Monday 17^th April 2017

Matsue to Miyazu  (342 kms)

In steady rain we drove along the north coast of mainland Japan.

We had three Regularities before lunch to keep us on our toes.

I forgot to say that yesterday on the way to the first Regularity, going through a small village, we came across an old lady standing in the middle of the road, with hands outstretched as if to stop us and a pram by her side. She was obviously upset about so many cars travelling through “her” backwater village. We stopped and she ranted at us for a while. The pram contained a few vegetables and papers.

The first Regularity today was a climb then descent on deserted narrow roads. Average speed started at 40kph, increased to 48kph then went down to 32kph.

The second Regularity was in Mt Senjozen where there was hard snow on the ground, narrow roads and beautiful treed scenery with an extinct volcano. Average speed started at 48kph, down to 42kph then down to 40kph.

The third Regularity was a bit tricky with navigation as the route went through narrow roads with houses facing on to them. Average speed started at 48kph, down to 36kph, up to 46kph, down to 30kph, up to 47kph and finally down to 40kph.

Lunch was at a restaurant overlooking sand dunes, a protected coastal area. There is a Sand Museum here but we didn’t have time to visit but we did take the chairlift to the dunes. We did not expect to see large sand dunes in Japan.

The Hyogo Prefecture mascot is a yellow phoenix, Habatan, a symbol of hope and rebirth to encourage local people after the earthquake of 1995.

Regularity four was straight forward- follow the main road for 6 kms at 38kph.

As it was still raining it was difficult to enjoy the view but there were some picturesque ports, small islands close to shore including one with a 3km long sand bar. The sand bar is considered to resemble the winding pathway between heaven and earth. Pine trees cover it.

Arrived at the hotel, still raining.

On check-in we were presented with Yukatas to wear to dinner. Dinner was a traditional meal sitting on a tatami mat floor.

Rob & Ellen in a Jaguar XK140 DHC came in well after dinner had started.

Their fuel pump had stopped working in the middle of a long tunnel, my worst nightmare. A rally car behind them stopped and tried to get assistance. The police came after about 15 minutes and they were towed out of the tunnel. These tunnels can be either single or double laned, very noisy and fast speed.