holy water

back into the mountains after a long and fairly flat winter. yesterday looked warm but demanded the long sleeves and legs. the next best thing about climbing in the mountains after the views are the springs and japan has an incredible amount that are easy to spot - usually having been made into some kind of a shrine. at this one (310 south osaka) there was even a money box for contributions (actually there was also the traditional flashing red light that somehow didn't make it into this picture) and although I didn't have the heart to break the scottish stereotype, I was happy to dismount and have a good drink of the stuff - it tasted good. much creamier than treated city water. you often see people drive into the countryside with a boot full of containers and stock up - not a bad idea considering the stuff is in endless supply. but I can never understand quite how it keeps coming.....