Today (Tuesday) was a day to pause the journey. Besides it rained hard all day, which would have made hiking less pleasant. Time to be a consumer of sights. I knew Matsuyama was a really cool place when I saw this heading along the streetcar line: I headed over to Matsuyama’s #1 sight (or is… Continue reading Bigu Feetu Around Matsuyama
Author: Tom Wilson
Temple Plumbing 2013
Just after you enter the grounds of a Japanese temple, there’s always a fountain for rinsing hands and mouth. Here’s examples from the temples I visited when I followed the route of part of the Shikoku Henro (“Shikoku 88”). Temple 37: Iwamotoji March 29, 2013. Temple 38: Kongofukuji March 30, 2013. Temple 39: Enkoji… Continue reading Temple Plumbing 2013
Shikoku 88: Some Observations
The Shikoku Henro (“Shikoku 88”) is an 88-temple pilgrimage around the island of Shikoku, Japan. The complete journey is about 750 miles. It is particularly appealing to me the pilgrimage goes in a circle: when you reach temple 88 you are just a few miles from temple 1, but your mind is in a different… Continue reading Shikoku 88: Some Observations
A Hike under the Sea, a Buzzcutter, and a Visit to TOTO
I grew up in an industrial town in the North of England. I love that town, and its attitude. I continue to visit it regularly. Consequently I decided to spend a while in Kokura, a town in the north of Kyushu that has been described as “half industrial park.” I dislike that description. I arrived… Continue reading A Hike under the Sea, a Buzzcutter, and a Visit to TOTO
Are you Trevor?
I always pace around departure areas, so today was no exception at the Busan ferry terminal. A couple years ago, had I not been pacing around the Haridwar (India) station platform at 3:00 a.m. waiting for a train that never came, I might not have been spotted in the crowd by four backpackers. I would’ve… Continue reading Are you Trevor?
Japan Framework 2013
Tomorrow I go to Japan. I need a plan for a plan. The only fixed part of my “Japan Framework” is: March 22: Hydrofoil from Busan, South Korea to Fukuoka (Southern Japan). April 11: Check in to Sapporo New Chitose Airport hotel (Northern Japan)–I’m catching an early flight next morning. April 12: Fly Sapporo to… Continue reading Japan Framework 2013
Suddenly it’s Very Quiet in Lihue Airport
The airport is awfully quiet, apart from the sound of a vacuum cleaner. Most of the flights to the mainland have departed. Dwight has just gone through agricultural screening, before boarding his flight to Phoenix. He’ll continue on to an unusually cold Minneapolis. Suddenly I’m all alone. We’ve had a wonderful time here on Kauai,… Continue reading Suddenly it’s Very Quiet in Lihue Airport
Travel Gear: Water Purification
Until recently, when we went back-country camping, we’d bring a lightweight camp stove. That meant safe water from streams, hot meals, and an unlimited supply of the best Kona coffee… ever. (We also brought a Melitta coffee filter cone.) These days, when we back-country camp, we carry a very effective ultraviolet water sterilizer, which lets… Continue reading Travel Gear: Water Purification
Now and Then: Who was at the Kauai Marriott in January 2007?
March 14, 2013, Marriott, Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii Big Island January 2007, Marriott, Lihue, Mom and Dad to be We knew you were on your way, Caden. And in July 2007, we got to meet you for the first time. And the next year, 2008, we got to meet Davin. Wonderful memories. Hawaii, Big Island, 2012
Now and Then: Hiking the Kalalau Trail (1995)
2013: We’ve just hiked the Kalalau Trail for the fourth time. 1995: Here we are on the Kalalau back in our salad days: