Kumado Kodo Rain Does Not Dampen Our Enthusiasm

    

Today we walked from Takahara to Chikatsuyu. We walked a total of 12 kilometers and an elevation of 480 meters or 1575 feet of ascent and 520 meters or 1700 feet of descent. It was rainy, so you need to understand that steep ascents and descents with the terrain pictured below is not easy! We saw a group of elderly Japanese slipping, sliding and tripping. It's not dangerous unless you fall off the side, but the possibilities of smashing some teeth, twisting an ankle or bruising your coccyx are very real. We walked quite carefully down the slippery path but we weren't under time pressure and it was a very beautiful trail. 

The trail is composed mainly of tree roots and mossy stones. You spend most of the time focusing on each step over the undulating damp forest terrain only stopping to admire the spectacular scenery.

The photos will show what a wonderful walk we had. No need to go into detail.  Shrines, dense forests, streams...

When we arrived at Chikatsuyu, we wandered into the Kumado Kodo Nakahechi Art Museum which contains some modern Japanese art.

View of the mountains from Chikatsuyu is amazing.  We stayed at Minshuku Chikatsuyu and had a wonderful meal by chef Mum.

Aubergine and sashimi

Fish and chips and fried rice

A Japanese hotspot of meats, tofu, vegetables and broth from the hot springs.

What a great day! Looking forward to a long journey tomorrow.