Fair Weather means Time to Camp: Temples 41-43

Ruth: It’s not that I don’t like ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), but we have stayed in so many lately that I have been wanting a bit of a change. In addition, we keep passing perfect camping spots. Camping in Japan is quite a treat if you manage to find the right spot. Sometimes they are not at the right distance and you just have to admire them wistfully as you pass them by. Yesterday, after passing a lovely park at midday, we pressed on towards our destination where a camping spot was marked in our guide book. We found the only place that resembled a camping spot, but it didn’t appear to have any public facilities associated with the tent platforms. After a few inquiries, a family staying in one of the adjacent rental cabins let us take a shower in their cabin. Once again I am blown away by the generosity of the people on Shikoku. Clean and refreshed we went to the park below to camp near a washroom block. It was a beautiful spot next to a pond full of lily pads and koi. 

The last three temples have been lovely places to sit and relax while I wait for Gord. 

We had an unpleasant ride and walk through six kilometres of big box stores and car dealerships around midday today in the suburbs of Ozu.  It was about 26 degrees, and the only shade was at one spot where a motorway crossed above us.  Things improved immensely when we arrived at our destination accommodation, which is located on a long street of heritage homes in Uchiko.  Some of the houses are more than 200 years old, and they have been well-restored and maintained.