sankanshion

Today's ride started in the bitter cold. the rising sun was trying to help and mist clinged to the distant mountains as it so often does but the slight head wind kept limbs cold for most of the outward run. Yokan got broken out at half time - as is common on our rides - it's a kind of jellied sweet (usually made with red beans). Very sweet, very heavy, very nice. I bought some a few christmases ago for my folks, and although it may have been a nice thought I think the postage ended up costing more than the gift. Rice paper next year.

It's still winter - but because of window-framed views you sometimes see the illusion of a different season. in the end we were blown back home in the sun with a very welcome tail wind. The changeable weather and gradual progression of seasons, which we are currently going through, is sometimes referred to in Japanese as 'sankanshion' which basically means 3 days cold and 4 days warm - in fact last week was almost exactly that. It's definitely a fitting description. Bring on that fifth day. It's funny how you try to imagine summer in winter and just can't. no cicada's, no sweating, no heat exhaustion: it's all so far removed from now. Sakura forecasts are already being issued, so get your bevy claithes oan and lets git doon the park.