I have visited the base of Mt. Fuji din December of 1977. After speaking to several people, I found that they have a real nice ski area there in the winter and in the summer, you can climb Mt. Fuji on a hiking trail. When you start your hike you can buy a walking stick to aid in your climb and for a souvenir of the climb. As you walk up the trail, there are stopping points where Japanese artist carve figures into portions of your stick. By the time you get to the top, you have a completely carved walking stick that you will want to take care of the rest of your life. I have not actually seen any of these sticks or any brochures that describe the hike in this way, so, if anyone knows more about this process, please write to me at the bottom of this page.   C. Jeff Dyrek, webmaster

11-11-01
Hello;

My name is Lisa Cox, I live in Tennessee. I stumbled upon your web site while looking for information on the Kitty Hawk in the news. I have a brother stationed on The Kitty. 

I was fortunate enough to get to go visit my brother in Japan in August, an experience I will NEVER forget. We braved the Mt. Fuji climb, and I have one of those hiking sticks you mentioned, although mine only has about 12 stamps on it. As far as hiking trails, when we started out at the base, there was a trail up to a certain point, after which, it was more like rock climbing! We climbed for 8 1/2 hours and STILL did not make it to the top! But we did get to see the most beautiful sunrise I have ever seen! My brother, AD1 Wright, wanted to keep on going, but I was sooo pooped out! 

It should be mentioned that you make sure you descend the Mt. the same way you go up! We came down a different route than the way we went up, and we ended up 60 kilometers away from where we had parked! There were only 2 ways to get back to the car, go back up the Mt. and come back down the way we went up, not an option after already climbing for 8 1/2 hours, or take a 200.00 cab ride, witch at this point we would have paid 1,000.00 to get back!

We are both very glad to have made the climb, but we wouldn't want to do it again! It's one of those " Once in a lifetime" deals!

Thank you for all of the cool photos of the Kitty Hawk, I really enjoyed them, and thank you for serving our country.  Please keep our forces in your prayers and thoughts, I know I do every second of the day, as they are on active duty defending our home.

Thank you for your time, and I REALLY hope to hear back from you.
 Lisa Cox