In Chinese of some need, 在中国的翻译朋友:

I don't know where to start!

This was such a great experience, I hope everyone can appreciate the spontaneity and the little planning I went through. End of the year holiday was approaching where my work give holiday time off. Thanks to all the great people I met along the way and my friend, family and work who let me go.

I requested some extra time even though I had no plans, but hoping to go somewhere after Christmas. My family wasn't interested in traveling at this time so I searched for a cool place to go as a last minute deal. I considered a few places and last year, did something similar to Costa Rica. I had a friend who went to Taipei but he already left for other travels around Asia. There was a deal to Taipei. I saw a movie with a quote at the beginning:

"You know its funny what's happening to us. We've become digital. Our friends now virtual and everything you could ever want to know about is only one click away. Experiencing the world through endless second hand information is not enough. If we want authenticity, we have to initiate it."

I bought my ticket, Leave Seattle Dec 29th - Leave Taipei Jan 11th. I found a rental car, even though it may not be necessary as the transportation system is good there. I like to have a car and yes, I like driving crazy places sometimes. I tried to learn a little Mandarin Chinese, printed a few maps out, printed some translation and info where there may be hotels for the first night and got ready to leave. I really didn't know anyone there, but it didn't matter.

December 29th, Fly out of Seattle - 10 hrs to Tokyo, 3.5 hrs to Taipei arriving at 9:30 Dec 30th. I was a little restless and watched movies most of the way. Tokyo/Narita airport, there was enough time to go look around and have a bento box to eat, then back on the plane. When arriving in Taipei, of course, customs and $ exchange at the rate of 31 New Taiwanese (NT) to 1 USD. First cash machine just took my cash and nothing came out. I showed the receipt to someone and there was just an error, so I didn't have issues after that. Just had to remember the exchange rate.

I had a few people show me where the bus was to go to town. My friends friend, Claudio Chen lived in South Taipei and invited me to stay in a hotel near his home and go to the night market so I had a map printed. A nice Taiwanese business gentlemen, Kevin, was just home from a week of work in Shanghai. Many people in Taiwan have an English name and a Taiwanese name. Some had forgot their English names but it was custom to have both. I still haven't came up with a new Taiwanese name for myself (expecting some Taiwanese friends to help with that in the future).

He said I should be on his bus and we headed out. After calling Claudio, we realized I was going the wrong way, with two options, to go on another bus back to Claudio's or, head to Kevins area and he would help find a hotel. After hanging out with Kevin and some life discussions, he invited me to his house, with his family to stay. We drank wine for hours talking. In the morning, Kevin drove his wife to work and took me to the car rental for my travels. Nice to have Kevin there when I got the car.

I was off on my own now in downtown Taipei, driving a rental Nissan without being able to read most of the signs (usual) pointed toward a gas station, but all was fine. I found myself heading to the hills in 5 minutes and the rural neighborhood was beautiful, hilly, with mountains surrounding and temples. I was off to take photos and see the area.

Walkway down to the Dau temple.

Inside Wang-Mu Temple

There was a temple built into the mountain but there was also something smaller below so I parked the rental car and took a walk down to see. Http://wangmu.org Taipei Wang-Mu Salvation Association. The people there was very nice. Without asking, they made me so comfortable. We all talked then lunch was ready. My normal discussion was, "first time in Taipei", Why? Where do you stay and what is your plan?". To make it easy, my plan, was "no plan". I did have a map printed and about five places around Taiwan I wanted to go explore but that was it, and it didn't matter if I kept those plans. I was learning how great the people of Taiwan are. Along with the food, the weather, everything was very special.

I left the car parked till the next day there by the temple in the hills of Taipei. It was also new years eve, but I was content with no plans. I was off for a hike.

The words explained the current feelings.

Temple entrance

The hike took me to the temple in the hills (I still need to find the name of this temple)

In the temple, I took a few photos before realizing there was a person there meditating. I made no noise but carefully back out of the experience. The meditation was so deep, I could see his dog breathing in his lap but not him. I had to peak in another entrance to see if my sight was tricking me, but it wasn't. It all seemed very natural.

