Close to Shikoku's east coast, I took the 'short road' to 'the ferries.' This was called a skyline, and boy they weren't kidding. High slopes, almost no flat parts. I thought I was at the summit 3 times, only to turn a corner to see another incline. Then after going downhill a while, a new mountain began. Whee!

Whenever I say, "Gee, this road looks shorter," I should remember this, and the 'quick way to Beppu.'

No regrets though. Glorious scenery... just a bit painful.