April 7
We had the house to ourselves last night and the house being away from any road noise resulted in a very peaceful sleep. We were up by 5 and started to hike by 6. About 30 minutes later, I asked Don where he had put his white bag that he usually carries around his neck. I thought that for some reason he had packed it, but no it was sitting on top of the refrigerator back at the Henro House. We were close to the Bekkaku temple that we had visited yesterday so I stayed with the packs while Don went back to get his bag. We were reminded when we were with Takumi at the beginning of the hike he would always ask us if we had everything. We got a little lazy, lesson well learned. The hike today is going up to the highest elevation of the 88 Pilgrimage route. We will top off around 2980 feet. Most people visiting this temple will use the ropeway to go to the top. We didn’t see anyone using the trail going up or going down. It is about 10 miles of hiking till we reach the temple. One can tell that the path hasn’t been used a lot this season. At one point we followed a trail that went to a very isolated house. Upon arriving there we realized that this was not correct. Half way up this trail was a mailbox which meant the mail person had a bit of a walk to get there. Getting back on track, we took our time making sure the trail we were on was the right one. Fortunately the weather was great, blue skies and nice temperature. This is the main temple that we will be visiting today as we have been told that there are a lot of things to see.
Finally we made it to the road that leads to the temple.
An encouraging sign…..and then this sign
That was quite the hike! We entered the temple from the side so we had to find the way to the gate. We left our packs near the badgers, figuring they would watch them for us.
We headed directly to the gate figuring we could check out the temple once we had properly entered it.
Next to the gate was this eggplant. We were not sure what the numbers mean
After the gate we went to the water purification basin.
And then walking up the steps to enter into the temple grounds.
At the top of the steps was prayer wheels that you can turn while praying.
Then there were more turtles.
Numerous statues
We meditated in front of a hall
And mixed with the other pilgrims.
Most of the pilgrims visiting this temple used the ropeway to get here. There was a steady stream of people coming and going from the ropeway station.
As we walked past some of the buildings we saw more eggplant related items.
At one building you could buy paper egg plants and put then on a eggplant sculpture that you could walk thru.
We were not sure of all the proper etiquette, but were definitely intrigued. One path led to the observatory which had a large statue on the top.
The inside of the observatory had a spiral staircase that took you to the top. On the sides were beautiful painting of the pilgrimage.
We took a photo from the top looking at the ropeway.
And of the valley that we will be going down to find our campground tonight.
It was hazy in the distance, most likely polution from China since there are no fires in the area.
I could see how it would be easy to spend a half day here. I am glad that we did just that. It was time to leave so we headed over to the road that would take us to the dirt path that would take us down the mountain.
This sign pointed the way for walkers.
As we proceeded down the road we passed some of the 500 stone statues of saints who gathered when Buddha reached Nirvana. They were from all walks of life and had various expressions on their faces.
Hard to describe all the statues.
As we headed down the trail, we tried to follow the trail that would take us to the foot of the ropeway and be more direct, but the main trail which was easy to follow didn’t go that way. We stayed with the main trail realizing that our miles walking would be longer. It was a good trail and not to steep. Eventually we came to a road and realized that we had to go back up some before continuing down. Such is the life of the Pilgrim. At least we know where we are. We pass some colorful fish flags blowing in the wind.
Shortly after that we are the entrance to Hagiwara (B16) We stop in to take a look.
It is so quiet compared to Upenji that we had just visited.
Beautiful in its own way.
We see the lake that we are camping at and realize that we have to walk around it to get to the campground.
We enjoy camping on lakes so hiking there is okay.
When we arrive to the campground, there are quite a few folks there having picnics. We wonder if they will be camping, but soon they are gone and quiet has returned to the park. Don heads to a nearby Family Mart while I set up the tent. Taking notice of the sign that says beware of wild pigs. (in English)
Once again we are camped in a forest of cherry trees.
Another fulfilling day of our Pilgrimage. Today upon reaching temple 66 we entered into Kagawa Prefecture which represents Nirvana. Maybe all of the stone statues were wishing us well as we are entering our last stage of the 88 Pilgrimage route. This prefecture includes the temples 66-88.
Accommodation Camping at Hagi-no-oka Park
Miles walked 20