Miao!
Even on a vacation, it is especially important to keep your health in mind. While you may be improving your mental health not having to think about a job you hate or other stresses in life, it is key to not neglect your physical health. As such, today, unexpectedly, turned into a physical health day.
We had our early start to the train station, only to find out that there were no available seats to be reserved. We lucked out in getting on to the train on the non-reserved seating area (typically cars 1-3). We had a brief layover at Fukuyama Station and transferred to a train that got us to Kasoka station. From there it was a short walk to the port, and we settled in for the hour-ish ferry ride to Manabeshima.
Weather was much better today, after a frigid start Interesting exhibit
Our ferry Other islands neighboring Manabeshima
Upon landing at Manabeshima, the “welcome party” greeted us in full force.
Once they realized we had no food for them, they quickly scattered. We wandered through the streets for a bit and walked by Enpukuji Temple.
Interesting porcelain fish Tanuki! A retired boat Small slice of life 
Alley cat Chill cat flopping around
We were off to find Marudosama, a small shrine off to the west of the island. Unfortunately, we didn’t realize quite the hike it would be, and after a series of false starts, we finally found our way up the steep trail, and after almost an hour, we made it to the shrine. A bit further down the shrine was a path to a beach, which aside from some trash, was otherwise untouched and unreachable.
After the initial steep climb up from the temple Seemingly abandoned shed One of the landmarks around the island Marudosama Shrine Prayer blocks Fairly pristine beach
Once we hiked back to the town, the welcoming party decided to greet us again and keep us company for longer this time on our way back to the port. Along the way, some new friends joined us and insisted on following us.
Various bread loafs 
I am quite happy here! Pile o’ cats This cat really liked us and followed us, and waited when we stopped We thought this was a happy couple, then things got more risque This cat was the picture of contentment
Soon it was time to prepare to depart. The person who we purchased the ferry tickets from, Atsumi, turned out to be featured in a book about the island (a book that I recommend grabbing, it is a very nice snapshot of life on the island, beautifully illustrated and humorously written).
Upon returning to Hiroshima, it was time for a proper meal, as we had only konbini snacks fueling us thus far. We chose to eat at Okonomimura, a building dedicated to okonomiyaki. The directory mentioned a Michelin-restaurant named Takenoko, which is where we decided to go, a wise decision, indeed!
Hungry group Humble beginnings of our dinner Pork! My favorite part, the noodles Egg Nearly done The Special and The Oyster Cheese Noodle with Oyster (I’m the weird one) The oyster Your complete list of okonomiyaki options in this building
While little was written for today, our bodies certainly have been through a lot, so we shall turn even earlier tonight, for tomorrow we “hop” to a different island. As always, thanks for reading.