Stairway to Heaven

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(Cover Photo: Mt Fuji)

Hi everyone,

I was reminded of this when I read Gail's post:

https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/gail-uk/blog/accept-lifes-twists-and-turns-as-part-of-the-journey

In July of 1983, I along with other U.S. Marines individually hiked up Mt Fuji in Japan.

We arrived at 11 pm at a site at the base of the mountain where we were going to rest until the morning. Way too many mosquitos!

So a few of us got permission to start hiking right away before midnight. Normally tourists would start at Station 7 which is just above the tree line. We were at the base and in the trees.

A few hours into our Trek and I pulled a muscle in my groin and I would be in pain the rest of the time at Mt Fuji.

I was maybe 3/4 of the way up Mt Fuji when another Marine asked how I was doing.

I told him that if this is the stairway to heaven that I would rather go straight to hell.

I just blurted it out. I didn't even think about it. It was actually a shock to me.

But what I said stayed with me up and back down Mt Fuji.

Similar to what Gail was talking about, we don't know what life is going to send our way.

Sometimes we just react. More often than not, we should think about how we are going to react and find a more positive response.

My going up Mt Fuji was not going to stop my hurting even if I chose to quit. That would just add regret and humiliation on top of the pain.

They have cabins along the way where hikers can sleep and our company of Marines rested near the summit. Most woke up early so they could finish the climb up and witness the sunrise from the summit. I opted to sleep in and rest more and I continued my way up a little later.

The walk down

Nearing the Summit

The Summit with Snow inside the Crater in July

I am so glad I chose to complete the climb. Apart from the pain, it was an amazing experience, but even the pain was a valuable lesson about life and continuing onward and Never Giving Up.

Even at my age now, if I ever get back to Japan during the summer, I would love to go up Mt Fuji again.

To Our Success!

Mel Waller

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Recent Comments

35

Loving this account Mel. Thanks for sharing your own experiences and glad I could prompt you in my own way to remembering the lessons you learned. We are all here to have as many experiences as we can and there is ALWAYS something to be learned. I'm so pleased that you didn't let a little physical pain distract you from the higher mission, which you have obviously remembered far longer than the pain you felt at the time.
If I ever get to Japan, guess where I'm headed?!

You are most welcome Gail. Check before you go as it is only open to the public for a month or a few months around summertime since snow/ice would obviously make it dangerous for anyone.

Thanks for the prompt.

Mel

All noted. Thanks

Interesting experience and read, I wonder how you then walked back with the pain. My pictures are almost identical to those two of yours.

I climbed Fuji overnight in 1999 and without a torch, probably the only person without it on the mountain, missed to buy it. From the bus station, which is also station 5 as far as I remember, to the summit, enough time to be there before sunrise. I would be happy to do it again.

In the Marines, they say, "No pain, no gain" It probably would have been worse if I stopped it. Many people woke up that night with charley horses or cramps on their legs. I think you are right about it being Station 5. Glad you were able to experience Mt Fuji as well. Thanks Jovo!

Mel

Good morning Mel,

It sounds like you have had quite an interesting experience being in the Marines, Mel! What a shame that you pulled a muscle in your groin, but the good thing is you kept going, which is something we all have to do, especially when it comes to working online.

Have a great weekend and all the best.

Roy

Thanks Roy!

Mel

Yes Mel,
The power of perseverance, and purpose make a lot of difference in our lives. We only need to ignore all the other distractions.

Thanks for sharing Roger!

Mel

Thanks for the memory, Mel.

To Our Success.

JD

You are most welcome Jay!

Mel

:)

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