Let's begin with a little trivia.
Here are some nice to know MT. FUJI FACTS and
INFORMATION bits:
(they're really more important than you think!)
Did you know ... Mt.
Fuji is a VOLCANO!
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The last eruption began in November 1707
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It's been dormant since February 1708
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(Kind of like Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Pinatubo once were)
What's the ELEVATION
at the top? I'm glad you asked.
Because ... the
TEMPERATURE at the top:
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averages 40.8 degrees F in July
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averages 43.6 degrees F in August
(That's on a clear, sunny day.)
Generally, the temperature at the top is about 18-20 degrees F (about 10 degrees
C) cooler than
at the 5th station, and 36-40 degrees F (about 20
degrees C) cooler than at sea level. This is just
basic atmospheric physics. Don't forget that it gets colder
after dark or when the weather is bad. There is also a
significant wind-chill effect to consider.
(What I'm trying to say here is that it can get pretty cold at the peak.
Are you prepared for that?)
The elevation also
relates to AIR DENSITY.
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The air gets thinner as the elevation
increases.
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There is less available oxygen up there, only about 2/3 as many oxygen molecules
per cubic amount
as at sea level. Your body needs oxygen
for your muscles to work without tiring so quickly. And, guess what you'll be
doing on the way up? ... High Impact AEROBICS!!! You'll also be doing a significant
amount of weight lifting (your body weight plus your gear) ... hour after hour after hour
(up and up and up) ... Oh,
the pain!
Many people ask about
the TRAIL SURFACE.
-
What's your preference? Pavement,
packed dirt, exposed rock ridges, boulders, gravel (stones,
cinders), and sand (volcanic ash) are all there for your hiking
pleasure. No choice, though; you'll eventually encounter all of
them.
-
You'll especially enjoy the gritty red and black volcanic pumice
on the descending route. This fine product of Mother Nature's
handiwork will likely cover your hot and sweaty (or rain soaked and
frozen) body from head to toe by the time you get down to the parking
area.
-
Oh, by the way, this wonderful substance will also get
into your teeth, ears and scalp, and up your nose!
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You might also want to keep an eye out for the meadow muffins
that appear on the trail from time to time. Never
seen a meadow muffin? They're soft, yellowish-green,
smell bad, and attract lots of flies. Try not to step on
any. On the Kawaguchiko trail, they only appear between
the 5th station and beginning of the 7th. Someone wrote
and asked "what is a meadow muffin?" Uh ... ask
your dad or, better yet, ask a farmer. You can also ask your
favorite web browser. I wouldn't want to spoil the
fun of the chase.
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