I'll begin this debrief by comparing this trip to my trip in 2006. Mentioning the internal and external differences. And then finishing up with my general impressions and plans for the next trip, such as they are.
Internally this trip was physically, spiritually and mentally different from my first trip.
Physically different because the length of the trip was short. I walked almost 35 days during my first trip and only 11 days this trip. In 2006 there were certain changes in my body that occurred after the third week that didn't occur this time because my trip was short.
Spiritually different because my understanding of God has grown since my first trip. I was able to rely more on my faith. This allowed me to relax and enjoy walking without worrying (too much) about where I was staying and how fast I was getting there.
The mental differences like the physical differences have to do with the length of the trip. I noticed in 2006 that I spoke less and became more withdrawn after the second or third week. With only seven days alone and four days with my wife I was unable to develope the tortoise shell like mental armor I had during my first trip. Of course I talked less to myself this time around.
The biggest external difference was the weather. Unlike April and May, early March is cool and dry. No long uncomfortable walks along a hazy muggy highway; sweating like a politician hooked up to a lie detector. This is definitely my season.
The food was also different due to the season (I'm assuming). It was more brown, gray and salty than April/May of 2006. Much less sashimi and more taters. Although I wasn't a big sashimi fan when I began the pilgrimage in 2006, I became one because I was eating it every day. So there was a little bit of a let down, but the food was good none the less. I certainly wasn't wasting away.
Because it was the off season I met fewer walking Henro. Therefore I really didn't buddy up with anyone like I did in 2006. I met a couple of folks at different temples but for the most part I had no sustained contact with anyone. I actually enjoyed not having any interdependence with anyone during the first seven days.
Which brings me to the last difference, the WIFE. Hiroko and I are well matched as lifelong companions. We have many of the same values, we enjoy each other's company and we complement each other well. I've met very few heterosexual couples as well matched as we are. However, when together in Shikoku we are not two Henro walking together. Rather we are Jim and Hiroko on a trip. A very different dynamic and one that can be easily attained whether in Shikoku or Vancouver, BC.
Unlike Satomi, Hiroko has no desire to walk the pilgrimage. She came this time to see what Rob, Satomi and I have been babbling about for two years. Her final opinion is that if we enjoy it then have at it, she'll spend her time shopping in Tokyo. You can take the girl out of the city but you can't the city out of the girl.
Next trip
I'm already planning a trip for fall of 2008, which is fast approaching. Rob and Satomi are expecting their child in late September early October. They are traveling to Japan to have the baby (smart choice). We're talking about maybe visiting them after the baby is born and then Rob and I heading off to Shikoku. The logic being that the womenfolk in Satomi's family will form an impenetrable shell of dote around the baby for the first six months, so why not skip out for a week? No one will notice Rob's gone, least of all the baby.