Hotel Sakuraya, Miyajima 5.30pm Sunday 10th Jan 2016
Just relaxing in the foyer where there is a table and chairs after an incredible day hiking followed by another hot bath in the hotel’s onsen. Fortunately no trauma these past 2 days as I’ve had it to myself.
Blessed with a beautiful sunny day, we took off for the big hike to the top of Mt Misen. It’s only about 4km in total distance but it’s really steep with high steps so you had to get your knees up.
After about an hour I was sweating like a pig whilst Lynda looked like she had stepped out of a Norsca commercial in the 80’s.
I don’t have enough adjectives to describe the terrain other than stunning. There were a few endearing expletives coming from our mouths such as “that’s bullshit” and “no f…g way!” simply because we had nothing left to say about the beauty of the forest which is what you would expect from a world heritage listed area I suppose.
People who don’t know Lynda very well get the impression she’s a career school teacher with a Masters in Literacy and butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth. She does have an alter ego and it’s “Lynda from Heidelberg West”, which is where she spent her formative teenage years. Lynda from Heidelberg West barracks only for Collingwood and can’t understand why anyone wouldn’t, shops at Northland, where she dabbles in a bit of shoplifting, smokes Winnie Blues, eats white bread only and drinks 2 litres of Coke a day.
When Lynda from Heidelberg West comes out, it’s sometimes brutal but always compelling. Today wasn’t too harsh but the timing was perfect. We were about 40 mins into the walk, perfect day, incredible waterfalls and fauna and even a Buddhist bell going off every minute, which became the perfect soundtrack to our inner peace. Enter Lynda from Heidelberg West, “I tell ya what, if ya can’t find fucken Zen here, ya never will!”
I forgot to mention that just before you start the main ascent there is a little clearing and there was a big group of pensioners stretching with their guide. Now you’re probably thinking, that’s nice, good to see the oldies getting out. Well, these oldies, and there wouldn’t have been anyone under 70, were fully equipped with the latest gear and they look amazing. We joined in with them, smiled warmly and they completely outstretched us! A couple of them farted and we were the only one’s who laughed which wasn’t fair because once you cross 70 you can do what you like! The majority of people who climbed the mountain were elderly and their fitness levels are incredible.
A quick bit of history about this walk up Mt Misen. A Buddhist Kobo Daishi made his way to the summit in the year 806 AD. How the hell he did it is beyond me given he was probably wearing a robe and sandals. Somehow he got to the top and decided to meditate for 100 days. He also started a fire at the same time and that flame has been burning for 1200 years non- stop and is in a shrine near the summit. I bought a candle and wrote Corrie and Mia’s name on it and put it in front of the fire for good luck.
The actual summit has ridiculous views so here’s a couple of shots.
Then it was the descent and as we passed the Japanese all day we kept saying Konnichi-wa and it was interesting to see the poor buggers coming up, so exhausted that all they could get out was, “waah”!
I’ve made a big decision to follow the path to spiritual enlightenment that Kobo set. This is a transcript of a text and 2 photos I sent to my boss Drew today:
Dear Drew, I know that my plan to be an Art Director with Martin Scorsese in NYC on my last holiday didn’t quite come to fruition but I’m sure you’ll agree I recovered to put in a sterling year supporting you in 2015, despite my misgivings over your tyrannical leadership behaviours. I now believe, after 2 weeks in Japan that I have found my calling and upon my return to Melbourne will be taking 100 days stress leave to meditate at my own retreat in the You Yangs. These attached photos will demonstrate my positioning over the 100 days. I wish you well. Kind and Gentle Regards with Zero Malice Intended Ever, Willow.
Drew replied this evening:
Dear Ian, that’s terrific. Given you’ve relinquished the need for anything of a material nature, please have your wardrobe full of Charles Tyrwhitt shirts dry cleaned and sent to the office, and while I think of it drop the company car off as well as no self-respecting Buddhist would want to taint their third eye with something so grandiose would they? Also, you’re fired. Good luck and don’t let the door hit your arse on the way out. Yours Sincerely in the Utmost Extreme, Drew
I’ll schedule a meeting when I get back. I’m sure he doesn’t mean that.
Finally, we ended up at the local aquarium which was pretty impressive. Our 2 favourites were a giant toad whose latin name was bufo japonicas, and he didn’t look happy with it! The other major highlight was the biggest sea lion we’ve ever seen. It looked like our dearly departed chocolate labrador Rosie, except Rosie had just eaten 20 bean bags! It was magnificent and very funny, particularly making the 2 attempts to get out of the pool for some sun baking.
Up early to Okayama tomorrow. Not sure what to expect as always but that’s half the fun. Hope things have calmed down a bit in the West with those bloody fires. Goodnight, Cheers Willow & Lynda.
