Day 12 – Ichi The Hostel
Well after a very nice night in the onsen, I took off a 7 am for Temple 22. My logic was I would hit 22 and then have a nice flat day to Temple 23. I thought it would be 35 to 40 km tops. A rough day on the feet but very flat so doable. Before I leave, a gentleman gives me ossetai of some beer nuts and wishes me well. I stop at Lawsons for breakfast and some lunch snacks because there is no food on the way to 23. Up and over a hill and a long road walk and I reach Temple 22. While I am there, I realize that a funeral service is about to happen. I stay out of the way and wish everyone well. While I am there, I notice a young Japanese lady with a shaved head. Could this be the monk in training I have read about? I leave 22 and head for route 55 which is the most direct route to Hiwasa. I walk and walk and finally stop in a ohenro hut by the side of 55. 10 minutes later the monk and an older Japanese lady join me resting the in the hut. We end up walking together for sometime and the monk clearly knows the path. Unfortunately for me, I want route 55 and she is taking the traditional path…and more scenic. Anyway, I soon realize it is too late to turn back and I just added 5 or more kms to my day. The path is beautiful and it is hilarious listening to the two ladies banter back and forth. We reached the elderly lady’s car and she is off. This moment is when I realize that the monk in training is exactly who I think she is and she was an English major in college….who hates English. We walk together for some time but I finally decide I need to get to my hostel before my feet say no. I roll into my hostel around 6 pm and 45 kms on my step counter. My feet hate me. The hostelier is awesome and speaks fluent English. He sends me to his friends restaurant for dinner. Well, there is no menu. The friend completely freestyles a four course Japanese comfort food dinner. Excellent! Seriously one of my favorite meals all time. I head back to the hostel with a happy tummy. I crawl in bed only to have my feet throb until 1 am or so. Yeah, my feet hate me. I decide to sleep in and take it easy the next day. Good night all.