June 23
Ie Island
The island of Ie (aka Ie Shima aka Ie Jima) is a small spot of land somewhat north west of the main island of Okinawa. We planned to go on Saturday, but literally missed the boat! Armed with a better understanding of the ferry schedule, we arrived in time for the 11:00 departure.
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| The Ferry boat |
Ie is famous for its highest point in the middle of the island, Mount Gusuku (A fifteen minute vigorous hike to the top), vast Lily fields which bloom in April, and is also the place where Jim practices jumping out of planes. None of these things did we see. The brochure recommended visitors travel by bicycle, which would allow us to see more of the countryside. Even with the strong ocean breeze, it was a bit hot for bike riding. An island of about 25 kilometers in circumference, we saw about one third of it. This was by far the most rural I have seen since arriving in Japan. Agriculture all around, various crops and even livestock, Olivia and I both noticed the smell reminded us of Grandpa's farm. Our ride took us to some beautiful vistas, the memorial of Ernie Pyle (beloved WWII War Correspondent), a cave and a beach.
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| Ready for another adventure |
Niya-Thiya Cave
Ie island has a few caves that can be reached by visitors. With breathtaking views from the top, the dark cave below was both beautiful and somber. During the war, the island's caves were used by locals to hide from danger. We found several memorial stones in its caverns.
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| One of many memorial stones in this cavern |
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Agriculture
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| Looks like good fertile soil? |
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| Livestock building |
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| Can hardly see the cattle in the shade |
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| These were taken on the mainland of Okinawa. Several varieties of crop. |
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| Mt Gusuku |
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Biker Gang
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We found a beach to cool off. Looks like low tide, the left side of the beach was mostly coral. Olivia has been a bit more cautious this time and wore her boots.
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| Japanese baseball game on the ferry ride back to the mainland |
On the way back to Torii station we picked up our glass work. Olivia made the pitcher, I made the cup.
Super cool!! Your pieces came out awesome, you guys look like professionals!! :) It's good they still have ice cream cones too, definitely a staple of Summer!
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