Day II - Exploring Tsuruga on Tuesday

On Tuesday, Alex gave me a grand tour of his town. After a chilly and rainy day on Monday, it was a picture perfect sunny, cool-in-the-shade, warm-in-the-sun kind of day. We walked (of course!) to Kehi Shrine which is in the middle of town. The grounds are beautiful, the atmosphere serene, the shrine a lovely example to behold. Next attraction was the Kanagasaki Shrine. This is the one that has what felt like miles of steps climbing up and around the hill closest to the water to an amazing overlook above Tsuruga and the nearby bay. This is the shrine and hillside that Alex has mentioned in relationship to the hanami (cherry blossom) partying that he and his friends took part in a few weeks ago. Magnificent views and a gorgeous spot. The only drawback to scenery around Tsuruga is that it is an industrial town, so along the waterfront is highly developed with fishing, shipping and warehouse stuff.

Kehi Shrine, Tsuruga

The first of what felt like a zillion steps up the hill at Kanagasaki Shrine, Tsuruga.
Industrial waterside at Tsuruga.

Halfway up the hill with the misty mountains and bay in the background.
The amazing view from the top. We made it!

Whew! The trek down seemed shorter, of course....

After that Alex wanted to show me Kehi Pine Forest Beach which was clear around to the left end on the industrial area, so off we took. About half an hour later we got to a pretty pebbly beach in a nice pine lined park. It is right behind an elementary school, so we saw scads of uniform clad little folks on the way.



Kehi Pine Forest Beach - windswept and pretty.

We figure we walked about 4 - 5 miles total that day. On the way home he showed me the local shopping mall and grocery store where he shops. The mall is a 2 story affair. Each section on a floor is a separate shop with its own register. Imagine the shoe department and the grocery area and the clothes section of WalMart each having a register and you will get the picture. Grabbed some goodies for supper at the grocery, and Alex made sticky rice balls as part of our supper - good stuff. Terrific day with weather that was a vast improvement over Monday. Pretty town, and a great guide to show me around. Off to my nest on Alex's floor - it's late!