I had to stop my Mt. Fuji hike just short of the top. скачать в хорошем качестве

I had to stop my Mt. Fuji hike just short of the top.

On July 3rd & 4th, 2024, we hiked to Kamaiwakan hut just past the 7th station on Mt. Fuji. Zach left at midnight to try and catch the sunrise from the top. I left around 4 so I could walk when there was more light out. Right around when Zach made it to the top was just before I started my ascent and when the wind really started to pick up. The gusts were literally knocking my body over, and the staff I was carrying really wanted to fly away. When I made it to the 8th station, I met multiple hikers who said they were turned around at the 8.5 station because of the windy conditions. Just past the 8th station, I decided to turn back as the wind was getting even harder to deal with on a terrain that often requires your full attention. I could've gone to the 8.5 station and waited for a bit to see if the wind would die down, but it seemed to only start picking up not too long before. Not finishing a hike I set my mind to is very difficult and disappointing for me personally. That being said, talking to other hikers and my friend who made it to the top confirmed it was the right thing to do. Even if I made it to the top, I was adding a lot of extra risk just for the satisfaction of getting to the summit. Physically, my body felt more than capable. Mentally, I decided to trust my instincts and live to hike this another day.