Day 26: Kotohira to Imbari: Across the top of Shikoku
From Kotohira we crossed northern Shikoku to the small port/castle town of Imbari. At almost 75 miles, this was the longest day of the tour for us and we were more than pleased to arrive at our destination before dusk. Some of this ride was less than attractive, following the main coastal highway (the only choice in many areas, since nearby mountains rise up steeply to the south) through the most industrial part of the island. Given the opportunity, I'd like to revisit Shikoku some year and tour the interior and south, which is allegedly much quieter and wilder and has many interesting-sounding destinations.
Yet another great use for the bicycle - a drying rack for futon covers!
Avoiding the open canals, northern Shikoku. This one was easy; more typically, there would be cars or trucks zipping by on the right, making a sort of Japanese Scylla and Charybdis effect.
