We rode out of Asahikawa bright and early, saying farewell to Mark and Miwako (thanks again!) and heading north on the bikes. We managed to find a good bike path along the Ishikara river that took us about 10ks through lovely undergrowth, before we started tracking along the pavement. The road was windy and worked its way between forested slopes, slowly gaining altitude as it crossed back and forth over the river. Things got hard about halfway into the ride - the kids didn't have the patience for it, we were tired, and the road was getting steeper. The bear signs everywhere didn't help much either. The views of the snow capped peaks and rushing river were the saving grace, and we arrived at Sounkyo late in the afternoon and went straight into the onsen for a well deserved dip.
It was dark and we couldn't find the campsite, so we ended up camping on a grassy patch next to a bus carpark. We were stuffed, so it didn't bother us a bit!
The bear sign! That a bit scary! I'm sure that Boonchuay is with you! Keep forgetting to say that I love that blue indigo top you have been wearing! Lovely photos Mark. Good job! Love Mum
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