Microblog

Today the train “corkscrewed” down, inside a mountain. Without the map you wouldn’t know.

Temple #37 of 88 on the “Shikoku 88” pilgrimage. “Keep your eyes always set on the way.”

Hey C and: Cards from Kochi (Shikoku island). Am I putting them in the correct slot?

C and D: Did you know sushi was invented here in Japan? You guys were experts in that Minneapolis sushi bar.

Dragon protecting Kochi Castle. Hey C and D: Japan has castles *and* dragons.

Now in Kochi on the island of Shikoku.

A hike under the sea, a buzzcutter, and a visit to TOTO

He C and D: you were there. So what do you do when you see a volcano? You climb it, of course; can’t miss the fun.

Aso-san. You look around in every direction, and the caldera wall is over 10 miles away. Amazing hikes, all day.

Hey C and D. Two post cards for you, mailed from the middle of a huge volcano caldera. (Aso.)

Sitting in a hotel in Aso, Kyushu, set in massive caldera. Steam is filling the sky above the volcano.

Hey C and D Wish you could meet my new Japanese friend. He spoke a few words of English.

Train waited while folks got off to sample tea and baked sweet potato. I then hiked the hills and forest.

Sunday morning. Introducing the Phase 3 Hiking Sock Dryer. A must for every backpacker.

In which bin should I throw the candy wrapper? (There’s 5 bins.) It’s like this every day.

Rising sun. Mt Sakurajima (volcano, erupts daily) across Kagoshima Bay from hotel. Today I’ll climb it.