Another day riding the Shimanami Kaido and Camping
We awoke, excited to continue our adventure on the Shiminami Kaido route. The cycling is superb with an incredible infrastructure. It is so well organized with excellent signage and blue lines painted on the road to guide you along the way. No need for GPS or google maps. It is also accessible to riders of many abilities. Riding on the islands follows mostly flat terrain. Climbing to and descending from the height of the suspension bridges is a circuitous route reducing the gradient to 3% which makes it accessible. You can count on the climb being 1-2 Km in length.
It was indeed a cold night in the tent. We awoke to the sunrise and enjoyed the quiet solitude that comes with camping away from crowds. We have learned that hotel prices are much higher on the weekend, so camping is a good alternative. Our campground was made up of mostly cyclists with a few motorbike/scooters as well- we were the only foreigners. We got to meet a few of our neighbours and one fellow from Osaka, invited us over for a “party”. On a portable wood fuelled barbq, he prepared chicken pieces and gyoza, plus he poured a dram of Nagoya Scotch for us. What a delightful way to be welcomed into the world of Japanese camping with a local cyclist. We were all tired, so after half an hour we retired to our respective tents.
We awoke early to a beautiful sunrise over the Inland Seto Sea.
Barry, as usual, got up first and enjoyed the peaceful morning quiet of a campground by the sea. He watched a heron across the bay sitting on a rock, perhaps taking in the warmth of the early morning sun.
Pictured below is the beach in front of our tent. Paradise, indeed.
Our campground is on a wee island, Michikajima, with access part way across the second bridge called Hakata-Oshima (when coming from Imabari). There is no signage for the campground, just a sign identifying the name of the Island, Michikajima with a paved route down to the campground.
Being the weekend, the campground is busier than weekdays, yet still very quiet. We are the tent on the far right, closest to the bathrooms. There is also a large washing up area with several sinks.
We joined the fellow who has the Nemo tent for a party/visit last night. He had a weekend free, so he took the same overnight ferry we took from Osaka (a few days later), rode to the campground for an overnight stay. He will return to Osaka tonight on the same overnight ferry. Impressive.
A view of the campground showing the washing area and the suspension bridge above. If you are looking for the campground and miss the sign, you can see the campground from the bridge.
We enjoyed visiting with this young man, Yuki from Hiroshima. He rides a lovely Kona bike and he has a talent for creating and making beautiful functional items like his bike packing bags.
Yuki was one of the first campers to come over and visit with us. His sewing and design is impeccable, as shown by the frame bag he had made. So often in Japan, we see people “living their passions”.
On the next island, Hatakajima, is a Glamping campground where you can swim with the dolphins in an enclosed area off shore. Somehow, our free camping offered us more of what we are looking for, rather than a stay here for about $300.,
Keith Adams$300?! Yikes! I don't stay in hotels that often so much, let alone a campground even if it is "glamping". I'm definitely in agreement with your choice. "Free" is my favorite price. Reply to this comment 5 months ago
A problem we will have today is making time and distance. Michi-no-Ekis are plentiful along the route, and we do like to stop and check them out. This Michi is next door to the glamping camp.
Before visiting Japan, we had no idea that sweet treats would be such a big thing here. And they are so tasty. Thank goodness we ride everyday, or else we might not fit in the plane for our return.
What a strange occurrence- first of all, we met Tim, a Canadian. Secondly, he knows Saltspring Island and his wife is related to a woman in my book club. Small world.
Barry BartlettYes, it was amazing.
Also….. I have tried to respond to your comment asking for our hotel name in Onomichi but the link isn’t in the journal. We stayed at Onomichi Kokusai Hotel. Thank you so much as I discovered that most of the captions for that day had disappeared. Have just updated that.
Mary Ellen Reply to this comment 6 months ago
We have had an extraordinary day….sightseeing, multiple Michi-no-Eki’s, meeting new people, etc. The only downside of this is that we ran out of time. At dusk, we found a field with bathrooms (part of a pool complex) and we set up camp. So glad we brought our tent.
Today's ride: 35 km (22 miles) Total: 133 km (83 miles)
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Scott AndersonThis is such an outstanding route, and such an impressive infrastructure investment. Biking it was one of the greatest highlights of our tour 15 years ago. Reply to this comment 6 months ago