The hike took me through and past the temple, a walking path through the forest. One would think it was secluded but no statue was without incense burning and sometimes find a person sweeping the paths.

Further along was more diversion paths to statues in crevices in the rock hills. I think they had something to do with the longstanding temple.

Walking paths to some of the statues.

Statue, comfortably in the hillsides.

Steep walking paths.

And resting pampered statues

Top of the Taipei 101 building in the distance.

Mountain trail walking view from east of the city.

I walked around the hills taking on the views, thinking this must be a wonderful place to live. So far from Seattle but a very comfortable place. The temperature was mild. People were great, food was great. For me, this was a good resting spot.

Doug was a transportation specialist (driver), and Michelle was from mainland China and married the owner of the motorcycle shop, here in Taipei.

Streets in Taipei.

Taipei

After a nice walk through the hills, into town, lost for a while in the city and getting late, New Years Eve, I got walking directions and headed back to the temple in the hills in Taipei. Friends there had me helping to make folding origami type papers to be burned as a representation of friends and family whom have passed. These were popular to remember those who have left this world.

We had a great dinner and a walk down to town. Not sure if everyone knows, I didn't know about Taipei 101. Taipei 101 is the large building downtown. It is the tallest building in the world. It was built in 2004 and has 101 stories. The fireworks display and celebration is one of the biggest in the world and I was here for it. Well, the great people I met put me up for the night and I was ready to celebrate, but very tired. I went for a quick nap and said to wake me up when everyone arrived, but I woke in the morning and missed everything. I guess I was tired! I'll admit it. The trip with no plan has been very busy.

In the morning, we went for a quick breakfast, got fuel at the gas station I couldn't find the day before, and was off to drive out of Taipei, to go around the island clockwise, that's it! I had a few places marked on paper but would stop and go when I felt and just drive.

Taipei

Familiar Costco sign

A quiet morning motorcycle parking lot

I got a little lost out of Taipei but was northbound on highway 1 or 3. As my friend, Kevin said, they build vertically here, and I realized the respect for the nature and beauty of Taiwan. They hardly destroy a new area to build buildings or houses like we do in the US. The hills are fairly preserved and are thick with forest beauty and wildlife. When you drive out of the small or large cities here, the civilization just stops and forests start till the next town. It is hilly and rugged. Similar to other places I've traveled where people stay in shape from walking in the hills.

I got off the freeway before the large north Keelung City. "Pei" means north so Taipei is the north city but Keelung is further north. The GPS in the car was in Chinese, and my Nexus 7 tablet I used for GPS was operating poorly but I had maps and was reading the signs. OK, I was a little lost but deciding where to go next didn't really matter. I stopped at a phone/computer shop and mingled with people trying to fix my tablet. We used the translator but I didn't want to reformat so I just used it as is.

I didn't know, but I was in the town of Badouzi (Badoshi). It was hilly and very close to the coast. I didn't know how close till the next day, but walked around after the phone shop to say hi to people and check it out. Here are a few photos of a motorcycle parking garage. I was impressed with all the bikes, of course.

More cycle parking near Badouzi

Cool bike

Driving a few blocks, I found a neighborhood to walk around in. There were many people just getting going for the day. It was a little windy and cold but warming up, and I was hungry. I parked and someone started trying to talk with me. I was obliged. We went to a small restaurant in a neighborhood and nobody could speak English but I had such a great meal! We spoke a little and I used the translator, but only simple words came across. After lunch, a group was walking and the person I met was asking if they speak English. Linda, one of the girls did and next thing, I was invited to a Karaoke birthday party, downtown Keelung with this group of great kids! Some took a taxi and some with me. They showed me downtown, parking and a walk through some of the thriving market. So many people walking around. It was very fun.

I have to say, these kids really impressed me and I wondered if all teens in Taiwan were as mature as Jer, Linda and the rest of the friends. They made sure I wasn't feeling lost, took me to the greatest dinner, really made sure I was doing fine and felt at home. Thank You Guys!

The daytime market in Keelung City

New friend, Jer, singing to the birthday girl. I did get to sing a little too, but I still don't know if they liked it. Jer said it was good. I didn't know that cake in the face was traditional here!

Great street food everywhere

Friends with Port of Keelung in the background

Damian, Jer and other friends.

Ray, Jer and I

Some of the architecture is new in Keelung City. It seems modern, clean and people seem to care about the place they live. As for me, I was treated very well and it was so great being shown around and invited to a great dinner.

Modern building in Keelung City

Jer, Linda, Cindy and Zhang.

Inscribed and translated, "Unable to let go.
You are still on my mind", I love you.

Jer's father, Bobby was a captain in the Taiwanese military. They're business was growing flowers in his garden on the top of his building, with a very nice view. They put me up for the night, fed me in the morning and mutually enjoyed the company.

On the rooftop with Jer's father, Bobby.

OK, It was time to leave Jer's house and hit the road, on my trip. I didn't know where I was! It didn't matter. I had a long time still to sort those details out. I was exploring! After leaving Jer's house, saying goodbye, I drove down the hill to a waterfront corner of Badouzi, maybe five minutes away. I didn't know what town it was but I wanted to walk around a small market, by some buildings which were just opening for the day. next thing, I found a Maritime terminal next to the port, parked and stayed through the next day.

Notice the cool sign, Car Kiss & Ride.

I waited there, but nothing!

I read about the motorbikes here and a few days, expected to see some unfortunate incidents. It is pretty crazy, but its the way of life. Most people drive carefully, but the rules are different here.

An out of the way walking path to the outdoor
train station. It was designed very beautifully.

Haikeguan Train Station.

This is a map of Badouzi. Its an easy town

to fall in love with, like many places in Taiwan.

A large walking area outside the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology.

Walkway to a smaller village.

I was out searching for a way to get to the cemetery (xirtang). I was very interested in this to see some shrines. They were in the hillsides of most towns but later was told people don't go there! Haikeguan Train Station through the forest.

National Museum of Marine Science & Technology

Port of Badouzi

I spent most of the day hiking around, saying hello and trying to talk with a few people. Almost everyone wanted to give me something for the trip, or just help me and everyone seemed satisfied. Maybe because it was a weekend but a very relaxed feeling. There were two parts of the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology. More information here. I toured the smaller exhibit by the waterfront which explained details of the fishing town and its history. I got a personal tour from one of the guides who was glad to show me a floor sized map of the area and some history. I still had a thought of leaving, northeast bound but no need to hurry. There was a temple on the hill I saw from the exhibit center so I took a walk (pictured below).

Temple in Badouzi, from the waterfront exhibit center

Neighborhoods in the lower part of Badouzi,
near sea level, walking to the temple.

Stairs up to the temple.

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At the temple, I met Estella. I have to say thanks to Estella and her friend for explaining some of the area, making me feel so comfortable there, giving me tea and taking me on a great hike up the mountain in Badouzi Coast Park, over the other side and back along the east waterfront beaches, buying me some food, touring me around.....I can't stop thanking you enough!

Inside the temple at Badauzi

There are so many beautiful parts to the temples here.
I will try to learn more

Details in great intricacy on the ceilings.

Statues in the temple

My friends may ask if it was soarable. Its a term used for flying off places where the wind is either creating ridge type lift, thermal lift or wave type lift. I think there are days when there is great soaring in this area. Just not many pilots. Currently for general aviation, Taiwan hasn't developed a plan for general aviation, but the world is changing. As for soaring, I did read of some paragliding and hang gliding around the country of Taiwan. More on that maybe later.

lights and the interior wood slat ceilings.

Estella and I on the mountain top by the ocean.

The town of Jiu Fen can be seen on the hillside

As the night came around, I was taken to dinner at a Japanese restaurant on the hillsides above Badouzi, on the the winding roads which go to JiuFen. We then went to JiuFen in the evening. The town was packed with people on vacation from New Years. I didn't get photos at night but walking through the very steep town is like this and this, thrilling and there was a feeling I just fell into some luck to get this opportunity. It was very nice. JiuFen was a night trip so I don't have photos. If you like, here is the view from JiuFen, looking down to Badouzi during the day.

JiuFen in the distance, on the hills.

Ocean looking north

Beach hills on the east side of Badouzi

ship lights, used to attract fish at night.
Here displayed artfully in the museum construction.

Note the ships. Intriguing they used lights at night to lure the fish close to the boats. The light would attract the fish.

Badouzi East Port

Fisherman in Badouzi

Badouzi sun setting

In Houtong

Next Day, I was out for breakfast in Badouzi and off to Houtong, the city of the cats. Cats, as everyone knows are like God, or as they think. This village is famous for the cats! Some photos......

Houtong cat Village.

Bridge at Houtong

cat house

someone can translate this for me...

"watch for kitties" signs

Lucky kitties getting attention

Lucky kitties being fed

Lucky kitties in the sun

Beautiful view and unexpected train

going from Taipei to Badouzi

Next adventure, I wasn't sure the name of this area but beautiful, a little further into the hills then Houtong. I'm not sure but it may have been called Shandiaoling. The town was quaint but very beautiful. There were a few accommodations and hikers around.

Beautiful waterfalls.

Hikers feet, along the trail to the waterfalls

Cool bridge on the hiking trail from town to the waterfalls.

This valley was rich with plants and water.

cool waterfalls

Small village of Shandiaoling

typical steep stairways

beautiful countryside

Leaving the northern mountains of Taiwan was another random decision. The mountains here are so beautiful. I could have spent a few more days exploring but I was pointed to the east coast and was adjusting plans on the fly to make it to the next town before it was late in the evening.

I had heard about Yilan County from a few people along my trip. The highways had changed in recent history allowing traffic to flow from Yilan to Taipei in about an hour. I was on the longer roads to Yilan, but arrived north of town, on the coastline a few hours before sunset.

I could have spent more time on the beautiful shores of this area. There was plenty to see but I was moving along now and, passing Yilan, headed for Hualien. Hualien is one of the bigger towns, a small city on the east side of Taiwan. It is at the foothills of the rugged mountains, but along the shorelines of the Pacific Ocean. One of only about five places I knew of in Taiwan is Taroko National Park . I saw some of the temples when googling about Taiwan and had a light plan to go there. The gateway to the park is the city of Hualien. I would arrive and stay a night in Hualien, go to a night market, eat great food and rest for the next day of adventure.

Downtown Hualien, in the morning

before people are busy in the city.

clean signs and air of east Taiwan

Leaving Hualien in the morning with a plan to explore Taroko, while lost driving, I stopped at a small park between town and the mountains. Weather was great, there were people riding bikes and just a great place to find.

small park in Hualien

Amongst the flowers, and for my airplane friends, The Taiwanese Ching-Kuo Fighter is developed and manufactured by the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation based in Taichung. The aircraft is also referred to as the Indigenous Defence Fighter (IDF).

mountains to the west of Hualien

kids enjoying the park.

view looking north

beautiful rock benches and art

A symbol for Hualien, Taiwan.

mountains looking south

Next, was entering into Taroko National Park . Just another beautiful canyon? Not really. The feeling of knowing how many thousands of years indigenous people lived in Taiwan compared to hundreds of years in the US, there was a presents of life here. There were small villages along the mountains and history I would still like to learn about in this part of the country. Pictures try to tell the story but its a place where I would like to spend a few days or longer exploring if I come back again.

the large river valley

At the park entrance

First long walking tunnel. Could
have drove but it was fun

west end of the tunnel

under the bridge, a trail head to an old village where locals still live.

trail to the village.

I will find the name of this interesting area/

Mountains rise to 12,900 ft (4300+m)

in Taiwan from sea level

Sun over the moutains at a viewpoint

amazing tunnels

Hsiang-Te Temple is as far as I went up the canyon into the Taroko National Park. This may explain about the temple but its only in Chinese. Here is a view so go ahead and explore the area. Use the arrows to climb the stairs to the temple!

Bridge to Hsiang-Te Temple

another level of stairs to climb

shrine area

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more stairs

Korean group I briefly talked with while visiting.

Temple entrance level

Beauty, built long ago.

awsome inside. Who's looking after whom?

Brand new big Budha being built

a beauty

I will find the name and the purpose of this tower.

spiral stairs inside

view from above.

again, view from above.

The temple to the east

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rock slide

motorcyclist with tour buses in the road down.

It was time to head out of Taroko National Park. It was starting to get late. Not many more photos and now, a drive out of the canyons and a plan to make it to Taitung City. I didn't know Taitung is east (Tóng), Taipei is north (Běi)Taitung is the north, south is (Nán), and west is (Xī). Sounds easy but its really not.

Taitung was a few hours from leaving the canyons in the mountains. In pushing to make it to Taitung, I had to drive at night through the Rift Valley. I had heard some things about this valley but kept pushing along. Maybe the next trip, this valley will make time for me to explore.

Arriving at night in Taitung City, I drove to near town center. There was a festival going on and amazing lanterns made by the local school children, some music but it was getting late.

lanterns

kids finding their own lanterns

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beautiful street

music group

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It was easy to park, walk around and find a hotel, and dinner. This was another great town and noticeably warmer, as it was further south. Another good Japanese style dinner then to bed.

The next morning, after a good breakfast was a north drive to Dulan. Dulan is a small, aboriginal beach town 20 kilometers north outside of Taitung. Primarily, the town has a burgeoning art and music scene originally cultivated by the local Ami Tribe. The beach is rugged but could have spent eternity there. I read this was some of the best surfing waves in all of Taiwan. I had lunch, and visited the old sugar factory converted to an art gallery and hung at the beach. The location on the southeast coast makes it a quiet place few tourists or locals ever trek to. I had a feeling for the first time there was something on my trip that was ending. For the first time, I thought about how quickly the trip was moving along and in less then a week, I would be heading back to the US. Mostly, I had a feeling for something in the north part of Taiwan and was thinking, so much more to see, but I may need to go back north again and skip a large portion of Taiwan. My random stops were great, but I had a feeling to stop more with the north part. I had a few days still to think about it.

Beautiful skies around Taitung

I would like to read this sign....

I went back to Taitung and drove around the city before parking and walking in town. I met many people but briefly. I kept to myself a little more and eventually found 台東縣公會 . It was right next to the Taiwan Cultural Affair Center around here and although this hotel was for teachers and public workers, they were obliged to give me a very nice room. A person in the lobby, Amy, was learning English and helped me communicate with the front desk. We talked for a while. In the morning, after the hotel breakfast, she was there again and explaining what to go see in town. She had to work in the afternoon but was willing to come with me to the National Museum of Pre-History. The next day to the museum. We had fun with the train lady who wouldn't stop laughing at me for not listening to the instructions on the fake train. I was guided through the history as viewed in this incredible museum. This was a treat to come here.

Beautiful aboriginal clothing

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outside the museum

cyclists on the road

I dropped off Amy in Taitung and drove to Toyugi Hot Springs . The area was known as Zhiben Hot Springs, just outside the town of Jhiben, Taiwan. There was many places to stay, with nature and resorts, but many local people go for the day. The spa was so great (facilities), I could go there every day.

Business is open with fire.

Gardens in the hills by Jhiben

Capturing the driving and the music

I was hoping to find this song again and some of the comfortable music I was listening to in Taiwan

My next intention was to get back to Taitung so I stayed till dark then drove back to the city. I went to the same place, Teachers and professional Hotel to get a room and go walking in town. I spent a few hours sightseeing, trying different food and meeting people around the markets. Its easy to stop and mingle. Hours would go by quickly sometimes, then back to sleep. The next morning, had another great hotel breakfast, then the plan to drive to the west side of Taiwan, and possibly north again. I said goodbye to the hotel personnel, went on a small art display walk, then to the car and "on the road again!".

Beautiful fish from the Taiwan Cultural Affair Center

bikes with luggage

guy with the goods, rear view

GWG, side view

Only two.

Only one single, but many happy riders.

Highway along many miles of shoreline, in south Taiwan

Over the mountains to the west.
Over

beautiful arches

Construction often, but still fast roads.

Note: the man with all the Action.

I would like to know more of this town and statue, south beaches of Taiwan.

caution signs, rough beaches

guarding south Taiwan

will get details later.

This place is here. I would like to spend more time at Dawa coastline and mountains.

sdddfds

beautiful statue

temple on west Taiwan

GPS along a curvy road, south end of Taiwan.

Some weather in southwest Taiwan

I stopped in South Pingtong County just because I didn't want to miss anything. I hope to go back to this area. First, was to go to town off the freeway and get lost in the small streets. Next was to stop so I stopped here to take pictures of a beautiful temple in a neighborhood.

Temple on west side of Taiwan

Inside the temple

entrance

ceilings

walkway

inlays of art and beautiful sculpture

inlays

artistic

Rental at the entrance

I stopped at a firestation to give them my brother's FB address. their page is here . Maybe my brother will write them.

fire station on coastal Pingtung County

Now I was passing cars, making some good time.

Now a few hours north at a fork in the road between Longjing
and Taichung. I believe Taichung means "city middle or center"

Modern bridge

No more photos this day as dark approaches. I'm back near Taipei again and settling in the city. I find a few things to do, staying busy, and settle for the evening. It is very relaxing to stop, even close to the city.

Next day, I find myself around the city, checking business's and finding small places around. I got lost in the hills around east Taipei again, and my gps/tablet is not working well. I found a new one at the store, an ASUS, made in Taiwan! I think many things made in Taiwan are good quality now :)
ASUS headquarters is in Beitou, more about that later. I got a little excited since my nexus was failing and got the big Zen phone 6. Maybe too big but its OK. I mention the purchase because the store was in a very tight, small part of the city. Market style businesses on the street and buildings. Behind the buildings was mountains on one side. Behind the other was a beautiful river with walkways, bridges, boats to borrow, birds and just livelihood happening. It was nice life in progress. I walked the bridge to a temple on the other side. There was a small funeral going on but quiet. I can't say more how nice this was.

Time was passing quickly. Close by was a road to the hills and a town. I drove and found beautiful scenery and a small town. People parked and walking the town and down to the river. I followed and found where the hot volcanic water was seeping through the rocks into the colder river. This was an excellent spot! I could stay here for ever. I didn't get a chance to swim on the river but it seemed not too cold even in the winter. This was a good place to explore. The pools created with rocks were extremely hot so you had to move rocks around to let the cold water in. By the minute, you had to change the rocks around, as the temperature was not real stable, but hot was nice!!

The town or area was called WuLai .

people comfortably in the water.

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view toward Taipei

relaxing

town of WuLai

Pumps from the river. Not sure if this was

the hot water or cold but organized, really!

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A short walk into the town of WuLai was awesome! Small markets and very nice people enjoying the day. One person selling food had the same phone which I just purchased. As you can see, Her ASUS phone was HOT on grill! I got to sample the great food and take her photo. Stop here if you are in town!

ASUS phone staying warm.

Friendly people and good food

I spent another short time in Keelung again, then around Taipei again. This would be an easy and rewarding place to live for me. I love the business and nature here.

Further down the river were more hot springs

view around the hot springs of WuLai

Temple face in BaDouzi

Temple in BaDouzi

This was a new part of Taipei for me called Shenkeng. More information on Shenkeng, the tofu capital here and here.

Beautiful food display and everything is very delicious.

