Ezo-fuji on Foot

Craig Mclachlan (rear) climbed 100 mountains in less than 100 days.

Japan is volcanic, so there are many Fuji look-alikes, from the

south...

…to the north.

Hokkaido’s second largest volcano is Yotei-san, or Ezo-fuji.

The closer we got, the more I was tempted.

It looked as pretty as a picture.

Mami applies insect repellent.

Then she sets off through the forest.

These are the last cherry blossoms we’ll see.

Soon we climb above the tree-line.

We come to patches of snow.

The view is like that from a plane.

It gets steeper, so I kick in toe holds.

Can you see the worry on Mami’s face?

It’s really dramatic up here.

Mami doesn’t dare walk upright.

It looks worse than it is!

Eventually we arrive at the hut.

Time to catch our breath.

And sunbathe!

Then, we push on up.

Mami looks for alpine flowers.

No, not Edelweiss.

Here’s the hut from the top.

Wim walks around the rim.

Actually, there are two volcanic craters.

Here’s one of the ‘stations’ on the rim.

I’m so glad we did this.

There’s a frozen lake deep down.

It’s very rocky, but there is a path.

I manage okay without shoes.

Though I sometimes have to clamber.

Mami demonstrates taking a picture.

Here’s where the old hut once stood.

And this might have been its bath.

Far in the distance is a lake.

It’s called Toyako (Lake Toya).

‘Proper’ mountaineering gear.

Mami poses for another shot.

I creep to the edge.

And crawl underneath.

This is my favourite view.

One final look.

Mami poses at the very top.

And so do I.

We have a rest before the climb down.

Easy does it! (It could be the beach.)

At the bottom we make new friends.

We join them in their tent that evening.

Well done, the two of you!