Sorry, Monty again, as Princess Pez wishes to do the next one. Also I think hiking all day up a mountain suited me a little bit more than it did Jen!

Well, we got to Lake Kawaguchiko on the foot of Fuji San and found the most friendly, hospitable hostel to stay in. It had a big kitchen to play in too! Also found that climbing season for Fuji had not yet started so no chance of getting up there. nevermind, still lots of smaller mountains to conquer! Got up the next morning to the beautiful sight of rain. We donned the North Face jackets (special thanks to Miss Norman　and Miss Mac) and set off for an epic day of walking (well I thought so)!

First stop Mt. Tenjo. Got a cable car up most of the way. Thankfully the rain paused so we took some pics on this high vis. day! We could just about see Mount Fuji`s 3756 metres. Then read a funny little tale about the mountains and one seriously messed up rabbit! It goes like this: Once upon a time there was an old man and an old woman living on the mountain. They found a raccon eating some seeds they had just sewn so set snare and caught him. The raccoon apologised so the couple forgave him. Raccoon later betrayed them (not sure how- our Japanese isn`t very good). A rabbit, a good friend of the couple promised revenge on the raccoon (this is where it gets messy!). The rabbit and raccoon went up the mountain to collect fire wood. On the way down the rabbit set fire to the rabbit`s back and burnt him. The rabbit however was not satisfied, so the next day they went to the river. The raccoons boat was made of mud and so sank (basic nautical error!!!). Then the rabbit got revenge! They have cuddley cartoon characters illustrating this story for children- We think it`s a bit graphic and should be certified PG. Anyway so that is that mountain.

Then we walked down, picked up some supplies and went off to climb Mt. Ashiwada and then see a Bat Cave. It was raining again by now. It continued to rain for the next 4 hours of climbing. Long story short, it was steep and wet. Monty fun factor=10, Jen fun factor=generous 3! Couldn`t see a thing as up in the rain clouds, got down, missed bus (I was still up for going to Bat cave so told driver we didn`t need that bus- ERROR!) Fun day enjoyed by all (I`m sure Jen will look back upon it fondly one day!).

Then got back and had aching legs for next 2 days.

Next stop Kyoto!

The end.