Day 49 – Zenkanyado

I had a wonderful breakfast with the nicest hosts. I left at 8 am to Temple 67 and arrived shortly. Temple 68 and 69 are together and a bit of a hike away. I arrived at noon and ran into my German ohenro friend. While we were talking a Japanese couple walked up and started talking to us. Very nice couple. They wanted to know what we thought of Shikoku and ohenro. We have only positive experience to share. The husband says he plans to walk next year. Off to Temple 70, where I am to call for my ride to the Zenkanyado. I stop for cash at the post office and talk to the two ladies inside. They were happy for the distraction on a slow day. Temple 70 is quite nice and I send a note for pickup. The gentleman comes and gets me and a Canadian. He makes us dinner and teaches us about Kobo Daishi. Incredible guy. He hosts between 100 and 150 ohenro a year. Free inn and he cooks for us too. Unbelievable. His reputation is stellar for a reason. Such a great day! Oh, two ossetai today. The first happened when I walked up to a sweetshop to look at the toy collection. The owner runs to the door with a cookie and mochie. I hand her my nameslip. The second was a lady on a bike who ran into her bakery and gave me a sweetroll. She received my nameslip as well. Such amazing people on Shikoku.