6 July 2013
As we arrived here in Meifeng from Hualien, we were wearing helmets the whole day when we walked along Lyuchui Trail (绿水合流步道). It was told that fallen rocks from the mountain top could occur occasionally as accidents were recorded in the past. So we have to wear the helmets for safety reasons. It doesn't look bad actually, LOL. The most interesting feature along the trail was the swinging bridge. It seemed kind of scary looking down from the bridge as the water flowed rapidly below. I had to hold on to the handle rails as I was making my way to the other end. The bridge was swinging badly when more people were on top of it and it really scared the wits out of some people.
Me on the swinging bridge
At the end of the trail, we came upon the Cave of Water Curtain (水簾洞). As the name speaks of itself, it is a cave with falling water from the ceiling top. Some of us came unprepared for the water and we have to take off our shoes (and shirts for Richard) to get into the cave. I did not bring along my flip flops too and hence walked bare footed with the rest of them. I was all drenched when I went into the cave! Haha, but we had fun taking photos and playing with the 'waterfalls' inside.
2.1 km to Cave of Water Curtain
Entrance of water cave
As we reached our hostel at night fall, I could feel the cool air brushing along my cheeks. I thought there isn't much difference in the air exchanges, even though we were at 2700 metres above sea level. I was so wrong, because I hadn't climbed the mountain yet.
7 July 2013
Today marks the day when we were going to climb the one of the highest peaks in Taiwan - Hehuanshan (合欢山), the highest we are going to climb through the course! Unfortunately, I didn't bring my jacket from Taipei, what a mistake. I thought the temperature will be the same as that in Yangmingshan since it is still summer, but never did I think that it will be so cold. Luckily one of the staffs in Meifeng Farm had an extra coat to lend me that I can escape from the freezing breeze.
Entrance of Hehuanshan
As I climbed higher, I could feel the air getting thinner and I panted more. One lesson I learnt from this climb is to climb steadily up the mountain. One could get out of breath easily if he/she is to speed up to the top. You could also be left behind if you climb too slowly.
The views along the Hehuanshan were magnificent. The clouds making their way through the peaks of Hehuan mountain clusters under the clear blue sky were simply eye catching. We had a few shots here and there as we made our way up the top gradually.
The feeling upon reaching the mountain top was both relieving and exciting. Relieving that I had reached the top and finally take a break, and exciting how is the view like to be up in one of the highest peaks here. It did not disappoint me as I could circle around the top and catch the full scenery of this cluster. If not for the mist/clouds, Dr Chong told us that we could actually see the straits between China and Taiwan. How beautiful it will be if we could leave the politics aside and enjoy the things and nature that we have now.
Me at the peak of Hehuanshan
I wonder if the air plays a part in us getting tired easily because all of us felt asleep on our way back to the hostel. We were all dead beat even though we did not do any strenuous exercises nor walking a long distance up Hehuanshan. I kept yawning after the climb and knocked off in the bus not long after I sat down. Oxygen deprivation was probably the reason.
After all these field trips and excursions, I really credit NTU for making this trip fun and possible. I felt that awareness of nature conservation is high in Taiwan as everyone plays a part in keeping the diversity here in place. How I wish more Singaporeans have that mentality in mind as well.
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