Bastish.net one again has my green-with-envy gauge pegged.
Aside from various views of Fuji, each one closer and better than that before, the actual trail did not seem out of the ordinary. yet, for some reason, I was getting high. It is a feeling that I have had a few times before. Similar to a “runner’s high”, I suppose, in that I cease to feel any soreness and I feet like I can walk forever, but it is more than that. It also opens my eyes to everything around me. I begin to notice things in ways that I usually miss – sights, smells, the freezing wind on my face. I am struck with the urge to scream and whoop and holler (something that annoys Tomoe sometimes). I can’t stop without literally feeling sick from the excitement and realization of where I am.
Mental note for future Ho-Downs: At least one should be at the foot of Mount Fuji.
Just let me know when you are coming! I’ll have everything ready, complete with a great hot-spring bath to end the days.
And I know in the past you have written about wanting to hike *up* Fuji. Well, the view *of* fuji from surrounding mountains is beter than the view *on/from* Fuji – so yeah, when the Ho Down comes to Japan, the hike will be on the surrounding mountains. The only problem is choosing which ones…