11th DAY: Sick

I did nothing today but stay in bed all day and watched tv or worked on my computer while Nigel got to go for a hike and see 6 waterfalls. He came back with pictures and they looked so nice. A little jealous I didn't get to go but I need to get better. But I probably could have taken some ibuprofen and it would of been all good, but I didn't. I just can't believe there are so many hidden treasures in this area!

7th DAY: Heaven!

Sleeping on sand or dirt is one thing, sleeping on wood is another. Funny thing is, I'm getting more and more used to always being on the floor, it's part of Japanese customs. I still prefer the western way though. My point is, our bungalow was nothing but a hut with a light. The campsite was surrounded by mountains, rivers and trees. A part of Japan probably 95% of tourists don't see. We hung out for a bit after we packed our bags because it was still raining. Apparently Gero, where we are going, is famous for its hot spring but that wasn't the reason we were going there. We wanted to see the gorge and waterfall that Rocky had talked so much about in Niseko. We figured it would never really stop raining so we decided to leave when it slowed down. About halfway there, we stopped for about 2 hours to do laundry, buy some groceries, and Rocky a gift (bottle of wine).

We arrived in Gero at about 16:30 and gave Rocky a call. He told us to meet him a bit further up the road. His wife came out to greet us. They were at her parents house preparing fish for a BBQ the next day for his guests. He was wearing a butcher's apron, had fishy hands, but I was happy to see him. We finally fulfilled our promise to visit him. After that, he needed some more groceries, then we went to his house, dropped off his stuff and went to an onsen. Yikes!

I avoided going to onsens while at Niseko because they're separated genders, you're surrounded by stark naked guys, and mainly, I'm a little uncomfortable walking around balls out. Rocky gave us a dinky little towel so to speak to cover up my dong. There were several baths, some were different temperatures, some sauna rooms, a mist room which was my favorite, couple outdoor ones and one very interesting one where you sit in a cubicle and your head is the only thing sticking out. It ended up being a fun experience. I'm not eager to do it again but I'll be more willing.

A Glance back at Okinawa

I've been traveling the Okinawa Islands since April 23rd now. My Goal? Cycle as many islands as I could. I ended with 7. Could have done more but I am satisfied. Plus, I was buggered. It's been amazing beyond words can say! Never seen so many beautiful beaches all clustered together. The only thing lacking is the hordes of bikini babes. The beautiful scenery makes up for that I suppose. So if you get the chance to come here, this is what I suggest:

1. Don't go to one of those big resorts and get pampered and driven around everywhere and so on.

2. Do it by bicycle or scooter, if you can.

3. Take your time. Spend 2-4 weeks if possible to soak up the peacefulness of your surroundings.

4. Bring your snorkeling gear. There's plenty of islands that have a good diversity of marine life and coral.

5. If you're into diving, there's schools of hammerheads, whale sharks, an underwater city that's a big mystery in the winter and manta rays in the summer nearby.

6. Definitely go to Iriomote Island via. Ishigaki Island. It's too bad they canceled the ferry service so you must fly to Ishigaki first, but if you like nature, it's worth it. There's nothing but rivers leading to waterfalls snaking through the mountains. At the estuary there's always mangrove trees which shelter an assortment of life. You can go kayaking up one of the many rivers, snorkel offshore, or just lay on one of the gold sand beaches.

Now I'm in Naha waiting to start the 3rd leg of my journey in Japan. The 1st being 3 months of working as a snowboard instructor in Niseko, Hokkaido in the north. I will start in Osaka. Buy me a motorcycle and see where the road takes me. Sounds like an adventure.