I scratch off a major life goal by climbing one of the world’s most famous mountains, Fuji.
Note: This video wasn’t so easy to make. I almost passed out on the way up, struggled with dehydration and a bum knee, but fought through it and got enough shots to make an episode. Enjoy what I was able to put together!!

Life goals are interesting things. when I was sitting in a classroom in 1996, thinking of far away places like Europe, Asia, etc, I never thought I’d actually be there. Mount Fuji was one of those far away places in my mind.  I was able to climb the beast in early September, and it was a pretty cool experience. Video coming soon.

I will post pictures in order of going up the mountain.

Hanging around the Shinjuku station as I wait to hop on the bus to head to Fuji.

It took about three hours to get to the Fifth stage ( the climbing point that most climbers take). This was an excellent group photo of all the climbers in the group. Can you spot me?

I thought getting a headlamp was really cool. I didn’t have to use it until the 7th stage though. I took this picture outside the Fifth Stage Mountain goods shop.

The mountain terrain was interesting. Not extremely uncomfortable, but with so many people, you have to watch your step.

Pit stop at the 6th (maybe 7th stage) to get some rest.

Marcus Bird. Mountain man.

One of the stages. Quite eerie so high up : p

Starting to get pretty chilly on ze mountain.

Everyone waiting on the sunrise.

Thousands of people on the mountain, far from everything. Beautiful.

There she blows.

Dog tired, but a life goal scratched off. As a friend told me recently, “A lot of life is about ticking boxes.” Well, here’s to ticking a big box called Fuji.