Henro 2006!

Winding road to 45.

Deciding not to go back to the Highway, we take the back mountain roads towards 45. Three hours and one iPod viewing of Casablanca we arrive!

Vine Bridge in Iya

The famous Vine Bridge of Iya. Yes a wonderful sight to see, almost as impressive as the pictures in the tour books.

Road to Iya

Actually first we wanted to take a visit to the Iya valley in central Shikoku. No temples there, but gorges and vine bridges.

All Henro-ed Up!

Everyone geared up and ready to Henro. Stamps done (actually Temple 1 comes pre-stamped) and ready to hit the road!

Lanterns at #1

Beautiful lanterns inside of Temple 1.

Giant Koi (Goldfish)

Here are the largest Koi any of us have ever seen anywhere.

Isaac gets his Vest

Isaac gets his Henro Vest. He even helped write the most important part "two people" representing a Henro Traveler and Kobo Daishi.

Bridge to Awaji

Crossing over the long, long suspension bridge to Awaji Island.

Road to Tokushima

Here we are on the road from Kobe to Tokushima. On our way to Temple #1.

Family Henro 2006!

Last year around this time, my father and I were just getting back from our 16 day bicycle Henro Tour. One of the things that I had asked at each of the 88 temples, was for Kayo and I to be blessed with a baby.  I told them that if that miracle would happen, we would be back to give our thanks.  Well as you all know, on May 9th, 2006, our wonderful son, Isaac Don Bryan came into this world.  So with my Mother and Father visiting to meet him, we thought it would be a perfect time to brush the dust off of the Henro Gear, and pay our respects back in Shikoku.  No, we won't be able to go to all 88 this time, but as a family we start a new journey.