102-Year Old Reaches Mount Fuji Summit

Above, a Shinkansen view of Mount Fuji. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While some of us baby boomers are facing the problems associated with entering senior citizen status, one Japanese man did something that set a new record. He didn't age stop him.

At 102, he climbed to the summit of Japan's highest mountain, Mount Fuji.

Fox News reported:

A 102-year-old Japanese man has set a new record by becoming the oldest to summit Mount Fuji.

Kokichi Akuzawa began his ascent on Aug. 5 along with his 70-year-old daughter Motoe, his granddaughter and her husband and friends, according to The Associated Press.

Akuzawa told AP he's impressed that he climbed so well, sharing that it’s better to climb while he still can.  

"I was really tempted to give up halfway through," he said. "Reaching the summit was tough, but my friends encouraged me, and it turned out well. I managed to get through it because so many people supported me."

To read the full story, go here. 

10 Best Mountain Towns In America To Visit

Above, Mammoth Lakes, California during the summer. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

2025 is just around the corner. Many people, including myself, are thinking about where to travel to during vacation season.

TheTravel has posted a list of mountain towns around the U.S. worth considering. I have already been to several of them.

They begin with:

2025 is almost here! Travelers will plan and finalize their travel plans weeks and sometimes months in advance. So, now is a great time to search for destinations in America worth visiting in 2025.

Most have heard John Muir's quote, "The mountains are calling, and I must go." He wrote it to his sister from Yosemite Valley (Yosemite is best seen on a scenic train with one-of-a-kind views) on Sept. 3, 1873. It speaks of an inner need and desire to be in the mountains.

Millions around the world have resonated with Muir's quote. As a result, scenic mountains and valleys have become top-rated vacation destinations worth every penny for mountain lovers in the US and worldwide.

America thrives in its towns, and its mountains are only more picturesque and alluring. With gorgeous natural landscapes, quaint and historical main streets, and warm, hospitable people, these fantastic mountain towns in America are the perfect destinations to visit in 2025.

To read more, go here. 

Tips For Camping In The Mountains

Above, at camp at Manzanita Lake Campground in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Generally speaking, while camping in mountain areas, campgrounds tend to be located in valleys such as North Pines Campground in Yosemite National Park. I camped there in 2016.

I have also camped at Manzanita Lake Campground at Lassen Volcanic National Park. It is 5,900 feet in elevation in the Cascade Mountain Range.

The topic of mountain camping is in an article in RV Life. It provides 8 tips for camping in the mountains.

They begin it with:

Camping in the mountains is a fantastic adventure that you should absolutely take. From way up high, you’ll be able to access amazing hiking trails, play in mountain streams, and see some animals that don’t tend to make their way down to the bigger human civilizations. 

All that said, there are some things you need to keep in mind in order to be properly prepared for camping in the mountains. Here we share our top mountain camping tips so you can go in ready for whatever the mountains may throw your way. 

To read more, go here. 

Scenic Mountain Ranges

Above, the Grand Tetons of Wyoming reflected on Jackson Lake. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One thing about the United States, it has a wide variety of geographic scenic areas ranging from deserts, prairies, rolling hills and mountain ranges.

Travel + Leisure posted a list of 13 scenic mountain ranges for people to enjoy. My favorite terrain for camping is in pine-covered mountain ranges. None of the listed mountain ranges will disappoint the traveler or camper. I've been in several of them, one of which is number one on their list.

They begin with:

There is something undeniably peaceful about going out into the wilderness and exploring the mountain ranges in the U.S., whether you're visiting the fog-covered Great Smoky Mountains or the sharp, snowy peaks of the Alaska Range. We've rounded up 13 scenic U.S. mountain ranges that have great hiking and even better views for your next trip into the great outdoors. So, grab your hiking boots and a water bottle, and get ready to explore some of the most breathtaking places our country has to offer.

 To read more, go here.

Travel + Leisure: 10 Best U.S. Mountain Towns

Above, yours truly in Jackson, Wyoming, one of the towns on the list. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Before we know it, it will be springtime and that's when many people get their RVs out of mothballs and get back on the road.

Places to consider traveling to are America's scenic mountain towns.

Above, there's plenty to do in Jackson, Wyoming. I did some rafting there.

Travel + Leisure has listed ten of the best mountain towns in the United States. I visited one of them.

They begin with:

Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure or a luxurious retreat, America's best mountain towns have something for every type of traveler. During the winter months, these towns offer world-class skiing and snowboarding, and come summer, visitors can enjoy hiking, rafting, mountain biking, and more — they're truly year-round destinations. From Aspen's pristine slopes and luxury hotels to Asheville's vibrant art scene and Leavenworth's European feel, these mountain towns offer unique experiences and stunning scenery.

