Submariners And Mt. Fuji
Most submariners who've deployed on SSNs in the Pacific have pulled into Yokosuka. I imagine almost everyone who spends some time in Japan thinks about trying to climb Mt. Fuji when they're there -- then they discover that there's really only about a 2 month window when people take the hike. Plus, it's normally an all-day affair.
Submariners stationed in Japan, though, can climb Mt. Fuji at their leisure. Most, I'm sure, would want to make the climb once. Any more times than that would take real dedication.
That's why I'm so impressed with some of the guys from Submarine Group SEVEN who are proposing to climb Mt. Fuji not once, but four times -- in one day! Here's their web site that explains when they're doing it (Sept. 1st, 2008), why they're doing it (for charity), and how you can contribute. A couple of them made the climb 3 times in one day last year, and in true submariner spirit recognized that they could get even more work done in a day. Good luck, guys!
16 Comments:
On my last W-Pac ('05-'06) we had a trip all set up to go climb the great Mt. Fuji. Only problem was that Mother Nature had other plans and because of a typhoon approaching Yokosuka we had to pull out the day we were supposed to go. On the bright side we went immediately to Sasebo for more liberty!
7/17/2008 11:57 AM
Good luck with the climb!
7/17/2008 4:54 PM
When I was the Ops Chief at CSG-7 in 1996, we (the Ops Department) did the climb. It was absolutely one of the most miserable days of my life!
We started off in 90 degree weather and ended up with snow blowing upwards towards the sky at the top. We were cut, cold, scraped, hot, wet, tired and out of oxygen all at the same time. And that was just going up...coming down is worse. And to top it off, as we "tough" Americans got towards the bottom, we saw a group of school kids (probably 3rd or 4th grade) marching up the hill like it was nothing.
Other than that, it was a great experience. Luckily, the command was having it's annual Tokyo waterpark trip the next day...that and beer helped us recover.
The Japanese proverb pretty much sums it up:
"A wise man climbs Mt. Fuji once. Only a fool climbs it twice."
Good luck, guys!
Jim C.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6901.html
7/17/2008 7:16 PM
The FUJI website is GREAT!
Good luck with the climb!
http://www.fujiclimb.com
7/17/2008 9:21 PM
Great job! I barely made it up the mountain once. You guys are very brave! Its a great thing your doing for those charities also. Keep up the good work.
Tom
7/19/2008 4:32 AM
Good luck with the climb
7/19/2008 4:33 AM
Just checked out the 2007 fuji climb pictures.
Great job with the site. I like all the collection of information
7/19/2008 4:41 AM
Great Cause
7/20/2008 3:13 AM
I just donated to the site.
Hope you guys reach your goal!
7/20/2008 9:08 PM
These guys must be nukes!
7/21/2008 2:42 PM
I DONT THINK they will make it up the mountain 4 times!
7/21/2008 8:52 PM
Wish you guys the best of luck with your journey. I know I climbed Mt Fuji about 12 years ago, and it was still something I dread thinking about. Hats off to you 4 guys for what your trying to accomplish. 1 Step at a time! Dont fall on any rocks, and bring some of that can air! I needed it!
Good luck!!!
7/22/2008 4:52 AM
1 time may is okay, but 4 times just seems crazy to me.
Good luck though. I will check back later, to see if you made it up 4 times.
7/22/2008 7:15 AM
These guys are nuts!
7/23/2008 12:54 AM
Amazing reading through all these posts. I checked out your website. Really great! I saw the Stars & Stripes article! Really good stuff. Hope you guys the best with the climb.
7/23/2008 7:17 AM
I climbed Mt. Fuji in 1973 with fifteen other men when I was temporarily stationed in Japan with the 12th Marines for artillery practice. It took all day to climb up and back down. You guys must be in great shape to adapt to the thin air the farther up you go. Good luck! I hope that you succeed for the kids.
7/29/2008 7:30 AM
Post a Comment
<< Home