Tails from the Road

Countdown

Thu, 07 Sep 2006 19:32:00 +0000

I've arrived in Japan! After a lovely long flight, I'm in my host family's house (the folks I stayed with 2 years ago on the Associated Kyoto Program) enjoying their open wireless and watching Japanese TV with my host dad. I'll go shopping tomorrow and will visiting Kyoto tomorrow in preparation for my departure on monday for parts unknown!

site updated!

Thu, 03 Aug 2006 22:46:00 +0000

As I sat with my brother talking, I took a bunch of pictures from my 2 different trips to pilgrimage temples on Shikoku and uploaded them! Feel free to go to the gallery section and poke through the images. Unfortunately they are not in order, but that is the way of things. I put a number of pictures up that I felt represented the many sides of the pilgrimage; from the most traditional misty clouds and temple roofs poking through the foliage to the hearts of big cities as the path meanders around the island. No picture is separate from the identity of the pilgrimage and only through understanding all of them does the truth become clear. Well, at least, that's what I think.^^ Enjoy!

Preparations

Tue, 04 Jul 2006 11:14:00 +0000

I've been working on preparing now (when I have a break from work that is!). The whole process of gathering the needed equipment as well as going for long hikes with pack at weight are quite tiring. The process of finding good footwear and socks is especially important and especially difficult. Ah well. In the end, if this all makes it such that my feet won't be killing me, it will be worth it, eh? I'm really looking forward to performing the pilgrimage as well as just to return to Japan. Till next time!

Going to Japan

Tue, 13 Jun 2006 09:32:00 +0000

Well, I purchased tickets last night! I'll be heading to Japan on September 6th and returning November 16th. I'm really excited to have the tickets and in my preparations. Part of this is new boots for foot support - better to start caring for one's feet before one goes than trying to solve issues after they start. I'm also looking into a tent for those nights when I don't have a place to stay. Besides, with the advent of Kintaro Walks Japan as well as many other pilgrims who camp on the route, it seems that camping out isn't an issue - as long as you don't spend longer than a single night.

In any case, things are falling into place. I'm not sure I'm going to be able to take my staff with me due to its length and its possible usage as a weapon in the eyes of airport security. Oh well.

To the future and beyond!

Welcome

Wed, 24 May 2006 13:30:00 +0000

遍路話 - へんろはなし - Henro Hanashi - Tales of the Road

This journal will stand as my online recount of my pilgrimage(s) around the island of Shikoku. I am currently planning a trip this fall (from September) in which I will finish from Temple 19 where I was forced to stop last time.

In any case, I hope this will be a useful account for all of you folks who are at all interested in Shikoku and the 88 temple pilgrimage and enjoy!

楽しみに！
Please look forward to it