Expedition "Wide-Eyed"

If you're reading this then you probably donated towards the Fred Hollows Foundation. I'd like to personally show my appreciation by sending you a Shikoku postcard, which I will produce myself from photos I took during the pilgrimage. If you'd like to receive one please email me at freefallmode@gmail.com with your name and address.

For most pilgrims the last step of the 88 temple pilgrimage is to climb Mt Koya on the main island of Japan and visit the monasteries founded by Kobo Daishi, the monk in whose footsteps the pilgrimage traces.

My companion Nagisa joined me for the final walk, 6 hours hiking up Mt Koya, and we arrived after dark, temperature a few degrees above zero, at the massive Daimon (large gate) which marks the entrance to the mountain-top monastery town. It's a breathtaking sight to behold when you walk up out of the forest and the flood-lit structure fills your vision!

Yesterday we visited the tomb of Kobo Daishi and some of the large temples and pagodas which attract many foreign and Japanese pilgrims and tourists all year around.

For me, it was the final step in this 7 week expedition and pilgrimage. I've appreciated the many encouraging comments and help along the way, thank you everyone!