Day 16
Delighted to see the sunrise we had a swift, early, breakfast and were on the road before seven o’clock. From the Speedway hotel, where the rally will stay, we headed due south towards the Izu Peninsula. We found a morning coffee halt, nestling in a lemon grove on the shores of Suruga Bay, with an unimpeded view of Mount Fuji in the background. A really special spot for sustenance before the days challenges begin. For the next 20 kilometres we went from fishing village to fishing village, all nestling in bright blue bays, surrounded by impressive rock formations. And then it was time for our first regularity, and what a start to the day.
Eight kilometres of narrow twisty, asphalt with numerous little bridges over rocky streams will be a challenge even at the low speeds we have chosen. Larger, flowing, roads saw us stop frequently to take in the ever more spectacular views, topped literally by the Izu Skyline Vista point at almost 800 metres above sea level. The day’s second regularity had a few interesting twists and turns and may use up quite a few of Jim Smith’s “Yes” and “No” boards! Soon we were back at sea level for a welcome fuel stop before the morning’s final timed section which again had more than enough interest to keep our competitors on their toes – no tricks but the road books must be carefully followed. It seemed impossible, but the scenery got even more spectacular as we headed southeast to Cape Irozaki, the most southerly point of the Peninsula where we will take lunch before a short trek to the lighthouse and the Cape itself.
Our hotel was less than an hour away as we now headed northeast. As I write the waves are crashing on the sands below the hotel’s bedrooms, all of which face the sea, and we three are looking forward to a deserved dinner before a good night’s sleep, safe in the knowledge we have discovered a splendid day’s rallying.