We’re finally done training on the whole 100km course…ok, well in sections…over a couple of weeks. Actually quite a bit more than the 100k if you count the hell that was CP6-7 as we got ourselves lost for, yes, a second time yesterday.
Happily it was bright and fabulously sunny. While waiting for the bus at Shin-Matsuda we came upon, then strolled down, Romance Street and watched the loved-up community doing a spot of communal grate/drain cleaning. Very impressive. Big hoses. We were in high spirits, started at a good pace (for us), with the ipods blaring (which is never a good idea on a mountain road, when you’re dancing down it and don’t see the little white truck trying to get around you…sorry rural folk…or more horrifically that long, thin brown SNAKE). And If you see a sign for Manyo Park, take it, even though it’s not in the TW photo book…and the directions are slightly ambiguous at the multi-signed crossroads. Alternatively you could go completely in the wrong direction, a further 5k out of your way down steep muddy slopes, across rivers with no bridges, up the rootiest mountain ever…and finally (amazingly) find a random sign somewhere at the top. Take that.
Yep, another day of hilarity, a spoonful of Soundtrack panic, a pinch of pain, with finally a big dollop of relief. Met fellow helpful hikers, wonderfully kind locals with plenty of bath and noodle suggestions and new Oxfam friends. Big thanks and hello to Yusuke from Norton Fighters, whom we met while we were taking a break from sliding down to Suruga-Oyama. Great to meet you and trail talk. So today we've somewhat recovered and are fully into planning for our little Tokyo Trail this weekend (come join us!), then visiting the magic hands of the amazing Chinese doctors for a little re-alignment and getting ready for the final Soundtrackers arrival. Can’t wait. 6 sleeps til Nat, 11 til TW.
Lost & Found, we remember...
Today's walking inspired track:
Going the Distance -Cake (chokky, please...)
Today's walking inspired quote:
There is no finish line. ~Nike ad. (oh, dear...)
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