We all almost died

The events of this post happened a few weeks ago, but it is only now that I’m able to talk about them. The story is a familiar one…an afternoon of friendship goes horrible wrong and suddenly the day turns into a harrowing struggle for survival. But this story has something special added—a curse! And that’s where my tale begins…

Long ago, in a time now covered by the fog and dust of memory, I took a walk around my town of Ajimu and glimpsed in the distance a proud mountain. I looked with awe upon that green and brown monument and declared that one day I would go and climb it. Later, I learned that the mortal name for the mountain was Yufudake and I set out to organize an expedition to scale its heights.

My first expedition was called off due to intense heat. My second attempt was washed away in torrential rainfall. And my third endeavor was stopped abruptly by a landslide that had destroyed the road to the mountain. See the carnage below.



Thus, I assumed I was cursed. For some reason Yufudake, the “Mt. Fuji of Kyushu” was denying me access to its rocks and soil.

Time passed, and my courage returned. And then finally, on a Saturday a few weeks ago, I knew it was time to attempt the adventure once more. I gathered my friends and we set out to scale Yufudake and clear me of my curse.


Here we are at the base of the mountain (I’m behind the camera). Look how happy and ready we are! If only we knew what was so come…


Behold the mountain, its summit concealed by clouds.

The initial climb went well. The five members of our expedition were in good spirits and the weather was perfect. We followed the trail through the trees and rocks and sang little songs as we went. Everything seemed good and I felt confident we would make the top no problem. BUT THEN, Yukudake was awakened to my presence and before we knew it we were lost.

The trail simply vanished…and our minds became clouded. We were held in the Siren song of summit success and we simply kept moving upwards…and without a trail, we soon were wondering in amongst unholy rocks and vines and thorns. Our hands and arms and legs were cut and bashed…but we kept going not wanting to give up.

Minutes of uncertainty turned into hours of despair. Our team of five had become a wondering band searching on the side of the mountain for some manner of trail or sign. We climbed higher and higher through precarious terrain and at one point were covered by cold clouds. See below…



At last, we knew we were defeated and decided to head back down the mountain. Never having reached the top, the descent was a difficult one for both body and soul. But at least we were all still alive…and at least the mountain allowed us to reach the bottom again.

Yufudake still stands in the distance and I still see it everyday from my town. One day, I will make another attempt to climb it…and I will break my curse!