We are getting tired of people telling us we chose the most difficult direction to do this. Woosies.
We discovered (3 Post Towns too late) that you can get a special walking stick and at each post town they burn the name of the town in it.
This Obi tied to my backpack is one that Maki gave to Julz when she was little. I brought it here as a symbol of a lifelong friendship. (plus it weighs nearly nothing)
On our way out of town to the pass we needed to cross, we met a cute lady who offered us barley tea and snack. She was adorable. We got the lowdown on the monkeys - they eat her vegetables and fruits. We told her to shoot them with a bow and arrow, and she said they fold their hands like their they are praying so they won't get killed!
The journey up out of town to start on the pass was beautiful.
It was so beautiful and every turn was a new sight
This was our biggest miscalculation - this pass was ENORMOUS (I did not take pictures of the worse part, because we were just trying to keep moving - ever so slowly)
THANKFULLY the trail was clearly marked
Baby bamboo shoot
Froggie on a loggie
Jungle
Wild orchids
Never saw a bear but others had
Since it was millions of miles longer than we thought - these licorice scotty dogs saved me (thanks Andrea and Audrey)
THESE scarecrows scared me!
FINALLY coming down the pass into a beautiful area
Finally checked into our Ryokan - the view out our window
Took baths, my arm and leg are cramping up - my left knee and hip are whacked, Maki's feet are killing her. We will survive - because "tomorrow is an easy day"
2 comments:
Looks amazing! I'd love to see pics of the rooms and sleeping bedding when you get back.
When the going gets tough I like to focus on the scenery and distract myself from the physical discomfort by being grateful for the beauty and opportunity to be in the moment enjoying nature.
You two are strong and can get it done.
Umai - EXACTLY! Notice the beautiful pictures - I was overwhelmed with the beauty - and we marvel at how we would not have seen it had we not gone that way.
We were ending our walking today, but we cannot stop! Going on the oldest path in all of Japan today - dates back to BC!
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