Instead of working more hours during summer, we finally got a real summer vacation.
take a look at our Flickr photos
take a look at John’s Flickr photos
Day 1: Linkou – Xiao Wulai (camping 100 NTD)
An easy drive from Linkou. “Camp anywhere” is what the locals said. We set up under a shelter near a “haunted house”. The falls are huge and the river is great for swimming.
Day 2: Xiao Wulai – Wuling Farm (camping 400NTD)
The drive here was not pleasant. They have landlocked fresh water wild salmon but we didn’t see any and you can’t swim in the rivers because they are protected for the salmon. Oh yeah, it gets a bit chilly at night because of the elevation.
Day 3: Wuling Farm – Taroko Gorge (camping – free!)
The drive to Taroko was awesome and frightening! There had been two recent typhoons that had hit the island before we headed out so we ran into lots of landslides. Taroko is amazing but should be avoided during weekends or holidays!!
Day 4: Taroko – Hualien (Amigos Hostel 450 NTD per person)
An easy drive. Hualien is a cool city. The hostel was a little spendy. The owner and dog are great and told us about a great swimming hole just outside of town.
Day 5: Hualien - Rueisuei Rafting Service Center (camping 300 NTD)
Seemed like a longer drive but a definite change in landscape.
Day 6: Rueisuei (camping 300NTD)
Rafting!!!!!!!!!!! Lots of fun!!!!!!!!!!
Day 7: Rueisuei – Dulan (camping 400 NTD)
Once out of the mountains the driving becomes much easier and faster. The campsite at Siaoyeliou was under construction. We were directed back to the Dulan police station for free camping but had to pass on the offer. Found an ok privately owned campsite just north of town that was quickly taken over by locals come the weekend. Nevertheless, we were able to get to the beach easily.
Day 8: Dulan (camping 400 NTD)
Swimming at Shanyuan Beach.
Day 9: Dulan - Fugang Harbor – Green Island (camping 500 NTD)
Quick drive. The ferry is a little ruff and nausea ensued quickly. (note: don’t put your bags or sit near the trash cans…it can get messy!)
Day 10: Green Island (camping 300 NTD)
Tried to swim but the water was to rough. Drank beer and hung out with campsite dog!
Day 11: Green Island (camping 300 NTD)
Snorkeling!!!!!
Day 12: Green Island – Taitung (Fuyuan Hotel 700 NTD)
The ferry but was much smother. We made a quick trip south to check out Chihpen National Forest Recreational Park but was chased back to Taitung by the rain.
We loved Taitung! Cool and laidback city!
Day 13: Taitung – Shihtiping (camping 300 NTD)
This was a long day! We first headed into the island via the South Cross-Island Hwy to check out Wulu….Stunning cliffs!! Again we were chased away by rain so we hauled ass back over to the East coast.
Day 14: Shihtiping (camping 300 NTD)
Great swimming, snorkeling, and seafood but hot as hell!
Day 15: Shihtiping – Nanao (camping 200 NTD)
We had planned on a short drive back to Taroko but arrived on a holiday weekend….nightmare!!! So we again hauled ass up the East Coast racing sunset to Nanao. The campsite was tricky to find, especially in the dark so we asked the local police for clear directions. They gave us a police escort with red and blue lights….surreal!
Day 16: Nanao (camping 200 NTD)
Awesome swimming holes! Super friendly campsite with puppy!
Day 17: Nanao – Pinglin (camping 330 NTD)
Kind of a long drive back into the windy mountains.
Day 18: Pinglin (camping 330 NTD)
Headed over to Pingxi for some exploring and swimming! Great swimming hole!
Day 19: Pinglin – Taipei & Linkou
Packed up early and headed to one last swim hole….F*%king Great!!! Then made our way back to Taipei for lunch….Burgers (veggi, chicken, or beef) at KGB. In a state of bliss we haphazardly weaved through the streets of Taipei back home to Linkou.
Things we learned on vacation:
1. Being outside is good for you
2. Friends are fun
3. Camping is cheap
4. Scooter chasing dogs are scary
5. Fish are beautiful
6. Swim when it’s hot
7. Eat where it is busy (with some exceptions)
8. Be prepared for rain
9. Wear sun screen
10. Landslides suck
11. And NEVER buy camping gear from Carrefour
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Post a Comment