Sunday 23rd April, 2017

Hikone to Tsumago (273 kms)

Drove along the shore of the lake and turned east to return to the forested hills.

The first Regularity was cancelled due to a landslide so there was no competition this morning.

Lunch stop was at the Showa village theme park. This park was designed to replicate the atmosphere of a quiet mountainside village of the 1950's. Some of the exhibits were closed but locals with children (& dogs!) seemed to be enjoying it. There was a large patch of colourful tulips in bloom.

First competition after lunch was at the Festika Track, a cart track but wide enough for cars to pass. All the drivers seemed to enjoy four laps of this track, (can't say the navigators did!).

There were two Regularities, short and straight forward.

Due to road closures there was a fair amount of re-routing today to keep navigators on their toes.

Just after 4pm we visited the old Tsumago Village, a well-preserved town with a traditional appearance and ambience. We parked the cars and walked around lokking into the shops and down the lanes.

The hotel tonight has its own micro-brewery and the tasting barrels were popular.

We made up two places today, to 9th overall.