Glimpses of Japan Local - in JEnglish

  I tried a short ride recently, but it didn't quite hit the spot. So, I decided to take on the classic route after a break: the Hibiki-nada Green Park, Tonda Reservoir and the cycling path around it, and Namikake Promenade. I parked my car at the reservoir's west side parking lot and hopped on my trusty Brompton, "Pota-kichi." However, to my disappointment, the usual outer loop was closed.  The inner route was family-friendly, with several attractions along the way. I spotted a Chinese-style gazebo, the Dai-Hoku-Tei Pavilion, beautifully reflecting in the water. There was even a floating bridge! Heading towards the Dai-Hoku-Tei Pavilion, I took a detour from the cycling road, crossed a small bridge, and climbed a hill. That's where I stumbled upon the Wu Changshe statue and the Dai-Hoku-Tei  Pavilion. According to the information board, these were gifts from Dalian, China, a sister city of Kitakyushu. As a couple on a tandem bike passed by, I decided to head back...

  It's kind of strange for me to say, "it's been a while", but life had a way of keeping me away from my bike adventures. I noticed my Brompton tire pressure had dropped from the usual 100 psi to 55 psi. It's been quite some time since I last hit the road. This year, the blooms seem a bit delayed compared to previous ones. Nevertheless, I couldn't wait to explore the sights.  I cruised down a long slope, took a turn at the signal, and stumbled upon something peculiar. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw...  mushrooms! And they weren't the edible kind! It seems they marked themselves as inedible, but why were they here in the first place? Every year, when I venture off the main roads onto these country lanes, I'm greeted by a sea of Red ... Finally, along the embankment of the irrigation channel, I spotted some buds. A bit further ahead... White spider lilies were in full bloom. "Hello!" Taking a side path into the shade of the trees, I ...