11 April 2025 - Day 40 - Another looong walk from Imabari to Saijo, Temples 57, 58 and 59 - 35 km

When I woke up this morning I was seriously afraid to get up and stand on my feet. They were not really aching but they kind of let me know they were not happy about yesterday’s treatment. So I stayed in bed and checked my messages while continuing to soothe these feet.

Once I was up, it was hard to stand and walk but what could I do? I needed to push on. So after a quick breakfast I left around 7:45. A very warm and sunny day was forecast but outside the real weather didn’t care for a nice forecast. It was raining still. So the first Temple, Eifukuji, was another quick rainy visit, where I met Nicolas again.

From here to Senyuji was just a few kilometers, but the last two were extremely steep at about 20%! The rain had stopped but now it was misty and cloudy and getting warm and humid. The perfect combination for a long steep climb. Once at the top, the Temple 58 was again a beautiful sight with an excellent view of tbe city - in case of good weather. Nicolas had obviously beaten me to it but still we talked a little again.

The walk downhill was almost just as hard for the knees as the climb was for the legs. I was then stopped by a man who asked me where I come from and if he could take a picture of me, which I obviously let him do. A short while later, the sun had come out and it was getting really warm, and as I walked out of a conbini after a toilet break, a man asked me what I wanted to drink and offered me my cold drink of choice. Thank you!

Kokubunji, Temple 59, was the last one on my list today, but after this 15 km walk I was not even halfway to my accommodation. So after my lunchbreak at the Temple and not knowing exactly how far it was going to be, I chose to stay on the ugly main road which was shorter than any of the alternatives. And so I walked. And walked. And then I walked some more. The blue dot on my henro helper app didn’t seem to move.

And then came the part where 4 conbinis were marked on the app, before I was getting close to where Nojima House was. I was so happy when I passed 4 conbinis and so I checked the app, but I had only arrived at the second one. Frustration! When I finally reached the last conbini before Nojima House I went in and bought me stuff for dinner, as they do not provide any food.

Seeing that I was going to be late, I sent a message to Marjorie who was also staying there tonight to let her know I was on my way. And then Cathy called to ask where I was and do I have dinner or do I want to go with them to a restaurant? After yesterday’s 37,5 and today’s 30+ walk I told her thank you but I would only move from my room to the bathroom and back.

When I finally arrived at 17:30 it was like coming home. Cathy (whom I hadn’t seen in weeks!), Marjorie and Iso (who is helping out at Nojima House) welcomed me and I felt immediately at ease. A lovely women’s only house tonight.

The owner, Taniguchisan, came by shortly to check on his girls, make a few pictures, and then he invited us to a concert at the temple tomorrow evening. That will be another eventful day.

That’s it for now. I need to take care of my poor feet again to make sure they won’t go on strike against me tomorrow… Thanks for reading and staying in contact!