Day 16: 88 Temples (36) - Susaki

I woke just before 6am and was walking at 6:20.  I wanted to make the 10:05am ferry and cut out about 10km.  I stopped, more like slowed, at a vending machine for a got black coffee.  I then saw a Henro coming towards me from the wrong direction.  I think I heard him leave the hotel about 15 minutes before me.  He indicated he forgot his sedge hat.



I walked with purpose and my lap counter was calling out 16-17 minute miles.  I went through a long CO2 filled tunnel and it wasn't until I reached the ocean I realized I missed a path turn off that took me over the mountain above the tunnel.  Just as well, saved some distance and a steep climb.  I was starting to think I would make the ferry.



I got to the temple and as I left it was only about 8:40 and I only had 4km to the ferry.  I saw the Brazilians coming and gave them encouragement that they could make the ferry.  I relaxed a bit but still caught up to a couple of Henro.  They were a Dutch couple, Leander and Marion, on their way to the ferry.  We started talking and walked quite far past the ferry which was very hard to find.



I messaged Fabiane how long it took from the main road and a picture of the dock to help them find it.  She said they were going to give up any attempt to make it.  A few minutes later they appeared.  Just after they gave up someone offer them a lift to the ferry.  The forgetful sedge Henro also made the ferry.  There where 8 Henro.



The ferry was to make 5 stops before ours but as nobody was getting off and nobody was waiting at the dock the pilot just did drive-bys.



There was a conbini just around the corner and just about all the Henro rushed in for food.  I was starving.


The Dutch and I chose the forest road while most others took the flatter main road.  I was very happy with the forest road.  It climbed a bit more but there were almost no cars and there was lots of shade.  I caught up to the Dutch at a Henro shelter and we had a chat.



I got near the hotel just after 2pm and knew check-in would be 3 at the earliest.  It was 4.  I walked past a bakery and stopped for some pastry and coffee.  Coffee is insanely expensive here.  A small cup is usually in the ¥400 range, with that amount you can get a lot of food.



That wasted a few minutes.  OK, find an ATM as I'm getting short of cash.  Post Office across the street.  Still a lot of time to waste.  I went to the hotel and sat in the unattended lobby.  Soft jazzy vocals and comfortable chair.  Good place to be on the phone for an hour.


They let me check in at 3:30 and I was showered and had my laundry finished an hour later.


I had dinner with Fabiane and father at a place near both of our places.  The food was good.  Father picked up the tab which was very nice.  Thank you!


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