It was an early 7:30am start, with the banter already flowing and plenty of hilarity about the weight of everyone’s packs. Somehow they always seem heavier once you realise you’re carrying everything you need for the next four days!
The day began with two trains and a bus out of Tokyo, before the team finally hit the trail and the scale of the challenge started to become very real.
With challenging terrain, intense humidity, changing elevations and a little lingering fatigue from the journey out to Japan, this was very much about getting the legs moving and the bodies acclimatised.
The team covered around 8km, taking in four summits opposite Mount Fuji and reaching a maximum elevation of 1,302 metres.
There’s something particularly special about following in the footsteps of those who have travelled towards Fuji for centuries. Historic pilgrimage routes once brought followers of the Fuji faith from Edo — modern-day Tokyo — towards the mountain, passing through shrines, forests and communities before beginning the ascent itself. Even today, elements of those old routes and traditions remain part of the landscape around Fuji.
Thankfully, the team are faring well and spirits remain high, although I suspect tonight’s rest will be very welcome!
Tomorrow brings another significant step in the journey, with the team moving from sea level towards Station 5 on Mount Fuji.
And finally, a huge thank you to everyone supporting Team Endeavour — whether you’ve been following the updates, sharing our story, sending messages of encouragement or making a donation.
To have reached £35,000 by Day One has absolutely blown us away. 🙏
But we’re not finished yet.
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/s2sfuji
We’re still hoping to raise another £15,000 by the time this challenge is complete, helping us towards our ambition of creating the much-needed Team Endeavour Respite Lodge.
So please keep sharing our story, raising awareness and encouraging others to get involved. Every share, conversation and donation really does make a difference.
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/s2sfuji
£35,000 raised. £15,000 to go.
One day down — and the adventure continues.
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