Hualian
The beauty of Hualian lies in Taroko Gorge. Granite canyons laced with greenery only Taiwan can produce. Our vacation style turned very relaxing and we ended up taking our time - much more than the guide planned on us taking at each spot. I guess this is why we had a private guide and not a tour group so we could talk, enjoy time together as a family, and catch up!
One of the sites in Hualian worth a specific mention was Water Curtain Cave, part of Baiyang trail that we hiked.
The trail passed through a few tunnel caves where Water Curtain was one of the last before the trail ended. It was dark and looked somewhat blocked off. Water flowed out of this one like a small river which was unique to the others; however, there was a small path on the right side and we would occasionally see people wander in and out of the cave. I held Verene tight and we stumbled our way through the dark; we didn't have the foresight of other hikers to bring flashlights. About 2/3 through the cave, we turned a corner to see light from the other end illuminate a waterfall that flowed from above creating the small river we were hiking next to. It was amazing to see! A waterfall inside a cave! Verene wasn't as excited as I was and kept holding on to me tighter and tighter.
On our return back to the entrance of the cave, we experienced one of the best parts of Taiwan - the people. Verene and I were wet from the adventure and while standing there waiting for Mom, Mary and Debbie, a nice young lady took out some paper towels to dry Verene's hair. Quickly her father joined in with a clean hand towel from his bag. I loved the people's hospitality!
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| Family picture outside water curtain cave | ||
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Comments
Yay - you made it to the cave! Many people don't make it that far back... or miss the turnoff after they cross the bridge. You know what I'm saying? Cool. Hualian's so cool.
Posted by: Jerin | January 28, 2009 9:05 AM