Ikata Kara Yawatahama Made...

I often joke about the inconveniences of life in the inaka (countryside) - particularly my hour-long bicycle ride through the mountains to get to the grocery store in Yawatahama city. However, recently I allowed myself to admit that this ride isn't all bad. In fact, I sometimes actually look forward to this weekly journey (especially now that the weather is warming up). Must be that I enjoy transporting heavy grocery items in my little basket and negotiating potholes and curbs while getting oogled at by passers-by. Oh yes, I am well-known in southern Ehime as the crazy gal on the red granny bike. Seriously! When people from Ikata, Seto, Misake and Honai Town meet me for the first time, they inevitably mention that they've seen me traversing that "gentle, rolling hill" (insert sarcastic laugh and eye-rolling) that separates me from the rest of civilization.

Anyway, thought you might like to come along on this fantastic voyage with me...if you are a junior high school student or younger, please fasten your mandatory bicycle helmet. If you are Joshua, please try not to break your finger for the fourth time.

Begin by coasting down tiny little road that connects apartment building to main road. I live at the top of this slope and to the right. Can you believe I actually get my car up this street? I haven't lost a side mirror yet!

This is the highway. It can be busy at times although I know it looks like a sorry excuse for a main traffic artery here. Ride along this highway in the direction of Honai Town.

Detour! Stop to notice the beautiful mountain view from this interesting cemetary located off the side of the road.

Pass through trecherous tunnel to reach Honai Town. Gambarre! After completing the tunnel, you will see this sign which indicates you are roughly half-way there!

Over the river and through the woods...

Past the beautiful harbor, my favorite part of the trip...

Through the final tunnel...

And viola! You're there!