After a great night's sleep in the Mongolian Tent, we made our way to the north east tip of Shikoku to the Naruto Straight. The straight connects the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean between Shikoku and Honshu. Twice a day, as the tide changes, the water flows through the straight at a rate of up to 20 kilometers per hour creating whirlpools that can span up to 15 meters in diameter. We missed the peak viewing time by about an hour, but it was still well worth it. The bridge spanning the channel allows for traffic on the upper level, and has a pedestrian viewing area beneath the road 45 meters above the water. There are sections of glass on the bridge so you can look at the water rushing between your feet. I managed to read the katakana around the glass panels. It read: "No Jumping." No kidding.
Bridge perspectiveThe bridge is just over a mile long and the pedestrian area is enclosed by wire mesh but is open to the air. About halfway across the suspension bridge I thought of that footage of the golden gate bridge dancing its ass off during an earthquake. Then I imagined the bridge collapsing into the whirlpools and being unable to escape because of the wire enclosure. This is why my brain is not my friend. I managed to get a grip on this ridiculous train of thought and have a great time anyway, but the Naruto Straight Bridge now ranks number 1 on the list of places I don't want to be when the Tokai Earthquake hits. If you check out that link and still think I'm being overly paranoid about earthquakes, well, you're just stupid. :-)
The view facing the PacificNaruto Bridge Video
While watching the whirlpools we got in touch with T.K. and Thi once more and finally met up with them as we came off the bridge. The plan for that night was to drive south to Tokushima to attend Japan's biggest summer festival and home of the famous Awa Odori Dance. So, It was back in the ever shrinking car and back on the road.
T.K. and Thi following us in the cutest car ever made
My legs are under all that stuff.
Happy it's my turn in the front seat!
6 comments:
Are you crazy!!! Walking across that thing! I get sick looking at it. as gorgeous as it is. You did all this in one weekend???? longest weekend in the world! cant wait to see what our adventure is going to bring!
that looks like so much fun and i love that little car. we really are enjoying your blogs and keep a good watch for the next one.
You know, I look at that water all aswirling and I can't help but think...John and Cheryl and you and me and...Catamaran, baby! Yeah? Let'z DO it!
(Disclaimer: Sometimes Cat's ideas are stupid, especially when on her first cup of coffee. You should ignore Cat most of the time. Thank you and have a nice day.)
Gail, this trip keeps getting more and more impressive. I'm so glad you're finding time to do such amazing things between the amazing things you get paid to do!
so glad to read all of the wonderful adventures you are having! miss ya, girlie!
chrizzoe, I was there for 7 days to be fair, but it was pretty action packed. I'm constantly thinking of where to take you during your visit. Take a look at Kyoto and see if you'd like to go, its a few hours by train but I hear its worth it and I haven't been yet. CANT WAIT TO SEE YOU!
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