In part one of our Shimanami Kaido cycling adventure, we do the Onomichi temple walk and we cycle across two bridges to Ikuchijima Island.
Cycling the Shimanami Kaido, Japan: a bucket-list item


In part one of our Shimanami Kaido cycling adventure, we do the Onomichi temple walk and we cycle across two bridges to Ikuchijima Island.

On a beautiful sunny day, we cycle past rice paddies and temples near Okayama, Japan.

Using the city of Tsuchiura as a base, we explore the bicycle pathways of the Ring-Ring Road north of Tokyo, Japan.

Using Swansea as a base, we explore the coastal hiking trails of the Gower Peninsula, Wales.

My friend Darren and I witness an intense display of aurora in Kananaskis country.

I encounter two great grey owls in the woods. Over the next 45 minutes, the owls pose for pictures and hunt for prey. It was a powerful and moving experience for me, spending time with these magnificent creatures.

My friend Darren and I take two short back-to-back trips to Banff for night photography. During the day, we take some short scenic hikes and photograph some classic Banff scenery.

In part four of my journey through Nepal, I hike up Poon Hill to catch the sunrise over the Annapurna Range, and I spot wildlife in Chitwan National Park.

In the third part of my journey to Nepal, I explore the high country of the Khumbu area. Nara and I ascend Chukung Ri, Kala Pattar, Gokyo Ri, and Knobby View to get panoramic vistas of some of the world’s tallest peaks.

In part two of my journey to Nepal, I trek through the Middle Hills. The rice, millet, and corn harvest is in full swing. I join the Tihar (Diwali) celebrations in the Arun Valley.