It was such a beautiful evening on Wednesday I decided to take a bike ride after work. I couldn't decide where to go so I headed toward the lake. I decided to turn north but for some reason my bike turned south. So I looked for the path through the pine trees but missed the entrance and ended up staying on the not so nice road along a busy street. Then I thought I'd go and visit the sheep who live at the hospital but I took the wrong street. I evidently haven't been out on my bike much lately... I ended up on the other side of the hospital - near a bakery - so it turned out alright although it wasn't a pretty road. Through the parking lot to where the sheep live. But they weren't there. Aaahh. I thought maybe it was too early for them but that seemed strange. Anyway I started down the road back towards the lake because there are loads of birds - cranes and egrets - in that river and it's a nice ride. And lo and behold I found the sheep. I met a family who told me that they leave the hospital and go 'home' to this smaller area with a couple of sheds at night. We had a nice chat and I decided to turn around and go to the park to see if the roses were blooming. They certainly were!
I met a woman and her very fluffy dog there and we talked for awhile and then exchanged numbers so maybe I'll hear from her in the future.
I still wasn't ready to go home, such a beautiful night, so I checked the time and realized it was almost time for the sunset. Back along the river to the lake.
Where I found the southern entrance to the path through the pine trees and away from the street.
And a stop along the Serigawa before heading home for dinner.
The following evening, another beautiful one, I went back to the rose park with Shioli and Akina.
And today (Saturday) was another beautiful day!!! I LOVE spring!! So I decided to ride around a little and then head for a store to try to find a cheap 'blackout' curtain for my bedroom. Actually my goal was the store, but I HATE shopping. And I especially hate being in a store on a beautiful day - there just aren't that many that I can afford to waste one! So first I went to my favorite vegetable store by riding along this lovely path.
Then, reluctantly, I started towards the store but heard a voice on a loudspeaker that sounded like some kind of comedy skit or something (as opposed to a baseball game or sports meet). I couldn't quite figure out where it was coming from but I thought it was from somewhere near the castle so I took a right.
And I found it. It was the 35th Castle Town Symposium. Don't know exactly what that means but there were many food booths, some entertainment, and quizzes with prizes.
I tasted a couple of yummy things and tried to get myself to the store. But....
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| Looking down into the water (of the moat). |
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| Some people near me were clapping, trying to get this swan to come to them (like you would for a dog) but he headed straight my way. Unfortunately I didn't have anything to give him but he stayed near me for quite a while. |
With the swan, a turtle, perfect temperature, and a lovely breeze on my arms I couldn't make myself leave. And when I finally did get up I couldn't resist another right turn onto my 'secret' road.
It's soooo green!
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| This one came looking for food too. |
Okay, off to the store. But wait! One more stop.
Finally, I made it to the store. Found a curtain that will hopefully work. Picked up a few other things including an interesting little one serving soft ice cream maker I'll be trying out soon, and a nice pillow since mine has gotten lumpy.
I just ran out and jumped on my bike because I heard the fireworks from the festival. They had told me it would only be 10 minutes or so which is why I didn't go back or to the lake to see them. But I was able to see some over the houses.
On the way back, riding more slowly, I passed a honeysuckle bush and an orange tree. There are many of them around and when I ride to work or for fun, I get whiffs of the sweet fragrance. The house next to me has an orange tree that is just starting to blossom and when the wind is right I can sit on my couch and smell it. Wonderful.
It isn't often that Hikone has a day with good temperatures, a blue sky, sweet smells in the air and a beautiful light breeze to graze one's arms. Actually I think there are more than I realize, but I'm inside at work for most of them. So today was a special day. I hope there will be many more.
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