A spectacular day of riding along the coast

We did well paying attention to the weather forecast. Yesterday was not a good riding day as the rains were torrential and lasted throughout the day. We hunkered in, enjoyed our comfy room and watched the rain pound on our windows.
Also as predicted, the storm was finished by this morning, just in time for us to head out. The air was so fresh and clear….a good sign.

Our trikes had a good spot at the entrance to the hotel…undercover and protected.

It is a beautiful morning after the storm. Everything looks bright and fresh.

Our room had plenty of room for us to not get stir crazy and to relax. Yesterday, we watched the trees blowing in the wind and the water on our decks filling with water.

This statue is quite striking in front of the hotel.

These fellows work for the Golf Club. They were very interested in our trikes and waved us off.

After yesterday, it is a joy to see the dappled sunlight on the bushes and the grass.

We love Michi-no-Ekis and find it difficult to ride on by and not stop. This kind of makes our attempt not to stop early in the ride as we can lose time easily. Nonetheless, we will check it out.

We’re parking our trikes with the”big boys”.

We made a good decision to stop. This Michi is excellent and exemplifies the mandate of showcasing local products, crafts, farm produce and foods of the area. Being Golden Week, the Michi had brought in local entertainers and activities for children. The place was hopping.

Wow, the local produce and food section was top notch. One of the best we have visited in some time.

Baby corn and regular cobs of corn for sale…. The sticker shock of 2 cobs of corn costing 750¥, roughly $7 Cdn. was a surprise.

Strawberries, oranges and mandarins are in season. We have been eating a lot of strawberries fresh from the farm. Delicious.

Local watermelon. The Japanese stores don’t miss a thing. Watermelons are always displayed sitting on an acrylic ring which keeps them upright and in pristine condition…no bruising.

Local bamboo shoots and rakkyo. Rakkyo is a type of onion that is mild and sweet and is commonly used in Japanese and Asian cuisine. The bulbs smell like mild garlic, onion and leek.

It is the law…Bartlett law that is. When you visit a Michi, you must have soft serve.

Two local music groups were performing at the Michi. The atmosphere was electric with a large crowd of people in attendance, shopping, enjoying the entertainment, kids participating in activities. It was fun being at the Michi. Golden Week has made interesting time to be here.

We see more small dogs in baby carriers than babies. Babies are generally carried in a sling by their mom or dad.

Liked this sign that is for a restaurant with live music and serving coffee and food.

Hamaoka Sand Dunes and beach is a popular and beautiful spot. This family are building a shelter from driftwood.

The Pacific Coast in Japan is incredible and a Mecca for surfers, swimmers and people spending time at the beach.

It always gives us a start as we ride past a Nuclear Power Station.

The ride has been lovely so far today. We are approaching the Omaezaki Coast and lighthouse which we have heard great things about.

It is a bonus when the cycle lane is good like this and separated from the cars.

Oh yes, here we are with a beautiful view of the coast and the lighthouse. What a day!

A freighter off shore and wind surfers taking advantage of the surf and wind.

A family enjoying finding treasures on the beach.

It is Golden Week and Saturday, which means there are so many people, families and of course, hordes of motorcycles. We have reached the lighthouse and can see this is a popular spot.

Wherever we go during Golden Week, we see special activities for children. The Japanese army had set up some special events like this one. They provided army attire for little kids and their parents and then they would pose on the top of the jeep. It was a very popular event for all ages.

This was very popular too. Think of a hamster running in his wheel…well this is similar. A child would be in the this cushy round tube and run to make it turn.

The lighthouse is atop a hill and to get there, you must climb and climb.

Barry enjoyed the view from the top but he didn’t go into the lighthouse as there was a long lineup and we still have a distance to ride.

The lighthouse has been there since 1874

At the top, after countless steps, Barry reached the lighthouse and more festivities for Golden Week. Proud Coast Guard volunteers provided info about the lighthouse and were holding down Koi Windsocks from taking off in the wind. The windsocks will be strung up to soarin the wind in recognition of Children’s Day.

The Koi windsocks from the previous photo will be added to this soon.

Unfortunately the lineup was lengthy to enter the lighthouse and only a few people were allowed in at a time. We have many km to go so Barry opted to give it a miss.

A lighthouse has been at this spot on Cape Omeazaki since 1635 when the Shogun recognized the frequency of marine accidents along this coast. More info is provided in the photos below.

….and away they go. We bought small koi windsocks earlier this trip to have on our trikes. We got them because we like them, but we had no idea It would bring such joy and smiles to locals who come up to talk to us. They really appreciate that we are participating in one of their traditions.

We met these two fellows Will and Evan who are from Edmonton, Canada. They started their trip in Tokyo and are riding their lovely new bikes. We had a great visit with them, talked Stanley Cup hockey and shared tips. We have been riding an incredible cycle road down small roads in neighborhood and along,the ocean. We were excited,to learn that it continues for about 20 km.

A bit of a generational divide when it comes to selfies…we are getting better at taking them, but we deferred to their expertise and in seconds Evan had it done. We wish them well on their travels.

Oh, the joys of a car free tunnel for walkers and cyclists.

How lovely…we will be by the sea for awhile. This beach is beautiful and full of surfers and families.

Statue of Liberty - not sure why it’s here but it seems to be a popular spot for photos.

We’re thinking that this beautifully coiffed poodle has just realized….oh no, I’ve missed the Met Gala.

Mary Ellen’s single room offered the bonus of a WIDE screen tv.

We have finally made it to our destination..Route Inn Hotel in Yaizu. The riding today has been exceptional, except for when we got closer to the hotel. We are staying close to the Expressway Toll highway which means that many roads are off limits to bikes. Google Maps was no help, so after lots of zig zagging we gratefully pulled in to our hotel, hot and tired. There were so many motorcyclists at the hotel and we managed to squeeze into a spot. Tonight, no Konbinis, no shopping…we will eat at the hotel. In Japan, we have seen many restaurants and bars that offer “all you can drink in an hour” for 1200 yen, ( about $12.00 CAN.) The Route Inn Hotel Restaurant offered it to its customers . One beer was plenty for us.

Have not been drinking beer very much on this trip, but we thoroughly enjoyed this freshly pulled pint. Hotels are fully booked and we were able to get two single rooms. We saw other couples who had to do this as well.

The mascot for Route Inn Hotels is this cute little lamb. We are both knackered…off to bed.

Today's ride: 62 km (39 miles)
Total: 761 km (473 miles)

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