I thought we might meet the famous Nin when we got here, but she’s nowhere to be seen. Probably off playing games somewhere.
I was sure the Romans must have reached Japan. The road out of Fukoshima was long and straight for quite a few miles. Mrs Google tells me there is no evidence one knew of the other’s existance. There may be a new story line to be developed here – a simple twist of fate, a thunbs up in a parallel universe and the next gladiator was a Samurai. To be worked on.
Sorry, just monkeying around. As was the only one we saw today (others saw a troop, or barrel): when it saw us the next view was a nice pink arse. Which reminds me: the collective noun for butterflies is a kaleidescope or flutter. Think I prefer the former. We didn’t see many today, just a few large caterpillars hoping to make it to the other side of the road. Stripped bark from where Baloo had a good old rub meant I kept pee stops to a minimum.
A beautiful dam: Surikamigawa. Provides flood defence, hydro and water supply. The route was like riding around Llyn Brianne or Elan Valley – plus monkeys and no sheep. Lovely little ascent then dropped into the next very fertile valley, heading for Tendo.
Tomorrow we don the galoshes.
Travelling reflections 