In the middle of April Kathy, Peter and I joined six other pilgrims on a self guided hike of the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi, Japan.
This pilgrimage is registered as Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range with UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE. For over 1000 years people from all levels of society, retired emperors, monks and peasants have made the arduous pilgrimage. I now can confirm I truly comprehend what the word arduous means.
As a girl from the western plains of NSW this hike was the most challenging physical experience of my life…so far. AND so worth it!
The Kumano is an isolated hike with many steep (very steep) lush mountains and is blessed with a rich cultural and natural heritage. Our amazing group hiked 80kms over four days. We walked over rambling roots, stone steps of varying sizes, dirt paths and some sealed roads. Up mountains and down many mountains, through amazing forests, past shrines and through villages. We met incredible people, ate more raw fish than I ever need to again and had amazing adventures with amazing people.
There were too many highlights to list but nature, fresh air, the people we shared the walk with, laughter, storytelling, onsens, sake, malfunctioning bear spray, caring for each other, experiencing walking paths that have been hiked for 1000 years are at the top of the long list. Did I mention amazing new friends, nature and fresh air.
Words by Cath F
