Mnt Fuji is a NO GO!!!

Weve been having some pretty awful weather as of lately, it's still going on in other parts of Japan as you read this. So the trip is officially off due to bad weather. I just got an email from the group leader, Paul...it went a little something like this:

Our group leader has been constantly checking up on 4 different Mt. Fuji and surrounding area weather forecasting stations and at the moment, Saturday night's weather has changed from cloudy with a chance of showers to a 40-60% chance of rain. Hmmm, not quite sure what the difference is, but anyhow rain is to be expected. But, this is all for below 3000m (from sealevel). Above 3000m, its just cloudy.

It is possibly to still climb Mt. Fuji this weekend if youre used to sh*tty weather and used to the cold. During the hike up, we will most likely get wet since theres no place to hide from the rain (we start hiking from above the tree line), and we'll most definitely need a full rain gear outfit. A poncho and/or umbrella isnt really gonna do it, since out on Mt. Fuji youre completely exposed to the elements and the rain will not only come from up high, but from the side and even from below. So, if you dont have a full rain suit (jacket & trousers) you wont be very happy be hiking up Fuji. Also if there is thunder, I will most likely be the tallest object around since there are no vegetation up there. I was all for climbing the Fuji just for a great experience but...getting struck by lightening is not something on my to-do list.

Even though we will most likely get above the cloud line to get away from the rain, that not always so. And we wont know until it gets brighter since well be going up at night. So, we could be in cloud cover even during the Goraiko (sunrise). Also, with elevation comes the wind and lower temperatures. At the moment, were expecting temperatures as low as 2-3C degrees and winds kicking up to 30-40km/h. At 35km/h thats either considered fresh or strong, and we'll also most likely be wet from the hike from below.

I have no climbing experience in the rain and in low temperatures. Hypothermia is a serious consideration along with just freezing MY ASS off in the cold since once on top, theres still no shelter to keep warm. Also, on top of all this crock you also have to seriously consider altitude sickness. So bottom line...I dont get to climb Fuji anymore...unless I stay another year, which is looking like a possibility. So..bummed out! Now I get a free weekend to do whatever...maybe go to the city and go to some clubs or something w/ my friends!