Ditches and Denizens of the Mountains

Last Sunday we drove north up to Okuma and later to Hedo Point, as far north as you can go. On the drive I was frequently amazed at what I saw.

Along the winding narrow roads in the mountains are cement drainage ditchs. After all this is an area of monsoons and typhoons. Lots of rain. These drainage ditches are probably about 9 inches deep and 6 inches wide. Because small wildlife, such as turtles and salamanders can get into these drainage ditches and have a hard time getting out again, the Okinawa engineers have made frequent use of these small 'staircases' which would allow an animal ease of leaving the 'ditch' should he be otherwise unable to do so. They are cut into the sides of the drainage ditches at convenient distances. I surely would love to see one being used for its intended purpose.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The second shot is simply of a picnic area. Turtles are supposedly 'lucky'. So are lots of things in the Asian cultures.