It would be fair to say that the Maruyama Rice Terraces were stunning, and last night’s park-up, overlooking the paddy-fields was perhaps our favourite of the trip, so far. And we’ve stayed in some incredible places. We slept, with the sound of the waterwheel, and the baleful cries of the Raccoon Dogs (which we now … More Day 34 – A warm-hearted start to the day & a Demon Pirate King
After yesterday’s soaking, and last night’s rainbow, we hoped that today would be brighter, and by just after 6am, it was clear that it was going to be a lovely day. The sunrise across the bay was stunning, And we took out mats out to do our morning stretches, overlooking the bay. Simply a perfect … More Day 33 – Perfect day from sunrise to sunset
Last night was wet, very wet and we woke to the sound of rain drumming on the roof of the van, before 6 this morning. It may have been soggy, but we still planned to do the walk we had found that would take us along a short section of the Kumano Kodo Pilgimage Trail, … More Day 32 – Following in ancient footsteps
We had the best night’s sleep to date, last night. The parking spot was incredibly quiet, and the gentle patter of rain on the roof of the van lulled us into a deep sleep. When we woke this morning, the Raccoon Dogs were howling in the hills around us, and the rain was still falling … More Day 11 – Apparently the views are magnificent
We had the best night’s sleep to date, last night. The parking spot was incredibly quiet, and the gentle patter of rain on the roof of the van lulled us into a deep sleep. When we woke this morning, the Raccoon Dogs were howling in the hills around us, and the rain was still falling … More Day 11 – Apparently the views are magnificent
After yesterday’s heavy evening rain, we woke this morning to sunshine and cloud, with a promised nice day ahead. We’d obviously timed it well, as today we had decided to walk a stretch of the Nakasendo Trail, from Tsumago-Juku to Magome-Juku and back. There is a real benefit from campervan life and that is enjoying … More Day 8 – Walking the Nakasendo Trail
After arriving at the little beach-side parking spot last night, we settled down to fall asleep to the sound of the sea lapping gently on the sand, doing our best to ignore the blood-curdling howls from the racoon dogs! But we’re still getting over the jet-lag, so drifted happily into a deep sleep, before being … More Day 4 … A morning hike and an afternoon drama
The joy of cycling and also the frustration of cycling is having to deal with the weather. Two years ago, we were having to fill our water-bottles from taps in cemeteries, as it was over 35 degrees on some days. This year, we’ve hit the storms at the end of a long summer canicule (heatwave), … More Day 12 … Dramatic history & some re-planning
We always knew that these few weeks back in the UK would pass by in a flash, but if I’m honest, I didn’t imagine that it would be quite this quick. As I start typing this, 2 weeks have already passed, since we were on Mont Ventoux watching the most amazing day’s racing in this … More A glimpse forward in time from the Quay at Swanage
It may sound strange, but both Andy and I are at our most relaxed when we’re active. Neither of us is any good at just sitting, or even driving from A to B, just to go and visit a site. We quickly get ants in our pants, and wish we were doing something else. So, … More The simple joy of a walk.
Vaucluse Dreamer 