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Day - 1
(四国遍路) |
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Creativefoto LLC 2302 Upham St Madison, Wisconsin 53704 (608) 219-4408 |
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March 4, 2018. I woke up early since I was not adjusted to the time change. I decided to skip the free breakfast at the hotel and head right to the train station. I caught the 6:11 train to Bando for 260¥ and arrived at 6:29. The trains are always on time.
Bando station was little more than a shelter hut (no ticket agent). But, there was a sign that said “Follow the Green Line to Temple #1”. Almost immediately I received my first osettai. Osettai are the acts of kindness the residents of Shikoku bestow on the pilgrims. I met an older gentleman as I left the station who asked if I was on the pilgrimage. When I said yes he took me into his home or office (I could not tell) and offered me a cup of coffee. Since the Starbucks at the Tokushima Station was not open until after I had departed I gratefully accepted his offer. I also had time to kill since the first temple did not open until 7 AM. We sat in his very cluttered room drinking coffee and watching baseball. He told be he had been a pitcher in high shool but had injured his shoulder. This conversation was mainly through gestures and a few English words that my host knew. Soon it was time to depart. I headed back out to find the 1st Temple.
It was a short hike to Ryōzenji (霊山寺). Upon arrival I purchased a white vest, stamp book, name slips, incense, hat, stole, and carrying bag. I put on my gear and headed into the main area. The temples are a collection of buildings and statues.
I walked 10.5 miles (16.9 km), climbed 653 vertical feet (199 m), and saw six temples. This was my last stop today. I asked about sleeping in the bell tower for free (Tsuyado). They misunderstood and thought I wanted to stay in the lodging. After we straightened things out I went up to the tower and set up my sleeping bag etc. I was so tired that I just lay down and fell asleep. The accommodations were fine, but I was really glad I had my own an air mattress and not just the mats they had.
Click here to see all the photos from the 1st day.
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