        
|
|
Mt. Fuji
Mt. Fuji is arguably one the most well known mountains in the world. Renowned for its awesome beauty, the mountain is deeply rooted in Japanese history and culture and has inspired both artist and poets for thousands of years. The nearly perfect conical shape was sculpted by fire over three generation of volcanic activity and even today the mountain still bears these wounds.
|
In September of 2003 Keegan Reilly and team Strong Arm will take para-alpinism to a new intensity level with a planned summit of Mt. Fuji in Japan. The team, now consisting of Keegan’s three brothers; his uncle; and three long time friends, have been preparing and training for the international expedition for nearly a year.
|
|
The dormant volcano stands at 12,388 feet (3776 meters) above sea level and like Elbert and Shasta before it, Fuji will present its own unique challenges and surprises. The terrain will be different than anything the team has encountered to date. The once active volcano is covered in hardened magma, sharp rock, and large boulders from past eruptions. Theses surface obstacles will make uphill progress slow and are sure to push Keegan and the Scarab to their max.
|
|
Although the mountain has not had a volcanic eruption for nearly three hundred years, frequent seismic activity could pose a danger to the expedition in the form of rockslides. Summer is also monsoon season so sudden showers are not uncommon.
|
|
Team Strong Arm will begin ascent of the mountain September 1st following the Kawaguchikoguchi route. If all goes according to plan the team will become the first paraplegic expedition to summit the mountain on September 7th and Keegan will claim his third virgin peak.
|
|
Mt. Fuji has been one of Keegan’s and team Strong Arm’s targets ever since they began climbing in the summer of 2000. Fuji poses an amazing physical challenge to the team; more importantly, due to the mountain's international fame the expedition has the ability to influence millions. A successful summit would demonstrate the ability of para-alpinism on a mountain of well-known magnitude, sending the message that extreme para-sports are part of the future - start training!
|
|
Climbing Plan
|
| |
Visit Outdoor Japan for Daily Dispatches during the climb.
Day 1 - August 30
Depart Seattle in the morning
Day 2 - August 31
Arrive Tokyo in the afternoon
Volunteers from the Shiro-uma-no-kai Climbing Club will drive us to Kawaguchikoguchi 5th Station
Cache gear, walk (2 km) to Sato's hut for first night
Day 3 - September 1
Establish basecamp
Move all gear/supplies to basecamp
Organize gear
Day 4 - September 2
Keegan's first day of climbing
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
