March 11
The Comfort Inn lived up to its name and we had a comfortable night. Breakfast was included with the price and it was quite the spread.. We weren't hungry enough to enjoy all the choices. Our taxi driver was coming at 8:10 so we were in the lobby before 8. He showed up at 8. It was a short drive to where we had stopped two days ago at Temple 31.We remembered not to open the doors of the taxi and we were glad that we had clean clothes. This taxi had white lace seats just like the other taxi we had been in. Temple 31 is located on Mt. Godasian where we were dropped off. To approach Temple 32 we head down hill for awhile and then encounter a steep ascent to the temple.
The gate to temple 32
There was a round circle with golden feet. We were told we should rub it and that should help our legs. It was worth a try.
The view of this temple on a clear day is spectacular. Once again you can see where you have been and where you are going.
There are so many objects that we are sure have a story, but for now we are just enjoying looking at them.
We decided to take the road from this temple down the mountain. We decided that it was the safest route.
Before we can reach the next temple we need to take a free ferry across the bay. We aren’t sure of the schedule , but as we approach the dock the ferry is on our side. They motion us on and to take a sat.
A motorcycle joined us as well as an older pilgrim.
He told us that this is his third time doing the pilgrimage. He has a heart condition and walks slowly.
Temple 33 is the last temple run by Zen Buddhist.
The pilgrim that had been on the ferry with us arrived just as we were leaving. He told us that we had a fast walking pace.
Our last temple for the day is Tanemaji. As we were walking along the road, we were fascinated by the yard art in one of the yards. Somebody was quite creative.
This Temple was an easy walk, being mostly flat. The weather is starting to deteriorate with rain in the near future. We are going to ask if we can stay at the temple. We would be happy to set up a tent or stay in a room if one is available. This temple is known for blessing children and to have an easy childbirth.
These objects were around the side of a building.
There was also a place for toys and stuffed animals.
The temple for children and easy childbirth.
We wrote down our question about staying here and gave it to the woman in the office. She told us yes, but we should return close to 4;30 when they are closing. There was a nice bench to sit under a shade tree. It was a good place to watch pilgrims come and go. A van pulled up filled with a group of pilgrims. They jumped out and walked quickly to the hondos. They said a sutra and returned quickly to the van. It seemed like they were on a mission to get the visit to this temple over quickly. They all had staffs which they pounded on the ground as they walked in unison. At 4;30 we returned to the office and were told that we could stay in a room, but it didn’t have a bathroom. There was a bathroom close by which totally worked for us. She unlocked the door for us and we were happy to have a place to call home tonight.
Again we are thankful that we have our sleeping bags.
Accommodation Temple 34 a Tsuyado
Miles hiked 14.5