#TDAIHJ Day 40 Naze to Motobu – Travel Day

Posted on by Mustbesomethingbro

Monday 10 November (Amami Ōshima island to Okinawa island)

It was up early to be ready to drop off my bag by 04:45am and then walk (5 minutes) to the port (05:00am).

Our ferry at the dock.

I had a slightly upset stomach overnight so it was fortunate that it was a travel day and not a riding day as I was still feeling a bit off colour throughout the day.

Important to keep the ticket to hand back when disembarking
TDA had booked a large sleeping area with 50 spaces – plenty of room.

I slept/dozed for the first three hours. Lots of announcements (in Japanese) before departure and immediately after. It was cool enough to require the blanket.

On arrival at first port of call.
Throwing the leading rope which is then used by the shore crew to pull the main hawser (thick rope).
Lowering the ramp for vehicles disembark and forklifts to remove freight containers and then the reverse process of loading etc.
Not a second is wasted, before the ramp has completely settled the first forklift is making its way onto it
Passenger gangway.

Apparently we did not stop at one of the scheduled ports (3rd smaller one) due to rough seas – though at the moment the weather/seas where we are seem fine. Super Typhoon Uwan (Fung-Wong) is impacting the weather in the region (Phillipines has been severely impacted) – our voyage was being considered for cancellation yesterday – wet weather envisaged for our stay on Okinawa. On the plus side, in the short term this meant that we would arrive in Motobu (on Okinawa) an hour earlier. Making it a 10 hour journey instead of 11 hours.

The ferry had good facilities (for a day or overnight journey). In addition to the sleeping areas, there were showers and toilets as well as various options to sit. Not to mention access to the outdoor deck areas.

The ever ubiquitous vending machines
My spot for much of the day.
Whilst I was sitting there an elderly Japanese gentleman (a passenger) came around handing out mandarin oranges for free.
The ferry maintained a good rate of knots.

Remarkably smooth seas in the afternoon given surrounding weather conditions. Many riders taking naps throughout the day especially after lunchtime.

Unloading at another port en route.
My lunch, when I felt like eating again – along with a 🍌 and 🍏.
Waiting on arrival for our transport to the hotel.
Slight delay because we were early and it took some time for the taxi company to adjust the arrangements.
Room View.
Sharing with Padraig
Outdoor pool was only for looking at not swimming in.
(There was an indoor pool to swim in as well as an onsen)

There were some food options 50 metres from the hotel. Nothing flash but adequate given the ease.

The options at the Ramen place we chose.
The selection.
My first Ramen meal of the trip.

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