Niseko to Lake Toya

We left Niseko early, pausing to take photos of some awesome cloud formations over the mountains as we headed out of town.  It was a long and hilly ride through the countryside, and it started raining about halfway through.  We were surprised by some downhill switchbacks which on the map looked like they went straight down hills but in fact went down into valleys then straight up the other side... These roads are hard work to say the least!  We recharged at a seicomart with hotdogs and sweets, then it was back on the bikes to complete the ride in the rain.  We finally reached Lake Toya which was shrouded in mist but nonetheless stunning.  We were soon set up at a campsite on the lakeshore which was exceptionally pretty and then it was dinner followed by an onsen.  Hard riding, but well worth it for the lakeside camping with a beautiful view of the lake and its islands, and a full moon too. Oh and there was a lovely bakery in town too - we have been missing such fresh bread (and we can finally use the honey we have been dragging around since buying it in Obihiro!)