A day in the life of ...: January 2019

Sunday January 27th, 2019

The tunnel leading to the waterfall

Last time I visited this place in 2015, I didn't have a flashlight with me nor did it seem possible that one had to walk through a long pitch black tunnel to reach a waterfall on the other side.

This time I came prepared with a flashlight and a headlamp only to find out part way in that neither of them worked. Total planning fail.

People with lights weren't too far behind so I waited for them to pass and followed in their footsteps. I did learn that there is a very handy flashlight (no app needed) on my iPhone 7+ which I used on the way back. Thanks, technology!

At Emerald Valley (翡翠谷) in Shoufeng Township (壽豐鄉) in Hualien (花蓮)

The Emerald Valley Water Curtain Waterfall (翡翠谷水簾瀑布)

Sunday January 27th, 2019

Liyu Lake (鯉魚潭) near Shoufeng (壽豐鄉)

I awoke in Hualien to the sound of rain pouring down on the metal awning outside my room.

Thankfully, the rain let up by 9am. I moved forward with my plans of renting a scooter and driving to Liyu Lake. This is the largest lake in eastern Taiwan.

Last time I visited this lake, I hiked in the trails beside the lake. This time I did the 5KM walk around the lake. The weather must have kept the people away as I practically had the place to myself.

A resting point at one end of Liyu Lake

Saturday January 19th, 2019 (cont'd)

The trail leading up to Dragon Boat Rock (龍船岩) in Neihu (內湖)

At Dragon Boat Rock

Couldn't have asked for better weather!

Saturday January 19th, 2019

A quick stop to admire this lovely tree in the backyard trails — at Neigoushan (內溝山)

At Dragon Boat Rock (龍船岩) in Neihu (內湖) on a lovely morning

Hiking on some lesser used trails near Dragon Boat Rock

Saturday January 12th, 2019 (cont'd)

Exploring a new trail in Tucheng (土城) in New Taipei City (新北市)

Making our way to Wuchengshan (五城山) at 418m

A lovely and fairly easy ridge hike

Making our way to Tianshangshan (天上山) at 429.75m

Saturday January 12th, 2019

The Sun Moon Cave (日月洞廣照禪寺)

Saturday's exploration hike was a success! I've seen many corners of this little island but there is much more to see. One just has to dig a bit deeper and look beyond the beaten path. This temple wasn't in the plans but when one sees a sign to a cave in 200m, one must check it out. The door was locked but thankfully a few locals were inside. They let us in to see this temple which has been built inside a cave!