Day 54 - Finally on the Kumano Kodo!

After yesterday’s weather-related train cancellations, our 8:58 train from Shin-Osaka finally got us on our way to Kii-Tanabe. We caught a bus into the mountains and shortened our original first hiking day, still managing four miles before reaching our inn.

Mist hung between the mountain ridges, and tall trees disappeared into the damp forest above us. We followed paths and stone steps, passed small shrines, and spotted a crab among the wet leaves. After all the uncertainty, it felt good to be walking again.

One local creature was rather too welcoming. A leech found its way into my sock and helped itself to a meal. I discovered I was bleeding, and Cindy later found the culprit on the floor of our room!

Tonight we are staying at HAGI1111, with futons on tatami mats. Richard and his wife, who run the inn, live in Hokkaido—a connection to where our Japanese adventure began.

Dinner was excellent, with seafood, meat and vegetables to cook on the grill. Just as enjoyable was the conversation with a couple from Bulgaria and a mother and daughter from France. A very good finish to a day that finally got us back on the trail.Read more