March 7

We had breakfast at 6:15 and were out the door by 7 saying goodby to Takumi, Andreas and Amy. People passing in and out of our lives and making it so much richer because of meeting them. This is one reason we enjoy doing longer hikes where meeting people adds so much to our experience. It will be interesting to see when and if we cross paths again. A bonus of staying here was that Miss Misona has offered to take our luggage to our tonight’s lodging. Today we are going to be visiting another temple that is known for having a steep approach. The path to the temple involves going up a trail and then returning via the road. It is highly recommended to try to find a place to leave your extra luggage so you don’t carry it the whole way. We are glad that we were able to take advantage of the recommendation. The route starts on the flat road next to the ocean. We pass a shinto temple, before we begin our walk up to temple 27

The day is sunny, a nice change from some of the rainy weather we have been having.

Once we turn off of the highway, we begin walking on a narrow paved road that is a gradual climb up. In the beginning we pass quite a few houses, but the higher we go it becomes less populated. We are still surprised though of the houses that are still being used. Having just a light pack we get to the intersection of the path to the Temple, earlier that we had predicted. Another option is to continue on the road and check out the observatory at the top of the mountain. We decide to check out the observatory first. As we reach the top there is a field of hedges. No one to ask so not sure what of if there was a particular usage for this plant.

In the distance we see the observatory which was our goal for the morning. We climb up to the top and get a 360 degree of the surrounding area.

We got a good view where we had been.

Checking our the mountain ranges behind us.

This island is more mountainous than we originally thought.

Leaving the observatory, we headed down to an older Shinto Temple. The path down was steep. We were glad we had our trekking poles.

We always appreciate being on a dirt trail.

We are approaching both the Shinto temple and Temple 27 from above. The Shinto temple appears to be old and in okay condition.

We enjoyed checking out the bells and colorful fabric.

The stonework was impressive leading up to the Hall. It is hard to imagine how the rocks were trimmed to fit so well.

Below us we can make out some of the buildings on the grounds of Konomineji. It is another steep path down to reach the temple. We have heard that this temple is known as The God Summit Temple. For those walking it is is known as one of the harder temples to reach. The temple is arranged vertically. This temple is sponsored by Mitibushi and the results are elegant. Below is a photo of the path to one of the Kobo Daishi statues.

Everything was clean and all the bushes were well trimmed.

There were steps to the various levels often with a well manicured garden of shrubs beside the steps.

One of the Hondos

Just as we were getting ready to leave. We see Connie who we had last seen swinging on a swing at a view point. about a week ago. Sylvia and Amy are here as well. Sounds like we will see them again as we are all staying at the same guest house. We head down to the gate and then head down to the road.

The main gate. We go thru it and pick up the road that will take us to the bottom. The road down goes quickly and we are soon walking back beside the ocean again.

The day is beautiful with the sky and sea both being have blue hues.

As we were walking along the road, we noticed a sign indicating a road side rest. It appeared to be a couple of shops plus a restaurant. It also was very busy. We took that as a good indication of good food. A sign showed one of their specialities.

A brownie with ice cream and syrup. We decided to share one which was a good idea. As we were eating Andreas and then Amy walk by the window. We encourage them to join us, which they do. It was a 5 star stop.

We aren’t far from our lodging for the night so we head in that direction,. There is a sign on the door saying they will open up at 3. Since we have some time before three we decide to go check out Ioki caves. The water level of the stream running thru it determines how far in one can hike. The water level was low so we just meandered in the stream bed for awhile.

There are no meals served tonight so we head to Lawsons to buy some food. Don and I have an upstairs room while four ladies are sharing the bottom floor. Another great day on the route.

Accommadation Mikeneko or Ioki hostel

Miles hiked 16