It still looked pretty dark behind, so I wasn't too annoyed about leaving when I did. I had waited up there for 2 hours, and needed to carry on. 20 kms of winding down hills, photo taking and the skies clearing a bit, and I was close to the bottom. The road merged with the more direct road from Takayama, and I entered tunnel country. Big big thanks to John for finding me an air filter mask!

Am now stopped at a little diner. Uphill begins, so I actually have to pedal. Hmph!