Ōkushi Nature Park Spend an afternoon looking out over the islands from a campsite on the peninsula

When I pulled into the day-camping area at Seaside Corridor, the sea and islands opened up right in front of me. I was spending the day camping at Ōkushi Nature Park. I stepped out and straightened the sleeves of my cream cardigan. Even with clouds overhead, I could feel myself relaxing just looking out at the sunlit sea and the islands in silhouette.

While unloading the car, I spotted the semi-dried Sanuki udon I’d bought earlier. I held the bag in front of my chest and looked at the white noodles. Before I knew it, I was thinking about how I’d cook them when I got home. I’d come all the way to the sea, but there I was picturing a steaming bowl of udon, too. I had to laugh at myself a little.

My friend laughed. “You really like that bag, don’t you?” I told her, “I want to eat udon from Kagawa at home, too.” Still holding the bag of noodles, I turned back towards the sea. Island after island stretched away into the distance; I could picture this view coming back to me when I boiled the noodles at home.

I put the udon back with my luggage and spent some time at the campsite with my friend. Looking out at the sea through the trees, we talked about which island looked farthest away. On an ordinary stop, I’d be thinking about when to set off again, but today I’d picked this spot just to take in the view. That made me want to stay a little longer.

The spring breeze brushed the little flowers on my white dress. My friend started talking about the next road on our peninsula tour, and I nodded along, looking out at the sea. The view and the udon tucked away in my bags had both become things to look forward to when I got home. Next time, I’d like to stay overnight and see the sea in the morning, too. That was one more trip with a whole afternoon to enjoy at my own pace.