iwakuni castle

sunday morning we headed out to our local community 'hot spot' - just above the kintai bridge on the nashiki river, atop a steep mountain lies the iwakuni castle. we weren't positive where the trail began, although i did know where a second (paved) trail started as a backup. we explored a shrine behind the kikko park (near the kintai) then spotted it just to the left, behind the ropeway (a tram ride to the top and back, making the castle viewing accessible for everyone). forty-five minutes to the top on a very step trail with lots of switchbacks. i was incredibly proud of peter, he just blazed ahead, happy as a lark and taking it all in with a smile. the view from the top was incredible. we stopped for a snack next to the ropeway station and then hiked the extra five minutes over to the castle. for a tiny fee we climbed the four stories of stairs to the very top of the castle for an extra special look-out view of the park below. incredible how tiny the giant bridge looked from up there! then back to the ropeway station to wait for our ride - and yes, ice cream treats from the vending machine. japan does vending machines with style - you can get ice cream, hot meals, hot coffee...really anything from a vending machine for a good price. there is very little crime and vandalism so vending machines are actually quite lucrative here i guess. the ropeway ride down was fun, and we were all pretty worn out by this point so it was a huge blessing getting a ride down. we hiked across the park (after betsy got stopped by a local woman who thought she was the most adorable thing ever....EVER...and took several pictures with her) and enjoyed our picnic lunch under a bridge in the shade next to the nashiki river. the kids were tempted by the sand and the clear water and ended up knee deep throwing rocks and giggling. after all the action of the morning, it was a pretty quiet afternoon.

betsy got to ride in the fun "packpack" and peter was a big boy and took the mountain all on his own!

turtles sunning

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this family brought their new baby in a white dress to the temple for a blessing - it was cool to hear from outside

i love the traditional japanese rooflines

iwakuni castle

view of the park from above - upper left is the kintai bridge, lower left is a big fountain

we made it to the top!

sleepy girl -

choosing their ice cream treats

strolling through the park enjoying her ice cream, without a care in the world. just the way childhood should be. :)

setting up our picnic