Our first long stretch!

We started off with a wonderful sendoff from the staff at Starbucks! Our tummies full of nourishment and caffeine, we set off along the coast to a beautiful seaside scenery. The weather was glorious!

This 75km stretch is the beginning of a steep ascent into the mountains. We made awesome time in the first half only to slow down, lol. About 50kms in, we got hopelessly lost and were so tired Michelle fell asleep beside the cemetary. We also navigated the treacherous mountain passes that had nary a sidewalk and many oncoming trucks. Felt like our lives flashed before our eyes twice today.

Today's trip can't be completed without talking about the two wonderful groups of people we met along the way. We get a lot of people asking us what we're doing and where we're going. Curious stares are common. Sometimes we come across special people who are genuinely interested in sharing our dream. In their small ways, they show their support with a thoughtful gift here, encouraging words there and warm smiles everywhere.

This time we had two special send offs in one day - the group at Starbucks in Shimonoseki and another at the 7-11 in Asa! With their words, "ganbatte", trailing behind us, we headed further into the mountains with our trusty scooters!

- Michelle Yang