What an amazing day! Took off South from Oshidomari along the purpose built, paved cycle way. Wound along through lush forest over bridges 130 metres above the forest. Views of Rishiri-Fuji and the coast along the way. Stopped off at Lake Himenuma which we walked around (about 1 km), Elsie singing "shoo snakes don't bother me" and running most of the way. Wound our way down to the main road and stopped off at a small beach for a swim to cool off. A bit of a jig...

One of those days. All packed up and discovered Shane had a puncture so started fixing that (easy enough). In the meantime I pumped up my tyres. Five minutes later, boom... I thought we were being shot at but it was just my tyre exploding. Fatal error. We didn't bring a spare for that bike and no puncture repair was going to save the day. Spent all day traipsing around town but no-one stocks the 28/29 inch tubes. Apparently not so common here. Everyone trying to ...

A slow start again today, Elsie building confidence climbing in the indoor playground. Then we set off into Wakkanai town towards the ferry to Rishiri. Stopped at McDonalds for the novelty of it (tried a very gingery Yakki burger you would probably like, Lynette). Elsie was asleep in the buggy already so we left her there with walkie talkies connected in case she woke. Not sure if that counts as leaving your child alone in the car. Then went to the supermarket t...

Sadly we had to check out of the cabin as it was fully booked for the weekend, but not before we made the most of lying around inside for a bit. Went back to the play hall for another round and some lunch then set up camp in the camping area. Later we biked around the corner to see the lake and the bird sanctuary. Then more playtime in the play hall, you get the drift. Elsie got more and more confident, climbing up the ropes and stairs and going down the big sli...

Yay! We made it to Wakkanai. 76km for today and all possible because of a fierce tailwind (up to 50 km an hour). At times we didn't even have to pedal. Plus it was mostly flat. I did have to go back a km or so when we lost our flag and it was such hard work in comparison, plus I didn't find it. We followed the coast road which was miles and miles of beautiful but desolate coastline, just a toilet/ rest area every 25 km or so. One had an inside area so we kept war...