It all started with a book.

And now it's all ending on a Thursday at 12:09 a.m.

I made excuses. I delayed editing. I worked on any project I could to avoid clicking Save one last time. Sharing these photos means I'm officially putting an end to this fantastic adventure.

The Kumano Kodo (Nakahechi Route) was not what I expected. It felt easy at times. It scared the shit out of me on a few occasions. I packed too much. Gave a couple of leeches an All You Can Eat special. Even lost the soles of my boots on my second day. This pilgrimage was anything but smooth. Yet, in the middle of chaos, mistakes, and Pocari Sweat breaks, I was having a blast.

Pushing myself was exhilarating. Leaping and sprinting through the fog and rain redefined my idea of what a problem is. And the quiet moments, when forced to acknowledge the resting place of another thrill-seeker, doused me with a solemn peace that balanced everything out. A spiritual banya, if you may.

Do I recommend this pilgrimage? Without a shadow of a fucking doubt.

Were the shrines at the end worth it? Absofuckinglutely

Maybe it's because I've stood clear of that Type Two fun for too long. Maybe it's because I'm an egomaniac who wants to finish this trek in record time with close to nothing on my back. But I'll be collecting my stamps again. With you, a friend, or by myself again.