For most of today: A hot steamy hike through mountain forests following part of the Shikoku 88 (temple) Pilgrimage. Visited temples 80, 81, and 82.
Category: Walk
Following Trail Markers
We spent much of the day hiking an OLLE Trail through the town of Takeo-Onsen and into the hills. We didn’t need to use a map, as we simply followed the special Olle Trail markers. The trailhead was a short bullet train ride from Nagasaki, where we’re staying.
Hike to the Top
Walked with our nephew and brother-in-law up to this crater lake, Onami Pond, and walked around one side of the caldera. We then climbed Mount Karakuni, the highest point in the National Park. Reversed course and returned via the opposite side of the caldera. Back at our digs, hot springs worked wonders on our aching…… Continue reading Hike to the Top
Treading Carefully
Hiked the Ebino Highlands of Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park. The hike took a little longer than planned because we had to avoid volcanic gases.
Tulips on Main Street
Spotting tulips on our Sunday morning walk was a treat. Spring bulbs are not as common in our continental climate as in temperate England where I grew up.
River Walk
Walked with a friend who was visiting from the UK. Crossed the Mississippi, still swollen with snowmelt.
Earnest Students
Walked through a university campus on my way to medical appointments, noting the earnest students. Where was the rebelliousness of youth? Then, a student shouted “thank you for your service” towards an ROTC cadet dressed in fatigues. I decided this was disingenuous.
Snow Disposal
On my Downtown walk snow was being transported to a melting machine. This method decreases carbon emissions by minimizing the use of trucks and driving distances. I appreciate not having to climb over piles of snow.
After the Rains
A stream bed had come to life, cutting short our short walk. Recent rains have made any trail that crosses an arroyo (a normally dry creek) suspect. We backtracked and drove back into town to share a grilled cheese sandwich washed down with IPA.
Yabba-Dabba-Doo
Hiked the South Lykken Trail. Up high, snow was sticking around; on the trail, temperatures were in the 60’s. For some reason, The Flintstones Theme became an earworm. The topography surely provided inspiration for Desert Modernism and the fictional town of Bedrock.