Tokushima City to almost T20, 28.2 km
Another day, another deluge, although it did stop raining about 30 minutes before we arrived at our destination. From the comfort of our futons we now know that Shikoku took a whack from a tropical depression.
The first 10 kilometers were a rather tiring slog along busy highways to exit the city, and as a result Sam and Max took the bus option (a decision that was made before observing the weather) and I observed all the commercial enterprises that lined the highway. All are much more interesting as the majority of signs are in Kanji, so one can speculate what business is actually being carried on. The car dealerships are obvious, but the vehicles are intriguing. Here’s a look at Honda’s local lineup:
A 7/11 beckoned me to take shelter from the storm, but there was no shelter for my pack, so I wrapped it up in my poncho and hoped for the best (or at least put my faith in the dry bags inside it). After 2 coffees I braved the storm and arrived at the bus stop closest to the Temple at exactly the same time as the bus pulled up. After 2.5 hours this seemed like a very freaky coincidence. Maybe Kobo. Daishi is looking out for us after all!
There areno temple pics due to the storm, but T19 had a very peaceful and calm aura, despite the thunderclaps! We detoured slightly to get some lunch at a convenience store and to have somewhere dry to sit for a while. When we were leaving a woman offered us a ride to the next temple, but she was driving the tiniest of micro vans and there was no way the 3 of us would fit even if we nursed our packs. Too bad, as she seemed quite a character with hair dyed red and the most outrageous crocs I’ve ever seen! Being offered a ride is considered ‘”settai” – or a gift or donation to a pilgrim – and shouldn’t be refused. However the impossibility of the situation forced our hand.
Tonight we are in a ryokan at the base of the hill where Temple 20 is located. Tomorrow will be an interesting day!
2saunter 