Epilogue: Reflections (12 May 2019)
I followed the green line back to the Bando rail station. My shoulders were heavy with a touch of sadness that my ohenro was finished. As I boarded the train, a handful of fresh ohenro were getting off with smiles on their faces and quickness in their steps. They were excited about the journey to…
Keep readingDays 50 and 51: Back to Bando (22 and 23 April 2019)
Most pilgrims seem to agree that one has to return to the temple where one’s ohenro began in order to complete the circle of the walk. I agree because in my book of signed pages, there is a page that is reserved for the seals, signature, and date of completion. After leaving the onsen lodging…
Keep readingDay 49: The 88th Temple (21 April 2019)
I awoke with the ze cocho (good spirits) feeling. It was time to walk to the 88th and final temple, Okuboji. I looked back on all of the experiences of the past weeks – people met, kindness shown, and entering and leaving 87 previous temples. I was overwhelmed. Our minshuku host was filled with vigor…
Keep readingDay 48: Nearing the End (20 April 2019)
A happy/sad feeling came over me as I neared Temple 86, Shidoji. The journey that I had taken 15 months to prepare for was almost over. I’ll post several blogs about ohenro after I finish and can let the experiences sink in. For now, the happiness comes from completing the walk physically, mentally, and spiritually.…
Keep readingDay 47: Looking for George, Nakashima, That Is (19 April 2019)
Kondo-san warned me that the mountain climbs in Kagama prefecture were the steepest of the journey because their shapes were more cone-like. He was right about the paths up and down from Temples 84, Yashimaji, and 85, Yakuji. On the way down from Yakuriji, the road sign stated – 21% grade – the highest number…
Keep readingDay 46: Touring Takamatsu (18 April 2019)
Since I was ahead of schedule to complete the pilgrimage, I decided to spend time in Takamatsu before checking in to my hotel. Sharon and I were here for a day in November 2017. We went to the Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum and the Ritsurin Garden. We had no time for other touring. I stayed…
Keep readingDay 45: At the Hondo (17 April 2019)
Today was light, a 10 mile walk from near Temple 81 down the mountain to Temple 83. As I entered the trail, a warning sign was posted to be aware of wild boars in the area. Other than the friendly heads-up, I could not read about what to do if I faced one of these…
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