July 7, 2015
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Kaina Station → Michi-no-Eki Bios Oogata (道の駅ビオス おおがた) Temples: None
Weather: Cloudy
Travel Method: Walking
Distance: 24.2 km
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The day starts early, too unjustly early for a departure. This is a good life, a good home, a good river outside, with good hills.
We have breakfast and I pack the last items into my backpack as my host starts the car. Where did the morning go?
My host and I have our last good chat on the way to Kubokawa station, where she’ll drop me off on the way to work.
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July 8, 2015
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Michi-no-Eki Bios Oogata (道の駅ビオス おおがた) → Shimonokae (下ノ加江)
Temples: None
Weather: Cloudy + Rain
Travel Method: Walking
Distance: 28 km
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Last night was meh. That sound synthesises a relatively comfortable spot (under a table), feeling comfortable (mostly not too hot or cold), a full belly (from snacks), general feeling of safety (could see incoming traffic), and a decent 8 hours of sleep (broken).
After forcing myself to sleep despite the sheen of sweat on my forehead, I drifted awake when the cool air sank in.
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July 9, 2015
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Shimonokae 下ノ加江 → Hirata Station (平田)
Temples: 38 (Kongōfuku-ji 金剛福寺)
Weather: Cloudy + Sunny
Travel Method: Walking + Bus + Train
Distance: 24.7 (+51.7) km
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I set my alarm for 5am and it’s barely twilight by the time I get out from the covers. Instantly, I regret laying out my dryish clothes last night; the humidity has tampered with them. Never mind. I pack and eat breakfast, finishing the rest of the cold barley tea from last night.
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July 10, 2015
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Hirata Station (平田) → Michi-no-Eki Mima 道の駅みま
Temples: 39 (Enkō-ji 延光寺), 40 (Kanjizai-ji 観自在寺)
Weather: Sunny with Clouds
Travel Method: Walking + Train + Bus + Train
Distance: 12 (+78.1) km
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Tired of trying to sleep, I get up at 4:30am.
I spent the past four hours lying on the hard plastic chairs – the ones that curve up into ridges – on the platform waiting room at Hirata station.
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