Driving Kaichu Road I shut the door and paused by the sea before heading to the next island

Partway along Kaichu Road, I pulled into Central Road Park. When I parked the red car and shut the door, the sound of the nearby sea took the place of the music I’d been listening to in the car. Still holding my jacket, I looked through the trees first. I was glad I’d stopped before heading to the next island.

The path along the shore curves gently away to the left. There’s a lawn beneath the palms, with shallow water just beyond it. I stood looking for a while before setting off, and only then realised how close the sea was. I’d come by car, but suddenly wanted to stay on foot a little longer.

I adjusted the jacket in my arms and let the wind lift my hair. A breeze slipped into the sleeves of my white shirt, and my shoulders loosened a little. Standing by the sea after getting out of the car, I slowly began to feel calmer. Today, I want to stay here and enjoy the breeze a little longer.

Kaichu Road was built across shallow water on a causeway. It runs from the Katsuren Peninsula to Henza Island, with roads continuing on to Hamahiga Island, Miyagi Island, and Ikei Island. Thinking back to the island names I’d seen on the map, this little break began to feel like the start of the journey ahead.

Ayahashi-kan is apparently shaped like a wooden boat called a Maran. The sea culture museum on the second floor has ship models and exhibits on maritime culture. After admiring the sea right in front of me, I’d love to find out what kinds of boats used to pass through here.

I looked back toward the path along the shore. I’m looking forward to driving on to the next island and trying the mozuku noodles at Ayahashi-kan. But first, I want to take a little walk by these trees. I readjusted the jacket in my arms and headed from the car toward the path.