J211 – 7/16/2006

Between the mountains and the sea.  We are on a hilly coastal road which runs along the sea but is it the Sea of China or the Sea of Japan.  In spite of our map, there is no answer because I can’t see the demarcation lines.

One thing is sure: we are following highway 3, which takes us into the mountains, with 3 big climbs and 4 tunnels to go through, the longest of which is 1.5 km.  Inside the air is breathable because traffic doesn’t start getting heavy until 7:00 AM.

At sunrise the clouds which the weather bureau promised us yesterday did not appear.  The most difficult moment for Serge was around 13H00 at the 50th kilometer.  It was a veritable furnace and even if he appears to have got used to the heat, it’s difficult to take.

The rhythm of feedings was changed when the severe heat in China, with the accompanying difficulties, started.  We went from every 4.5 km to every 2 km in the hottest hours of the day.  Serge pours water on himself and drinks more than before: he continues to drink water and Coke and since our arrival in Japan he has had 2 small bottles of the energy drink, Amino Vital, a very well known brand in Japan and one of the expedition’s partners.  The novelty of the day is fruit: 1 banana, 1 peach and 1 kiwi.  Serge enjoys the freshness they give.

As always, the 1 hour time difference is hard to take and Serge’s face shows sign of fatigue.  The tendonitis of the Achilles tendon doesn’t seem to want to subside, in spite of the daily ice treatment.

The scenery is a true joy and Serge can’t stop admiring it.  Kyushu is a green paradise.