Ruth: On this pilgrimage each of the four prefectures that we pass through offers a different stage in spiritual development. Tokushima Prefecture is the place of spiritual awakening. Kōchi Prefecture is the place of ascetic training, Ehime Prefecture is the place of enlightenment, and Kagawa Prefecture is the place of Nirvana.
We are not broken, we are merely starting to experience the promised asceticism of the Kōchi Prefecture.
Golden Week in Japan is a 10 day holiday this year. We were warned in advance that accommodation can get tight. This year it is even bigger than usual with the abdication by the current Emperor (tomorrow) and the coronation of the new Emperor the following day.
Accommodation is not just tight at the moment, it is non-existent within a 60 km radius of Kōchi city. We know this because the staff of our current hotel have unsuccessfully called dozens of places for us. Unwilling to let this derail our trip we made a trip to the Mont Bell outdoor equipment store and purchased a tent, sleeping pads and a single sleeping bag to share.
Tonight I am enjoying a western bed in a ridiculously expensive hotel, but tomorrow we camp.
The trip otherwise continues to be wonderful. My cycling has been on beautiful bike paths along the sea, tiny village lanes and tracks through the rice paddies.
Our new accommodation
I recently told a friend about your pilgrimage around Shikoku. He said, "That sounds absolutely *awful*! That is something I would never do. Why would they do that?" If you have to ask, you don't get it....
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