Fortunate Cat – Wednesday, March 27, 2019

  • Wednesday, March 27, 2019, Day 14
  • Temple #31, #32, & #33
  • Kōchi City, Japan
  • Weather: 50-55 degrees with blue skies
  • Miles 10.8 (ferry) / Total 162.5

A cat loving family in Kōchi raised a cat. The family’s name appeared on the cat. Thereafter the family was blessed with prosperity. This Fortunate Cat is dedication to the faithfulness of the good cat that brought good fortune to the family.

  1. Fortunate Cat
  2. Design at Temple #33
  3. Pagoda Temple #32

Sedge Hat – Wednesday, March 27, 2019

  • Wednesday, March 27, 2019, Day 14
  • Temple #31, #32, & #33
  • Kōchi City, Japan
  • Weather: 55-65 degrees with blue skies
  • Miles 10.8 (ferry) / Total 162.5

The sedge hat is part of the pilgrim attire. Four phrases of enrichment are written in Sanskrit on the hat. Though many henros faithfully wear the sedge hat, some henros find new owners for the hat.

My Parisian friend believes the sedge hat should be worn so poisonous snakes dropping from trees would slide off. I haven’t found anyone to support this notion; however, signs do warn of poisonous snakes.

  1. Sledge Hat
  2. Makino Botanical Garden
  3. Sledge Hat

To Walk- Tuesday, March 26, 2019

  • Tuesday, March 26, 2019, Day 13
  • Temple #29 & #30
  • Kōchi City, Japan
  • Weather: 50-55 degrees with blue skies
  • Miles 12.7 / Total 151.7

How to walk Shikoku 88 Buddhist Temples? With help from others. Is luck or providence that brings individuals most needed into our lives?

Anne R. is a Dane with a cherub face and glowing smile. She taught me how to find the roadside markings and savor cups of hot water. Well traveled, she finds a memento pebble from each place to added to her rock collection. I loved her brilliant idea of taking a day off without the backpack and walking along the coast. The temples will still be there.

Naomi N. is Japanese and had the most amazing calming effect on me. I met her days into walking and still needing training wheels. There were times anxiety clenched my chest. From the moment I met Naomi, I felt calm…Let go. All will sort itself out. Sheepishly I mentioned this to Naomi. In the most natural fashion she replied we were probably family in past lives.

Arnold S. is Canadian and glides alone each day with the serenity of Buddha and with the experience of walking 88 temples four times. He is a fountain of knowledge. Arnold carries an endless supple if tiny Canadian flag lapel pins to give as ossetia. He “freed” me of the notion I must only walk. There’s no virtue walking miles and miles alone busy highways when a train or bus can make the day more enjoyable. Kindly he mentions remarkable places or routes I might over look. I start my day solo walking and when least expected, there he is. How nice to have a familiar face and anchor.

  1. Anne R.
  2. Naomi N. and the “Kane-ishi,” a large rock. It is believed that the noise created when you hit this rock with a small rock will reach the spirits of those who have passed away.
  3. Naomi N. and Arnold S.

Design – Tuesday, March 26, 2019

  • Tuesday, March 26, 2019, Day 13
  • Temple #29 & #30
  • Kōchi City, Japan
  • Weather: 50-55 degrees with blue skies
  • Miles 12.7 / Total 151.7

There is a purity in Japanese design. From ink and brush writing, to topiary trees, to stark hotel room there is quiet elegance. Just the right amount of detail and absence.

  1. Temple #30
  2. Temple # 30
  3. Hotel room staged as my nightly laundromat

Five-Year Olds – Tuesday, March 26, 2019

  • Tuesday, March 26, 2019, Day 13
  • Temple #29 & #30
  • Kōchi City, Japan
  • Weather: 50-55 degrees with blue skies
  • Miles 12.7 / Total 151.7

Beneath a budding cherry tree sat dozens of extremely well behaved 5-years old students with their teachers close at hand. Arnold approached the teachers for permission to pass out ossetia, Canadian lapel pins. Each child held their cupped hands together patiently waiting for this unexpected treat. Little voices replied, “Thank you,” “Thank you very much,” and “Canada.” Perhaps this henro has fostered a future Ambassador to Canada.

  1. Five-Year Olds with Teachers
  2. Arnold’s Ossetia
  3. Arnold’s Ossetia

Snafu – Monday, March 25, 2019

  • Monday, March 25, 2019, Day 12
  • Temple # 28
  • Kōnan City, Japan
  • Weather: 50-55 degrees with blue skies becoming overcast
  • Miles 18 (train & car) / Total 139

A snafu happened with my accommodation reservation. When I arrived, all the rooms were occupied and the office closed. Several of the guests helped to locate accommodations at a nearby Airbnb. Quite a feat when you considered they spoke Japanese and I spoke English. Thanks to smartphone technology and google translation my dilemma was solved. A perfect recovery. The Airbnb hostess picked me up and sorted things out most professionally and personable. I could not have asked for a nicer evening.

  1. Nesting in my latest room. The blanket draped over the table had a blow-heater so my feet were most comfortable
  2. Plant
  3. Dinner

Magnificent – Monday, March 25, 2019

  • Monday, March 25, 2019, Day 1
  • Temple # 28
  • Kōnan City, Japan
  • Weather: 50-55 degrees with blue skies becoming overcast
  • Miles 18 (train & car) / Total 139

Into every life should be decadent desserts. The Seaside Resort cantilevered over the ocean offering a magnificent coast view and equally magnificent desserts.

  1. Beach view of Seaside Resort
  2. Arther at Seaside Resort
  3. Linda Henro