Day 18 - In the middle of the valley

We were tacking our way across the valley floor - it really was like sailing against a strong wind, when we came upon a rest area. It was nestled in the shelter of what appeared to be the bed of an abandoned railroad. There are many of these. Japan used to be criss-crossed by numerous private lines, but with the increase in cars and trucks most of these have gone out of business. The rest areas had an open building with a little altar in it. There were benches along the sides where we could rest out of the wind. We stayed and had something to eat.

Inside under the roof there were some fantastic dragons whose purpose is apparently to protect the pilgrims who stop here.

Once we had rested we started out again. We reached the river that flowed down the center of the valley and managed to cross the bridge in spite of the wind.