From here, the walk started off (optimistically) on paved roads/paths. Then into the woods we went. Still pretty easy going. I started at the back of some people, but, soon passed everyone. Not on purpose. Some people stopped to take pictures (so did I, but don’t do selfies). Some just walked at something less than a stroll, which was my pace...versus a forced march. Eventually, the forced march people passed me.
 |
| Start of this leg of the trail Top: Hosshinmon-Oji; Bottom: Trail marker |
So the first bit, was from Hosshinmon-Oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha (shrine). 7.5km. Took about 2 hours. In the grand scheme of things really easy. Last night’s accommodation provided a lunch, which I ate once I made it to Hongu Taisha. For whatever reason, there was a massive line up towards the shrine. No idea why. Didn’t stop to ask. I sat above the river. Now that the spring run off is done, part of the river bed is transformed into a parking lot.
Took the opportunity to cool my feet off in the river. Finally...a selfie moment!
 |
| Foot selfie in the river between hikes |
In my itinerary, it suggested I could get a bus to Yunomine Onsen, or continue walking. It was only 2kms. Pah! After the morning walk...figured this would be a snap. No. No, no, no. Bad, bad, bad. What was I thinking??? If I had read the small print, I would have seen the time to do 2km was 1-2hours. Maybe, just maybe that would have been a clue.
Let’s just say, my knees pretty much gave out, such that it took me the full two hours. It was up for most of the walk. My left knee called it quits pretty soon after the down part started.
On the plus side, finally came across a fellow Canadian. It’s funny, every time you pass someone, you call out “konnichi wa” (good day). Even to the non asians. So it can take a moment to realize you can possibly say “hello”.
Also came across “someone” who was not willing to converse.
 |
| Left: Up! Top right: Not even at the top - for scale - that’s a car on the river bed; Bottom right: Ssssilent hiker |
All in all & very pleasant day. Looking forward to a boat cruise, tomorrow. Not sure if I will be hiking to the falls. See what the knees have to say. Dinner comes to me, tonight.
My room does not come equipped with bathing facilities & I am too much of a coward to try communal bathing. Sponge bath for me tonight & tomorrow morning.
The next place I’m staying at will have a shower ensuite. I will shower then. Promise.
Total steps: 21,033
Total “floors”: 123
Distance: 8.9 miles
No comments:
Post a Comment