I thought being 50 years of age was a big deal – and I hit that point yesterday.
Thank You Lord for guiding my life journey thus far – and for bringing this screwed-up character under Your wings.
I thought of going for another first-thing-in-the-morning hike to mark this milestone, but then an important appointment came up in the morning.
By the time it was completed the clock had struck eleven, but the weather was perfect – sunny skies, temperature at 24C/75F, humidity relatively low.
How can I resist going out to explore a corner of Yokohama close by which I had long neglected?
Getting Started
These days I prefer to hike early in the morning when the sun’s rays are more gentle. However, the midday sun makes God’s creation come alive all the more.
Branching off into a road I have not walked before. Talk about vertical topography – northern Yokohama is a great venue for a workout.
Along the banks of the Onda River 恩田川 where farmers lovingly tend to the fields…
Time for a quick bite at one of my favorite coffee shop chains, located next to Tohka-Ichiba station 十日市場駅. In Japan I love to stop by Starbucks for the coffee and interaction with staff, but Doutor’s sandwiches are hard to beat in terms of taste.
Heading South
Down the hill from Tohka-Ichiba into the Niiharu City Forest 新治市民の森.
Right next to the visitors’ center I find this beautiful house, the former Okutsu family farm. Perfect spot to enjoy the aroma of tatami mats.
One of the things I love the most about May in Japan is the sight of carp streamers in the fresh breeze.
Into the Forest
Welcome to the forest zone!
Full of bamboo – but off the trails it’s private property. Better to forget about taking shoots home for dinner.
I can spend a full half day wandering around in this kind of place…
Surprise, Surprise
But I continue farther south – and suddenly encounter a rather impressive bridge in the Kami-Kawaicho neighborhood of Asahi Ward 旭区上川井町.
I later learned that this is an active aqueduct operated by the City of Yokohama’s water department. To me, this appears wide enough to carry a rail line – although the legs appear a bit too fragile to support full-scale trains.
One More Push
Pushing south toward Mitsukyo 三ツ境. Is this really part of Japan’s second largest city?
Stopping by a neighborhood park near the Sagami Railway Company’s Mitsukyo Station, where I meet some very popular characters.
Very encouraging to see schoolchildren playing tag, making skillful use of limited space without colliding into other users (including yours truly).
Time for a nice stretch.
I end the hike at this public bath 100 meters from the park.
It’s been around for a while, but is spacious, brightly lit, and well maintained. Just the right temperature for a soothing soak.
Oh, joy!
Course Map from Runkeeper:
