Takata

Got the bus to Ukegawa then started todays hike. Torrential rain all day, otherwise known as a "wet knickers day". Wearing our Scottish any weather jackets and the trusty bin liners in our packs we set a cracking pace. Not much to see with the mist and rain. Saw a few folks but generally coming the opposite direction.

No not Dr Doolittle. Jeff used this umbrella because with cap and hood his glasses were constantly fogged. I am holding it while he does the Lord Snowden thing. In fact a lot of Japanese use them given the prevalence of glasses. 

Always lots of minature statues with coins on the side of the track. To keep pilgrims safe; not sure what from.

Plenty of these

Not unlike NZ bush with the fern. This is in a cedar forest.

Another good luck icon as you come off the track at Koguchi.

We got to our pick up point in a tiny hamlet with a phone kiosk. Phoned number provided and told " driver missing he be 40mins to an hour". Found a dryish spot under a shop verandah and decided to attack the bento box for a very late lunch.  May god it was inedible. Even the rice cake stodge we attempted but gave up. So another handleful of almonds and half snack bar each will have to do us to the next mystery surprise at our accommodation at 6pm. Will keep you posted.

Rice balls at the back and bits of an unknown origin at the front.