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Saturday, January 12, 2019

Day Tripping to Taipei to Beat the Keelung Rain

After being rained out on Day Two in Keelung, we beat the rain on Day Three by day tripping west 45 minutes by train to Taipei to hike in the Four Beasts Scenic Area where the weather forecast was more favorable. This change of plan turned out to be wonderful. The Four Beasts are four small mountains (Lion, Tiger, Leopard, Elephant) just south of Taipei City, connected with a myriad of trails, lush flora, atmospheric temples, and great views north to Taipei 101 the landmark skyscraper, tallest building in Taiwan and past certified tallest building in the world.

One advantage of our Day Two rainout was finding this lunch-only vegetarian dumpling restaurant in Keelung with a super friendly owner and...
Vegetarian Dumplings - Keelung - Taiwan

... then this buffet-style place for dinner. ;-)
Vegetarian Dinner - Keelung - Taiwan

The Songshan Temple entrance to the Four Beasts (Si Shou) Scenic Area.
Four Beasts Scenic Area Hike - Taipei, Taiwan

No rain, no sun either as we start uphill.
Four Beasts Scenic Area Hike - Taipei, Taiwan.

A bit higher we catch our first view of Taipei 101.
Four Beasts Scenic Area Hike - Taipei, Taiwan

View of Taipei 101 from the Four Beasts Scenic Area - Taipei, Taiwan

Good signage helped us navigate around on the stone paths (which were not slippery btw).
Four Beasts Scenic Area Hike - Taipei, Taiwan

Four Beasts Scenic Area Hike - Taipei, Taiwan

How about the beauty of this red lantern hibiscus abutilon. Thanks Rhonda for the ID! A flower new to us.
Lantern Hibiscus - Four Beasts Scenic Area Hike - Taipei, Taiwan

Lantern Hibiscus - Four Beasts Scenic Area Hike - Taipei, Taiwan

We conquer a mist shrouded Jiuwufeng. ;-) Located on a ridge line above the Four Beasts, it's our highest point of the day at 375 meters (1230 ft) above sea level. The view from here is said to be "unrivaled" but there's not much of a view today; we are in the clouds.
Four Beasts Scenic Area Hike - Taipei, Taiwan

Four Beasts Scenic Area Hike - Taipei, Taiwan

The descent from Jiuwefeng to Elephant Mountain is part of the Taipei Grand Trail.
Four Beasts Scenic Area Hike - Taipei, Taiwan

Still in the clouds, we marveled at this unfolding giant tree fern.
Giant Tree Fern - Four Beasts Scenic Area Hike - Taipei, Taiwan

Giant Tree Fern - Four Beasts Scenic Area Hike - Taipei, Taiwan

Runner!
Four Beasts Scenic Area Hike - Taipei, Taiwan

Small shrine along the trail.
Four Beasts Scenic Area Hike - Taipei, Taiwan

The "photo decks" on Elephang Mountain with views of Taipei 101 and the city beyond can keep one occupied for hours I think.
Looking to Taipei 101 from the Four Beasts Scenic Area Taipei, Taiwan

Looking to Taipei 101 from the Four Beasts Scenic Area Taipei, Taiwan

Looking to Taipei 101 from the Four Beasts Scenic Area Taipei, Taiwan

Looking to Taipei 101 from the Four Beasts Scenic Area Taipei, Taiwan

Back in Keelung it's barely raining so we beeline up to Zhupu Altar just behind our hotel for a view of Keelung Harbor.
Zhupu Altar - Keelung , Taiwan

Keelung - Taiwan

Another evening, another veg resto for dinner.
Eating Veg in Keelung - Taiwan
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4 comments:

  1. Kathy12 January, 2019

    Great pix. That is one amazing flower!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sun-Ling13 January, 2019

    Our friend Rhonda id'ed it as an abutilon. Why have they not been on my radar before?!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Liz13 January, 2019

    The flower is beautiful! Regarding the dumplings, which look yummy, do they line the plate with plastic so that the plastic can be discarded and then reuse the plate withoutlt having to wash it?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sun-Ling14 January, 2019

    @Liz, very sharp eyes! Your assumptions are completely correct. I guess because the dumplings are quite greasy. Plastic bags are less plastic than disposable plastic plates?

    ReplyDelete