Here are 10 of the best mountain towns in the United States.

To see what they consider "the best", go here. 

How To Climb Mount Fuji

Above, a shinkansen view of Mount Fuji. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A confession: I have never climbed Mount Fuji. The highest I've been on the mountain was by bus to one of the Fifth Stations. At my age, I would probably have a coronary if I ever decided to attempt climbing it.

I personally don't know anyone who has climbed Mount Fuji. But, in case someone reading this does want to attempt to scale Japan's highest mountain, Japan Times has posted a comprehensive guide to climbing it.

They begin with:

Mount Fuji. At 3,776 meters high, it’s Japan’s tallest mountain: standalone, vast and beautiful. A little over 100 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, and well connected by public transport to the capital, it is also one of the world’s most popular climbs — in 2018 alone, almost 300,000 people attempted the climb in the summer season. 

Despite the numbers, and the infrastructure that has been built to serve them, the mountain is not without its challenges. Altitude is one of the most significant; there is little chance to acclimatize on the hike and, approaching 4,000 meters in height, the mountain is easily tall enough to induce altitude sickness in even the fittest of climbers. Another is exposure: Above the treeline there is very little shelter, Fuji is so prominent that nothing blocks incoming weather, and conditions can change very quickly. 

However, to summit Mount Fuji is a great challenge, one that should be relished. The view of Japan from the top is unparalleled, especially when sunrise is thrown into the mix. With this guide, you should have an idea of what to expect from the mountain, and what is needed to make a successful summit.

To read the guide, go here. 

Just Couldn't Resist

A little bit ago, I took a look out the window in front and saw that the clouds have parted some and sunlight reached the mesas across the valley from Jamestown.

I couldn't resist getting out the camera and slap the zoom lens on.

Here's what I got:

 

Mount Fuji Climbing Season Opens

Above, a view of the summit of Mt. Fuji from the timberline. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Are you planning to visit Japan anytime soon and also planning to climb Mount Fuji?

If so, you're in luck! Climbing season has started!

Japan Today reported:

YAMANASHI - The Mount Fuji climbing season opened on Sunday morning on the Yamanashi side. 

About 150 climbers were at the summit to view the sunrise at 4:28 a.m., Fuji TV reported. The Shizuoka side will open to climbers on July 10. 

Huge numbers of climbers are expected in July and August. Last year, more than 220,000 people climbed the 3,776-meter mountain, according to Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectural government officials. 

As they did last year, the prefectural governments are asking climbers to pay a fee of 1,000 yen on a voluntary basis. The money will be used to help preserve the area's natural beauty.

To read more, go here. 

Climbers Killed In El Capitan Fall

Above, El Capitan is shrouded in clouds. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yosemite National Park's season isn't on a good start.

Last week, a climber on Half Dome fell to his death in rainy conditions. Now, two people fell from El Capitan.

USA Today reported:

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. – Officials say two people have been killed after they fell while climbing El Capitan at Yosemite National Park. 

The National Park Service says it happened around 8 a.m. Saturday while the two people were climbing the Freeblast Route. 

Park rangers and search and rescue personnel responded to the scene but the climbers didn’t survive the fall.

To read more, go here. 

Painting Progress

Progress is continuing on the painting of the three mesas that are across the valley from Jamestown, New Mexico.

Asya sent me the above drawing on the canvas. She said she's almost finished with the drawing. The next step is to apply the oil paints over the pencil work. As you can see, there's more detail.

She said:

Hi, Armand. Almost finished with the drawing. What sbout the very most foreground? Do you want me to keep natural grass and bushes there? A few? Or is it fine now? Or you want mostly plain grass? 

The canvas is huge. Good for you, the size will be a bonus for you;) should fit the wall well.

How To Climb Mount Fuji

Above, nighttime climbers on the slope of Mount Fuji. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Have you ever thought about attempting to climb to the summit of Mount Fuji in Japan?

No, me neither. But if you happen to be one who has considered it, Tokyo Cheapo has some information on how to do it.

They begin with:

Gazing down on Japan from atop its symbolic mountain is high on the bucket list for most visitors and residents alike, but at 3,766m it’s not the effortless stroll that many elderly Japanese people make it seem. If climbing Fuji is your summer to-do this year, here’s what you’ll need to know.

To read more, go here. 

Mesas At Sunrise

I just got done taking a few photos of the mesas across the valley at sunrise.

These may work out better in a painting, lighting-wise. I will be sending them to Asya shortly.

Here's some of them: