Hiking Up a Blue Streak: April 8, 2006

[Omniloquacious]

Though it was a very gentle stroll up some none-too-steep steps, we got up high enough to have lovely views all around. It was very pleasant walking up there so far from any sight or sound of motor vehicles or any of the other assaults on the senses of daily life in Taiwan. The brisk wind and cloud cover made the going very comfortable indeed. And it certainly was a splendid spot where we plonked ourselves down to tuck into our lunch.

If we'd been able to explore further into the mine and round off the day with a swim, it would have been perfect. But even without those extras, it was a good day out. And many thanks to Brian (though I don't suppose he'll log on here and read this) for giving us a lift.

I was, however, very surprised that we didn't see any of the youtong trees I'd been expecting. There are now a couple of dozen in bloom on the hill across from my flat, and there are also large numbers of them to be seen on the way to Wulai, so it's hard to understand why there weren't at least a few clumps of them in and around Shifen.

[ratbrain]

yes it was a fun hike! I would like to repeat that those of you who did not go all the way to the weather station really should go back there, it is a sight you will never forget. Much more spectacular than the blue streak.

thanks for the nacho recipe, irishstu, i changed my mind and had that for dinner instead and it WAS GOOOOOOOOD!

I have the water sample here, cross your fingers for good results.

[irishstu]

My favorite part was sitting on top of the ridge, not far from the weather station, overlooking Keelung (Jilong) (Jilong) harbor, etc. while eating lunch.

..and lying back on the rock to catch some rays?

Great hike. Great company, as usual. Thanks all.