1-9 most of the time as we were getting involved with the crowd all along the path.
Sooner or later we were at station 7. By this time i was at least getting tired but was ready to climb further up. After a few minutes of rest at station 7 we started fro station 8.

Suddenly the course became treacherous - steep and rocky. Every step you put needed to be a careful one. The team started splitting up due to delays and tired members. And soon we were climbing in 3 different groups separated by few meters. As it progressed the climb was getting tougher and tougher. I was worn out and so tired that I had to abort the climb at the 8th station. I stayed in an inn at station 8 till it was morning at 4.30 AM approx. WE were able to see a delayed sunrise from station 8.However except for 3 members the rest made it to the top at various timing .It is told that it was extremely cold out there on the top and even the rum shots cud not keep them warm. We had a great sleep though right at level 8 of Fuji san and witnessed the sunrise as good as it was from level 10.

It was a great experience. Soon it was time to start the descend; and no jokes the down climb can be as tough as the upward journey or even more tough. Round rolling laterite and lava rocks ill make sure you fall at least once in your climb down.
The views were just great and during the climb we realize one of our friends left his passport back at the inn on level 8. Thanks to the radio systems the guides were using and with wonderful turn of events we got the passport safe. Once we were at the base, we were all totally drained out and every one was sleeping so tight in the limousine bus riding back to the Shinjuku station. In a sense we had a real success on the mission ORR. The tee shirts designed and prepared by the team have become a souvenir to all the climbers and for even few package 2 members.

Fuji san has created mixed feelings and emotions to each of us. I felt it’s nothing of great interest except to see a great view of God's creation from the mountain top. But one thing great stamina and determination is the first step. Carry enough water and warm clothing and definitely some bright torches and headlamps and trekking poles. Thus we had a great time on the largest mountain in fact a dormant volcano of Japan. It’s said that after the eruption about 300 years back, it could happen again any time soon. God's plans may be different though! Wait and watch....

Snaps are available on the flickr link on the right side of this page under the set Fuji.

Or

Take me to Fuji Snaps ! Click...