Paused today’s rail journey from Onomichi to Nagasaki at Kurume for a few hours to do a self-guided OLLE hike. The concepts and trail markers for OLLE hikes originated in South Korea. The energetic hike included forests, bamboo stands, shrines, great views, and fields of azaleas.
Category: Move
Cycling the Inland Sea
Took a ferry from Onomichi, where we’re staying in a “bicycle hotel,” to Ikuchi Island in the Seto Inland Sea. Rented bikes, then cycled back across islands and bridges (including the one in the photo), and past a children’s playground.
Cycling across the Sea
Rented bicycles, cycled across Japan’s Inland Sea on part of the Shimanami Kaido trail. The trail provides spectacular views as it crosses huge bridges and small islands.
88 Temples
Pilgrims have been backpacking the Shikoku 88 for hundreds of years, visiting 88 temples on a 750 mile route around the island of Shikoku. We stored our backpacks in a locker at Matsuyama’s main train station then walked between a few temples.
CCC Trails
The first part of our hike took us past several waterfalls as Cascade River tumbled towards Lake Superior. The trails were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s. I’d applaud the return of the Corps.
Hot Shower
Sometimes a hot shower is all I need. Got caught in the rain while cycling.
Urban Rail Trail
Cycled past lakes, a creek, and a river, but the ride would not be complete without some urban rail trail.
Skateboard Jump
On a cycle ride with a friend visiting from the UK, spotted the Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture reimagined as a skateboard jump ramp.
Historic Markers
Cycled through St. Paul’s Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood past Indian burial mounds built 1,500 to 2,000 years ago, and a historic aircraft beacon erected in 1929. The beacon still has a rotating light at the top. It’s one of many that once lit the route between Minneapolis and Chicago.
Abandoned Train Station
Cycled through an abandoned train station.