BACK ON TRACK, BUT BLEEDING CASH

Today is rest day for my knees, it's pretty frustrating not being able to physically keep going even when your heart wants to continue. I spent the morning finding a post office to send more stuff back home...big boot covers, solar panel, extra rain gear, etc. I just needed to get rid of some stuff to become more mobile. I walked over a mile and to several shops before finding a bike shop that sold a nice bike bag I can use to put my bike in. In Japan, they don't allow bicycles on the trains unless they are in these bags. It cost way more than I wanted to pay: $120. To play it safe, I also took a taxi back to the hotel that cost $11.

So I decided to take the train as planned to Kagoshima. I found a youth hostel there to stay at luckily. It feels good to be back on track, but tomorrow's forecast calls for rain and wind. At least I won't be riding too much, I just have to ride to the station, break down my bike there, hop on the train with all my crap, rebuild my bike, and get to the youth hostel. If time and weather permits, maybe take a bus tour to Sakurajima. It's an island with a big active volcano right next to it.

From Kagoshima, I am planning to head south to Chiran and Ibusuki. From there I will take a ferry across Kagoshima bay to Minamiosumi area. I was hoping to see Kumamoto and the areas near there but I guess it'll have to wait for another time...my objective after all is Cape Sata and I still have to head up the coast back to Kitakyushu.

I am pretty disappointed at myself, wondering if maybe I didn't train enough for this. What if I can't continue anymore? All this hype for nothing? Once again, doubt is re-emerging itself. Luckily I was able to video chat with my girlfriend today for a long time...it helps to remind me of all the great things that are waiting for me back home and just how fortunate I am.