My Boots Hiked the Kumano

It is a challenge to accept the truth of what is no longer possible  and yet embrace all that still can be.

In a nutshell, we all face limitations several times throughout our lives. However, limitations aren’t the end of the story. As many of you know, my story was to journey to Japan and hike the Kumano Pilgrimage Trail with my daughter, eight Japanese friends, and a guide, totalling 11. Nothing went exactly according to our well-laid-out plans. 

When we reached the trailhead, it was a perfect day. You will have figured out by now that I didn’t get to walk the Kumano after all. I did get to wave to my wonderful friends and daughter who began Day 1 of the four-day journey. Although I did not hike, my boots did, worn by my daughter Meghan on my behalf. 

How lucky was I that Meghan loved my boots; they fit her perfectly and carried her the whole way. On the other hand, I was carried in spirit on that entire trip by all of them – no physical effort on my part. And it wasn’t just me. Three people of our original eight Japanese friends were not able to come because of illness and the death of a beloved family member. So, in the end, we were eight people in total- seven hiking, including our fantastic guide. None of us had foreseen this as we planned over the past four years.

Adjusting a dream:

By my birthday, I knew I would need to adjust my dream. I took that one poetic line at the beginning of today’s musing seriously as I began to adapt how I might spend the hiking days. This didn’t happen immediately, but before I left Canada, I faced my reality and gently began imagining possibilities. The truth is, I love Japan and the people, and the Kumamo was one part of this incredible trip.

One thing that can help us when we encounter disappointment is not to make up the endings of our stories ahead of time. Once we collect ourselves, we can open ourselves to surprise.

Days off the trail

Day 1 –

After our driver dropped the hiking group at the trailhead, he drove with me to the next town and accommodation. Along the way, he often pulled over, stopped, and pointed out beautiful views. He encouraged me through gestures to take my time, take photos, and simply enjoy. Eventually, we arrived at Kirinosato-Takahara Lodge in Wakayama, where everyone spoke Japanese. There seemed to be a slight confusion around my being there, but it was all good. The kindest, sweetest people in the world managed to make me feel at home, crafted a perfect Americano and guided me toward the best views in the house.

The hikers arrived for our delicious dinner: Yoshie, Kameyo, Meiko, Yoko, Saachiko, Meghan, and “our” fearless and brilliant guide, Kyoko Vendome. Not only is Kyoko a fantastic guide, but she is also a local historian and woodblock print artist based in the mountainside of Kumano. I recently discovered that she will officially participate in the Global Expo 2025 in Osaka.

Day 2 –

I expected to be dropped off at a tea house, where the hikers would meet me at lunch. My new driver (everyone seemed to be a friend of Kyoko’s) did not speak English yet communicated flawlessly. We also received a little help from our translation app.

First of all, I was only dropped off for a short while, and as soon as the luggage was delivered, she was back to show me around. On that day, the main sites were closed, but we went boldly into the countryside where she lived; unique springs delivered water to that area; the rice field had been recently harvested, and we visited an important outdoor shrine for travellers. This was the day when I found the farmers preparing for their celebration of gratitude for this year’s harvest. After our luncheon reunion, I planned to take a bus to the next town, but that didn’t happen. Once again, friends of my driver came and got me and drove me to the next hotel where I had more stunning mountain vistas. I was overwhelmed with the concern and kindness for my well-being.

Meghan took this photo on the trail. She was captivated by the “shoe repair kit,” where fellow hikers left supplies for those coming behind who might just need something to fix their boots.

I am going to leave you with this tonight. It will take some time for me to unravel this extraordinary trip, and I am making adjustments to my daily life right now. Because I don’t want to sound coy or obscure, let me say this: All of us, if we live long enough, will encounter unwanted health issues. Mine are not life-threatening, but they are inconvenient, and I will be glad when they get fixed. In the meantime, I am finding workarounds because there are things I love to do and intend to keep doing – things like my webinars, blog, family matters, etc. I have excellent care, and  am practicing relaxing into these limitations. As you all know, there are so many worse things to have that I am not dealing with. Lucky.

I know that some of you, dear readers, have had heartbreaking losses this past week. Please know that my heart is with you, and if I can do anything, please do not hesitate to contact me. I absolutely know that we can do these hard things that come into our lives. And we need each other to see us through.

Notes:

1:) In this post, I want to acknowledge our Japanese friends’ incredible and meaningful hospitality to Meghan and me. Words are inadequate to express the depth and breadth of their kindness, effort, friendship, and joie de vivre, which had us laughing with joy every single day. Thanks to all of you, we have a lifetime of treasured memories.

2:) Thank you for stopping by this week. I look forward to a new chapter in this beautiful life. Remember that everything can change in a split second is a reminder to live now. You know my mantra – “sing while there’s voice left.” Warmest wishes, Trudy

3:) For those who enquired about my program in November for the ToDo Institute, I have postponed it until later in the new year.

4:) I discovered this piece of music a few days ago and absolutely loved it. It cheered me up to no end. In older blogs, I introduced you to Jon Batiste, a creative, award-winning young musical genius. This is a piece of music where he is extemporizing. I found it so much fun, and listened to it a couple of times. (you don’t need to like it.) :-))

Jon Batiste hears Green Day for the first time. 

PS
Here is a photo of the Golden Pavillion in Kyoto, first erected in 1358, and a close-up of the roof.