Osaka to Omonichi

We were up early and decided to take a much earlier train to Shin Osaka, where we would swap to the Shinkansen (bullet train). Our rehearsal yesterday paid dividends because we had a smooth and trouble free run to Shin Osaka. Arrived over an hour before our scheduled departure at 0853 on the Shinkansen so got some sandwiches and coffee. The Shinkansen left at exactly 0853 (scheduled time).
We feel quite comfortable now navigating the Japanese rail system and we are in awe of it's efficiency.
After a coffee & pastry at Fukuyama station, we were met by our guide for the day, Alex and the driver, Yu, who took our luggage onto Omonichi.
We were given a briefing by Alex and off we rode hugging the coastline until we reached the delightful historic port of Tomonoura, where we had lunch at a small cafe. First time I've had pesto pasta stone cold! It's how they serve it, apparently!
The riding was easy, apart from the hot and humid conditions. We boarded a ferry to the island of Mukaishima. We rode across the island, boarded another ferry for Omonichi where we are staying for the night.
At the end of the day we felt sad to say goodbye to Alex. He is an American, married to a Japanese woman and they have an 8 year old son. Alex is a trained Pharmacist, but now works in a number of jobs, guiding cyclists being one of them.
We had a delicious meal at the Greenhill Hotel restaurant before washing clothes and charging bike batteries. We have a different guide tomorrow when we begin riding the Shimanami Kaido Cycling Road (70 km). We ride for 4 more days with guides before heading for Hiroshima.
We are hoping for a cool change, but we are not holding our breath!!Read more