The Long Hike

Kumano Kodo Trip - Day 4
I got up early, knowing I had a long way to go that day.  Look at the breakfast that was served to me!

I put this wonderful lunch in my pack and waved good-bye to my hostess. I was on my way about 7 am.

First thing, the Cherry Tree Hidehira Zakura

 

Next, the stone chair of Seimei Abeno, then Kobiro-oji.

 Many times the trail followed a stream through a low area.  The wet mossy stones were a little scary to walk on - for good reason!  I slid and fell more than a few times.

Occasionally, I wasn't sure which way to go and had to stop and pull out the map.

I just can't imagine wearing straw sandals on this uneven trail! No wonder that they wore out quickly.

I had seen on the map ahead of time that there was a detour, but I didn't know the reason for it until I got to it - a typhoon in September 2011. I think both the original route and the detour were up hill.

October 1081! I can't imagine!

I stopped here to take a break and when I left, I went in the wrong direction!  I added about an hour to my walk because of it.  Taihen desu.

Later, I stopped and ate the first half of my lunch.  There was so much that I saved the rest for the next day.

This was a long day and I couldn't dilly dally at any one place because I had to get where I was going before the sun went behind the hills. There were so many interesting places that I did stop to take pictures and read the signs.

Hosshinmon-oji is one of the bigger, more well known shrines.

Finally, after walking about 22 kilometres (maybe longer because of getting lost!), I arrived at Hongu Taisha.  It was late in the day so I took a few pictures and got on the bus for the 15 minute ride to Yunomine Onsen, where I would be spending the night.  I decided I could come back here later in the trip when I wasn't so tired.

Here's where I stayed that night. My supper was served in my room. After a soak in the onsen, I was asleep fast.

I'll post more of the trip in a few days.