Yamanami Highway (Kuju, Chojabaru) Watching the mountains made even walking fun

I arrived at Chojabaru and set off along the boardwalk through Tadewara Wetland. On the drive here, I’d been heading towards the mountains; now it felt as though I was stepping right into a wide-open grassland. With so little blocking the view, I could take my time and really see the shape of the mountains. That made me happy.

The boardwalk wound through the grass and kept going. In the distance, rounded peaks rose one behind another. What would the mountains look like from that bend? Every time I walked a little farther to find out, I started wondering what the next stretch would look like, too.

Somehow, I was swinging my arms and walking with a spring in my step. I’d come to look at the mountains, but I hadn’t expected to enjoy the walk itself this much. With every step on the wooden boards, my pace felt lighter and a smile crept across my face. I even laughed to myself.

With my arms swinging like this, do I look like I’m out for a serious hike? I just want to see a little farther along the path. Realising I had no grand plan made me laugh again. Reaching the bend I’d been curious about was reason enough to feel happy.

I paused and looked back along the boardwalk. I’d been focused on the mountains, but the grassland stretched away behind me, too. The path behind me was just as lovely. I’d meant to keep moving, but now I wanted to stay a little longer.

I walked back more slowly than before. I’d seen the view I was curious about, but I wasn’t quite ready to leave the boardwalk. When I get back to the car, I’ll tell my driving friend all about this walk—that although I love being on the road, I’d been in a good mood the whole time I was walking today.