We had a couple of issues to contend with today. The weather and the fact that I’d been a klutz and left my reading glasses at Atsuko’s on Onomichi Island ( and we were at Mitarai on Osaki Shimojima Island).

There was nowhere around to grab any breakfast, so we got up early and packed our bikes as it was not yet raining.

Lucky we were awake. Around Shikoku many towns have loud speakers in the streets that play mechanised music on the hour, and in Mitarai it started at 6 am. The loud speaker was very close to our open window and it was super loud.

The island views were not as clear, with lower levels of cloud and haze.

We rode the 8 km to the next island ferry terminal of Okamura. We were there by 7 am but needed to wait patiently as the next ferry was 8.30 am. We were able to sit inside the small terminal.

Arriving at the Munakata terminal on Omishima Island, Atsuko was waiting for us on the pontoon with my glasses. She had also been there the previous night at 7 pm in case we turned up. Feeling guilty but grateful for her kindness. ❣️

The change in plans gave us the opportunity to ride a portion of the island we’d not seen. It was still not raining, but the skies were threatening.

At the 30 km mark to go, the rain bucketed down. The camera stayed well tucked away. We got wet and just had to get in with it. We had 30 km left to go, so when we arrived in central Imabari were pleased to find our hotel easily.

It was 12.30 pm. We were wet and a bit cold as the temperature was lower. Check in was strictly 3 pm, but they provided an area inside to clean our bikes, gave us a bottle of water and somewhere to sit.

The JR Clements Hotel is a bike hotel. Here they are in our room, being used as clothes racks! The staff did relent at 2.30 pm and allowed us to our room where we washed some clothes and enjoyed our showers.

We grabbed umbrellas from reception and went for a walk through the city towards Imabari Castle. An interesting site, featuring a huge seawater moat averaging 60 metres in length, designed to neutralise arrows.

The high stone walls and moat are the only original features with modern reconstruction after previous damage and demolition.

I’ve seen a few of these crabs on his trip. A kind of land crab. Nice colours.

The return walk from the castle provided the days highlight. Lots of noise from these jubilant men as they carried this golden shrine.

There are two men with batons who are directing traffic to allow the progress.

As they came past us we watched with great interest. One of the seeming leaders, came up to us, and gave me a wooden token on a string, with a little bell attached.

He told me that it was a special day of celebration and they were heading to the castle.

We had a brief chat before he moved on but he told me ‘I was adorable!’ 🤣😝 I have reminded Tony of this a few times since 🤣

The perfect sized souvenir for bike touring, although I will wrap it so that the bell does not jiggle!

The final photo is this huge propellor from a ship acknowledging the cities role as a ship maker.

Only four cycling days left. Another easier day tomorrow of around 70 km before 3 big days!

Thanks for reading! Smile on 😊❣️