Just after midnight, following my last evening in Otaru, I left HALF TONE. I’ll come back in four months for the Sapporo Marathon.
I walked along the canal on the way back.
I wish morning wouldn’t come.
Setting off with my backpack
But morning did come. I packed, with Karin and Teto riding on my 80-liter backpack.
Thank you for the week, Hotel Nord.
First I went to the morning market restaurant for a sea urchin rice bowl.
Up Jigokuzaka again
After breakfast I climbed another Otaru hill.
No matter how many times I climb Jigokuzaka, I like it. But the local students went up faster than me. Locals are strong.
Commuting up this hill every day would be training in itself. If I do next year’s town stamp rally entirely on foot, I’ll need to practice hill running.
On the descent I took the slope by Momiji Bridge. I like that hill too; perhaps I can use it in a fan work.
Shopping and detours
I hadn’t bought anything at Tsukushi Makita when I came for the stamp, so I stopped there again.
I took a break with Karin ramune.
I had a hamburger for lunch.
I ordered the collaboration item but declined the coaster: I already had the whole set and wanted it to go to someone who didn’t.
In Miyako-dori I bought an acrylic stand of Karin out shopping.
Finally I went to Ryugu Shrine. I passed through the purification ring and prayed for the safety of everyone traveling to Otaru.
One more photo with Karin, Chifuyu, and Rikka.
From Otaru to Chitose
I reluctantly left Otaru. Thank you to everyone who spent time with me.
As the train followed the coast, the town’s hills receded in the distance.
In Chitose, someone who seemed to be promoting the Self-Defense Forces spoke to me. F-15Js were flying overhead too.
I went to the airport to look for souvenirs, then had jingisukan.
The rib roast had a good gamey flavor. About 600 grams will do for today. I accidentally ordered too many vegetables.
I greeted Snow Miku too.
I went up to the observation deck to listen to air traffic radio, but it was raining.
With that enormous pack, people asked whether I was backpacking.
Maybe I should just get on a train and go back to Otaru.
I thought I’d want to return only after leaving, but really I’d wanted to stay since the day I arrived. Even looking at my completed stamp booklet is fun.
I’ve also booked a flight for February.
Meanwhile, ANA emailed to say my Saturday flight from Haneda to Takamatsu might be canceled depending on the weather. Now I’m worrying about the trip home.