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The Maokong Gondola's are close to the zoo in Taipei. I went to get a good view of the city and see the tourist area. Taipei is an island so most of the people are local. It's a great escape to the hillsides of the city. Most of all, it skirts beautiful forests and passes a great temple. I didn't get to see all there was, but hiking near the top, it was a quiet town side and land of the great tea growers.

looking back toward the city

View from the gondolas

looking northwest

Looking west at Taipei

(101 building in the distance)

map of the town on high side of the gondola trip.

tea country


Into the evening on top. A few of us missed the gondola down and took the country bus. It was very convenient.

temple on the hillside in the distance

A few of us met a tea master, 87 years old walking the hillsides minding his tea. He invited us to see his tea business and they said we must go. It is an extremely rare opportunity.


The master's tea was very fresh and hot. Here it is being roasted on a fire.

The cooker with hot coals

We sat with him. Another man joined us, a minister and tea buyer to test the tea and be in our company. We learned the correct way to sample this great tea with a special sniffing cup, and a drinking cup in small amounts. The tea was known to have no chemicals and one of the best around.

The tea tasting room

Heading to night market in Shilin

The next evening was in route to the valcanic mountain area northwest of Taipei. First stop Shilin during a night market. It was extremely busy but found parking and wondered the market for a while. Next was a drive to

night market in Shilin

Parking for motorcycle in Shilin

night market in Shilin

After the night market, headed to the hills of

Yangmingshan National Park to go to Beitou. Beitou is headquarters of ASUS and other companies. Arriving at night, it was a small town in the center of hot springs and forest. Steam was coming from many of the roads. I expected hot springs resorts, but not a small city! It is built with nature in mind of course, with steep curvy roads (like most places here) and many people walking and riding motorcycles. This night, I stayed at a small hot springs resort.

Finally, at night, getting to Beitou. #45 I guess.

It was sooooo gooood!

The roads uphill of Beitou. I heard

those building were a place to study

Waking to this in the morning

outside the resort

Short walk to Thermal Valley for breakfast

Hot springs at Thermal Valley

parked at the springs resort

Heading up Yangmingshan National Park

small village

Police station part way up the hill

guess which was my rental car?

School in small town.

Notice the man carrying his goods

beautiful landscapes looking toward Taipei

She was a very happy, healthy lady telling us to be careful of the dogs
along a part of the walking path. She wasn't afraid.
She had a bag of chicken heads for them!

Notice the steam everywhere.

furthest west hillsides near Taipei but along the western sea

steam of sulfur ahead and everywhere.

If you could only smell. The rocks were hot around here.

I got to a small town while winding out of
the park and hillsides. I believe the next area was called Shuiyawn, but I'm not sure. I could tell, if I was going for a walk, may be good to bring clothes in case of a hot spring. many of the people were just hiking, but hot springs were literally on a path less travelled.

This area was on less traveled paths, with
lots of dry steam hissing out of the rocks.

beautiful and amazing walking paths
with people enjoying the area

Maybe a school group learning about the heat
and the volcanic phenomenon.

lots of steam and heat

Discussion in Chinese regarding the area.
Someone want to translate?

Steam river beyond the tall grass

walking path

Hot?

Walking down the hill, not knowing what was below, same as many of the other people. The hissing of the hot crevasse next to us in the tall grass. It seemed much too hot and dry for any hot springs around.

Hot!!

Amazingly hot creek!

cool creek

to the creek

Just beyond the danger signs,
do not enter signs, was this!!!

cooler waters

Great people of the hot springs. Everyone was so friendly and really enjoying the moment. Finding a place like this is so special. Places around the world where this is normal! This particular pool was sooo hot! I tried for while and had to move to a cooler pool.

People coming and going. Not everyone was coming
all the way down to this area. Really, this was
my last day in Taiwan before catching the plane
the next morning, January 11th.

Enjoying the hot swimming hole for one of the last days of the trip. Note, it started to get dark but was busy talking with people. The lanterns started to go on so most of the folks still there was staying for the evening. That evening, I would drive down to the coast and decide not to stay but to drive closer to the airport here, in Taoyuan, easier to catch the plane. Also a nice area, it had a night market to walk through for the final evening.