Hiji Falls & Cape Hedo- gorgeous!

The day after Christmas, Herb, Ellie, and I drove to the north
end of Okinawa Island to do some hiking and exploring.  The
drive reminded me of the Pacific Coast Highway in California.

Though it was chilly, I had to stop at one of the many roadside
beaches to put my toes in the sand, play in the water, and...

...take the traditional 'jump shot' as I have done on beaches all
over the world.  I shall continue to do this until I am old and
grey and can no longer jump.  Then, as I did with my grandma,
I shall wheel my wheelchair out to the sand One. More. Time.
You only get one go around after all :)
I was excited to learn that Ellie and Herb were taking me to
Hiji Falls for a mountain hike.  I miss hiking the Great Wall
and the mountains around Beijing.  I was looking forward
to stretching my legs and getting a little exercise-
too many Christmas cookies and sugar pie!

I saw this Japanese marker tucked in the forest
 on the path up the mountain.  I have no idea what
it says, but it caught my eye :)
This plant reminded me of holly berries,
perfect for a day after Christmas hike.
About halfway up the  2 km trail, we crossed this
suspension bridge...it was good to take a breather!

The view of the river from the suspension bridge;
we were 17 meters high over the water- some bros
were hiking in the water and rocks down below.
As we continued walking up, up, up, I was looking for a spot
where I could leave the trail and get closer to the water.
Found it!
They did, too 😉
The mountain stream was crystal clear...you
can almost hear the rush of the water.

As we climbed higher, we admired many swimming holes-
if only it was warmer!
Finally we reached the waterfall, which
is nearly 30 meters tall.

If only I could have stuck my head in it, I
would have been the happiest girl in Japan.




I love waterfalls :)


After the last of the photos, we took the 2km hike down...
...then drove to Cape Hedo in Yambaru National Park.

It was blustery out on the Cape!

As we walked up the trail for the first look at
the Cape, the view was stunning!

Of course we had to walk out on the Cape for a closer look!

People had left religious artifacts, like an outdoor shrine, set
on the edge of the cliff.  It was really beautiful. 
This was the view looking out to the Pacific...

...and the view as you looked back toward shore.
We couldn't figure out what the chicken/eagle/
duck was all about; there was no English translation.
The Japanese were eager to have their photo
taken with it, so we did, too. 😎

The chilly wind was whipping across the cape...

...but the views made the trip worthwhile.
Another red letter day of exploring on
Okinawa Island.  I was one happy Momma K.
G'nite, y'all!

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