18 February 2017 (90 km)
It was an early start; the hotel arranged a light breakfast (!) and we set off for the port. It was just getting light but we wanted to make sure we caught the 8am ferry to Nagashima Island. Like everything in Japan, the ferry left exactly at 8am, no fuss, no bother and of course, it was immaculately clean. We had coffee on board and the crossing took half an hour.
We entered a tiny bay. The cars and we were discharged and a little bit to our surprise, we were confronted by a very steep climb up to the headland. This was the pattern of the day, fast stretches and rolling hills. The folk of Nagashima are amazing gardeners. Every inch of the road was planted with flowers and decorative vegetables. The daffodils and crocuses were out. There were plastic ground covers with vegetables everywhere. Lots of potato growing which may be for the local brew, shochu.
Crossing the bridge onto the mainland of Kyushu, which is itself an island, we found a small road meandering through the villages before joining Road #3 which was scenic but very busy. We made good speed. At Akune, we were able to find an adapter to convert from presta to schrader. The kind lady wanted to give it to us but we insisted on paying.
We made another diversion past a massive atomic power station. It was scenic but very hilly. We stopped at the top of a hill and a local farmer came to talk to us. He laughed and told us about the hills to follow. He was right, but by then, we were committed. We eventually descended to the coast and it was very gusty, but beautifully scenic.
We did not wait long at the hotel before we jumped into the onsen. Bubbles at 45 degrees sooth the tired limbs. Tonight, it is sake, beer, tempura and sashimi and self-service laundry.
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| The sun rises over Port Ushibuka. It was a beautiful sunny day. |
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| Flowers planted along the road |
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| View of the terraces and bay, Nagashima island |
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