A Morning of Small Comforts
I woke up around six in the morning to a fresh, clear sky. The heavy rain from the day before had passed, and the air felt light. Before leaving, I completed my morning routineâwriting both my English and Japanese blogs, recording a podcast, and checking the Instagram posts I had prepared the day before. Having all of this done early gave me a sense of flow and a little calm.
Still, my departure was delayed until ten. Instead of feeling rushed, I asked myself, âWhy do I need to leave by nine?â This day was less about efficiency and more about moving forward with peace of mind.
Most of all, I felt rested. The new sleeping bag I had bought kept me warm through the night. I even woke up slightly sweaty and switched to short sleeves. That simple comfort had a huge effect on my energy for the day.
Encounters Along the Way
My first stop was a cycle shop recommended to me on social media. I needed tubes for my trailer, and the shop turned out to be well-stocked and welcoming. The staff answered even small questions with care, and their advice wasnât just about gearâit was about travel itself. That kind of knowledge was priceless.
While walking, two women stopped me to ask about my journey. When I explained, they encouraged me warmly. âYouâre doing great,â they said, and their words reached me more deeply than I expected. For someone traveling alone, such kindness is a rare gift.
Later, while resting near a trail and studying Spanish, a woman named Claire approached me. As we talked, I learned about her creative work and her supportive view of life. What struck me most was that she didnât worry for me; instead, she simply said, âWhy not try?â Her words carried the kind of encouragement that lifts you without pressure.
We parted ways, but just minutes later, I felt a tug in my chest. Something told me I had to write a letter. It wasnât planned, and it didnât need to be longâjust a few lines of thanks. I quickly wrote the note, pedaled hard to catch up with her, and handed it to her in person.
Claireâs face lit up. âIâm so happy! Iâll frame this letter,â she said with a big smile. That moment alone made the whole day worthwhile. A simple act had turned into something that would stay in her memory.
Arrival at a Warm House
From there, I faced nearly 30 kilometers of steep ups and downs, pulling the trailer behind me. It was tough, and I arrived two hours later than planned, exhausted but relieved.
The house I reached looked like a log cabin. The garden was alive with a dog running around, and there was even a fireplace inside. A childrenâs room was neatly prepared, and the entire place radiated warmth. Though I was offered just the sofa to sleep on, it was so comfortable it felt like a real bed.
Dinner was fried chicken and ramenâfamiliar tastes that made me feel at home. My hosts had once taught English in Japan, so they understood my country well. Conversation flowed easily, from daily life to mental health issues. We even discussed Japanâs high suicide rate and compared it with other countries. It was the kind of talk that broadened my perspective.
Late at night, when the whole family gathered, I thought about the day. A kind letter, warm food, and a house filled with laughterâit all felt heavy with meaning. I closed the day with a simple feeling: gratitude.
