We jumped on the tour bus and took a winding road up higher into the mountains, heading for Yangmingshan National Park. Some of us snacked on the lunches they provided as we travelled. Lunch was every possible permutation of white bread product you can imagine. Each one wrapped in its own cellophane bag.
I guess we’ll need the carbs for the hike that is about to ensue! We disembark and the trail immediately goes straight up into the hills. Each step an irregular stone block. We didn’t know if the hike would be 5 minutes or 50. It ended up being closer to the latter. A few folks found spots to wait and hang back. We’ll catch up with them on the way down.
The path finally leveled out and our guide showed us a small marshland pond. He said it’s the only marshland habitat on the island.
As we were standing there enjoying the view, and catching our breath, a thick fog rolled across the water.
Within minutes there was zero visibility in any direction beyond the trail in front of us.
Time to head back down! We had a few slips and one twisted ankle but managed to get everyone back to the bus.
Now on to the Xiaoyoukeng Recreation Area (still inside the Nat’l Park).
It contains an active volcano, with many bubbling steam vents alongside the trail. Sulfur gasses waft through the air.
At the end of the trail we reached the primary vent of the volcano. Our guide had been there the day before and we were excited. This is what it should look like:
…and here’s what it looked like today:
I stood at the edge, staring into the fog and could hear pressurized gasses gurgling through the mud somewhere in the void.
So the kids just walked back to the gift shop and had ice cream 🙂
It’s barely lunchtime and we haven’t even made it to the ocean yet!