National Geographic?

January 2, 2026 – Bora, Miyakojima – 59 km day ride – Minnkayado Intoparitosura

January 3, 2026 – Bora to near Hirara, Miyakojima – 28 kms – Hotel Pink Hibiscus 

January 4, 2026 – near Hirara, Miyakojima – 40 km day ride – island count: 13, with the addition of Kurimajima – total distance cycled: 873 kms

Ruth: We have been having fun every day during this week of stormy weather, but today the winds calmed and the sun came out. What a perfect day. 

We cycled the third of the inter-island bridges to Kurimajima yesterday. No turtle spotting on this bridge, but amazing hues of blue. We peeked at a number of coves and beaches before we returned to Miyako and found a sheltered place to snorkel. 

Equipped with my new waterproof floating bag for my camer (really, a glorified ziplock) I was ready to take some outstanding pictures and videos underwater. National Geographic here I come! Of course, with my glasses off I can’t focus on my phone. I was never sure if the video was on or off. I gave up on video and opted to take lots of still pictures instead. 

When we were finishing our snorkel we arrived at the beach, before realizing it was the wrong beach!!! Back into the water, where we swam around a point to our beach. 

After leaving the water I looked at my masterpieces, only to find I hadn’t taken any photos and two strange videos with hardly any fish. Perhaps I need more practice before National Geographic comes knocking.

It is now the next day, and we have just arrived on the island of Ishigaki.  It was a beautiful 100 km flight with spectacular views of several islands and their coral reefs.