Journeys 3.1

Continued planning a possible multi-day hike across Greater Tokyo, a metropolis of 37 million. My route follows the Tamagawa Aqueduct, which dates back to 1653–54 in the feudal era. Spanning roughly 30 miles, I plan to start in the countryside at the Tama River. Though the city has been leveled by fire several times, including twice in the 20th century, I hope that by following the water, I’ll catch glimpses of the past that survived the flames.

Picked up a bunch of this locally grown asparagus at the farmers market this morning. The rhubarb looked good too, but my sister-in-law recently gave us a huge armful from her garden. We’re not too crazy about fiddleheads, though they did look decent. I didn’t see the fungus lurking in the corner: Google Lens is giving conflicting answers on it, so maybe it’s just as well.

Posted The Mystery of the Unexpected Train Station. In April 2026, while hiking the Rob Roy Way in Scotland, we unexpectedly came across a former train station. What was that all about?

Once in a blue moon, we feel a bit lazy and pick up a rotisserie chicken for dinner. Today was meant to be that day: I was busy volunteering, and Dwight spent much of his day horizontal, recovering from the same cold I’ve just managed to shake. ​Ultimately, it wasn’t meant to be. The rotisserie shelves were empty, and when I asked, there was none ready in the back. It was time for Plan B: cooking from scratch.

Met a friend at the U, surrounded by sports stadiums. The weather was perfect for a ride to and around St. Paul’s Lake Como, followed by a cuppa from Dock & Paddle beside the lake.

Pumped up the tires and took myself out for a test drive. I performed well enough, though I’ll definitely be needing a nap this afternoon. All things considered, I’m ready to cycle to points east with my friend tomorrow.

Our colds persist. Going a little stir-crazy, I went for a walk, starting with this tunnel under the interstate near our home, dense with metaphors. Later, at a new bookshop, a barista with the snuffles brewed me a welcome Americano.