Life Doesn't Have to Be a Beach

An Image to Chase Monday Morning Blues

This photo was taken while riding the ferry between Aka and Zamami Islands.

It was kind of surprising to see people out on this remote beach, far from any civilization.

There are no convenience stores, soda machines, ice cream stands or, power lines.

It's highly unlikely, they walked there. Probably, they were transported by boat.

As long as, they have made arrangements to return to a larger island, they should be fine.

A tent for shade, coolers with ice for food and drinks and, some beachwear is, all you need.

No wi-fi, electrical gadgets or, loud city noises, to disturb the sun seekers. Wow.

Got sunscreen, check. Salsa and chips, check. Beer and wine, check.

Honey, where's the toilet paper ?  Oh, crap, I thought you were supposed to pack that stuff !

Can ya put it on hold 'til 6PM ?

Then and Now (Photos) A Narrow Passage

Ginama Northern Okinawa

 

Meandering through the hills, killing time, this historical sign was discovered.

They should make meandering a religion.  Us meanderers wouldn't ask you for any money.

When, it came time, to get to heaven, we'd be the last ones through the door.

That was a short sermon.

Ginama is a small community, situated between the shore and mountains.

There isn't much arable land for farming, at lower elevations, along this coastal area.

To reach any land worth tilling, people had to do some climbing uphill.

The trail, leading up to farmlands was very narrow. It wasn't wide enough for two persons.

To pass someone along the trail, somebody would have to backtrack, to a wider spot.

It became known as the "Backtracking Path" or, Modoru Michi.

Over 100 years ago the principal of Hedo Primary School decided to fix the trail.

He got a bunch of volunteers, to widen it and, make it safer for passage.

They did such a good job, horses and oxcarts, had room to pass each other.

Fortunately, someone from Keystone Studio, took this photo in 1960.

More than likely, it was done by Blackie the Photographer; I'll ask his son.

Notice, the road is unpaved and people smiled.

Smart phones and selfie sticks, weren't even invented, yet.  They had genuine smiles !

Typhoons, landslides and erosion may have caused some re-routing of the passage.

Here is what the scene looks like today.

Travel uphill, past the stone formation in the left side of the previous photo and, look back.

It gives a sense of appreciation for the widening of this trail.

If, you happen to be driving and, someone in a vehicle, comes your way, guess what ?

One or, the other will still, have to do some backtracking ! 





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