Thursday 24th October, Another good breakfast, left over spaghetti, massive treat so had a few bowls as well as the cornflakes and fruit. Left Takayama and headed straight for the mountains, pretty steep climb to start off with, but you could see the snow capped mountains in the distance, which always gives me a bit of a buzz. Carried on the small road 381, very little traffic, which was nice and signs saying watch out for the bears and monkeys. Same as yesterday as I was climbing all you could see was hrydo plants and dams, through pine forests, really pleasant riding, with the occasion tunnel, getting used to them now, keep my back light on, then just ride like Mr Mcgoo, as I cant see a thing! Came out of one tunnel with a pack of monkeys sitting in the road, amazing, tried to get my camera out, just took a picture of a load of trees, but I could hear them all around me, think they could smell the peanuts that keep me going all the time. then through the biggest tunnel yet about 3 miles long! My Garmin give up the ghost then, just froze, so resorted to my phone with a downloaded ride with GPS, map, nothing could go wrong! Few little mishaps early on but it seemed to be going good, and I could see the screen better, had a few battery back ups as well, so all good. Just kept riding through the amazing scenery, with next to know one on the road, met a load of New Zealand guys out on the road with hired bikes and a guide,met them just outside a tunnel, there guide was a bit worried, I just said follow me I cant see a thing! a few of the m did the rest held back. As we came out there was a bit of a rest area with an old steam engine, took a few pics with them and exchanged details then got on my way. Nearly went pear shaped just after missed a little turn, but managed to go back and find it, made me smile I can still get off road, just a really steep section on an unmade road, but pretty good fun, then a really nice downhill to the hotel.