Today started off wet and we pondered staying another night at the hotel. But I was keen to get started so we did! A minor gear hiccup saw Shane having to come up with a creative solution to fitting both the pannier and the bike trailer at the same time then we were on the road.

Actually it was a bike path that ran along the Toyohira river for about 20 km and took us all the way out of Sapporo without seeing a soul. Passed a few dairy farms then used the paved flood wall to cycle the next 10km. I am so grateful for the Bike Maps App that shows us all the back roads and off road trails so we can avoid the main highway.

We wound our way through beautiful countryside along the coast and eventually stopped at Mahairama beach "resort". The camp was actually closed but a friendly local let us stay, even cleaned the toilets for us and gave us a couple of beers. I love Japanese hospitality!

All up we did almost 50km. Elsie was great. She did ask to go home at one point and Shane told her we were going to sleep in a tent to which she replied "a tent is not a home, Daddy". She cracks us up. But she's not wrong. And it's not quite as comfy as a hotel either!

Anyway. Grateful to be on our way and seeing more of this beautiful country.