Whilst in Taipei I took a day trip to Four Beast Mountain near Taipei 101. It is most widely known for its beautiful view of the sunset over the city and view of Taipei 101.
I was able to reach it by metro easily and its just a short walk from several MRT station or Taipei 101 its self.
Tiger Trail.
After getting of the MRT at Houshanpi station I walked quite a ways toward to mountain in the distance in hopes that I was headed the right direction. It was moderately easy and comfortable to reach the base points but slightly challenging to find the trail starting areas. The streets I took wound me up past a street market bustling with people early in the morning and a temple that had a small exhibit going on. Passing through the streets I see stalls filled with giant fruit and I wonder exactly why its so damn expense in Japan for something so small when Taiwan in right here! Finally after wondering up a long winding road I happened to spot a trail sign. It wasn't
the easiest thing to see but it was a good start for my day.
The trail started with long beautiful man made steps that lead you past meditation areas and through an abundance of greenery on your way to the top. Tabi-Chan enjoyed the views as much as I did. Its not terribly steep and could be easily climbed by non-frequent hikers. Dont worry guys! The path was littered with butterflies and plants, but peppered in you still see left behind trash and things you might not expect. The strangest I found to be a car seat for a child.
Passing a meditation area I stopped for a short time to take in the sound of the chanting in the distance and catch my breath from the swift walk to the top. Tabi found a nice tree and we settled in for a few breaths before continuing on to the top. During my ascent to the top I only crossed path with about 4 others but it was early in the morning and this seems to be more of a late afternoon climb for people.
There are plenty of places to stop along your way to the top where you can take a moment to view the city around you and absorb the sounds of the surrounding temples and forget that you are literally minutes from the city center.
Toward to top I found a few places where I met up with groups of travelers. Most seemed a little shocked to see me but their interests peaked at the sight of Tabi and my attempts to balance him in order to take photos. I'm not sure why but many people thought he was real.
Trying to capture a photo of my first rope encounter and the woman from the group ahead of me caught me! She was super cute and posed for just a moment before laughing and heading on to catch her group.
At a small resting area I stopped to take in the view and found a rather large sundial. It told me it was about noon and I had been wandering around the mountain trains for just about an hour. This simple accent reminded me that I had so much more to explore and see as I made my way to what I thought was the top. Tabi continued to gather attention as did I and I encountered more than once as I stopped to rest and write in my journal, people looking over my shoulder to see what I was doing. Funny really.
A short time later I came upon another man made exercise area and noticed what seemed like a path just behind the typical trail. I wondered up and caught the eye of some women who were making use of the stretching area. They shouted toward me for just a second to correct the direction I was going and guide me toward the fantastic path that was more than I had bargained for. There are NUMEROUS hidden paths along the mountain and I found myself more than once going through my day saying "ooh look a trail" and heading off toward some other unknown part of the mountain.
On my way up this trail I met paths with an older gentlemen who asked if I was going to the top. At my (unknowing what was ahead) happy yes, he laughed and pressed forward.
Taking only a few short breaks on the slippery and steep path I happened upon, I finally came to what I assume was only part of what he was chuckling about. I met with a small group of people, I believe from China, that were heading up the side of the mountain. Several lagged behind and two girls I started speaking with held the same reserve for the somewhat intimidating looking ascent up the first (yes first) set of ropes. I was hesitant at first but mustered up the courage and took off up the mountain. Lucky for me the family ahead waited to help me up as I found myself struggling more than I had assumed I would. It got fairly steep and at times the only thing keeping me up was the rope. I scared everyone around me when I slipped and the uncle of the group grabbed my hand and helped me the rest of the way up.
I believe if you are going to attempt these climbs its best to go with someone if you are not and experienced to strong person.
After all my efforts and strain up what I thought was the hard part, I came upon this gem. it is exactly how it looks and it was a LONG trek up. Myself and the group Id attached to came to another group of climbers, who seeming more experienced, lead the way up.
Along the way I found a small spot to stop and rest my arms and wait for others to pass. The amount of people climbing at the time made me a little uneasy as they and I pulled consecutively at the ropes. I met up again with one of the girls whom Id spoken with and she joined me on my ledge. Though we didn't really speak the same language we were able to communicate about the dangers of the rope and we decided to wait together til many had passed. She was a little more scared to climb up so we encouraged each other along the way and finally made it.
The wonderful girls I met and spoke with along my climb. Our continued encouragement lead the way up for one and other and we celebrated with cheers, high fives and Tabi at the top!
Finally I had made it to the top! To my relief I found there was a paved path down the other side of the mountain for my descent and I wouldn't have to struggle back down the ropes. A fear had washed over me about half way up the second set of ropes when I thought of how to get back down but felt relief at the top when I heard the good news.
Id come across the apparently famous 9-5 rock. Named for a former ruler who had climb the mountain at age 95. I met with a large group at the top all munching on snack and a pleasant gentleman who offered to take my photo for me and told me the story of the rock. He was also very excited to explain that a friend of his was planning to make the climb next year at age 96 to try and rename the rock! What a thing to do! Let the battle of the ages begin!
After a short break and some lunch watching people take photos and two young girls try to convince their much older dachshund to climb the rock, I settled on a small ledge hidden a little from the crowd to write in my journal and reflect on my climb.
Just as I settled and began my writing, a very well spoken and polite man asked if I had had lunch and offered me a chocolate bar. He was hiking with his son that day was was extremely kind. We talked about his trips with his son and he offered to take me hiking and other places in Taiwan. The generosity of the people here was beyond compare.
Amazingly nice and happy father and son.
After about 2 hours of sitting at the top, talking to people, wandering about and just enjoying the general splendor of the day, I figured it was time to push on.
Tabi and I stopped for plenty of photos and people were more than kind enough to offer taking them for me.
MORE ROPES!
After heading down from the 9-5 rock you can meet with numerous other paths. One I found to be brisk and worth it was one I believe was called Thumb Trail. It heads to another peak area with a breath taking view of the cit and Taipei 101.
SMILE TABI-CHAN!
One of the many paths along the way
On one of the many trails I walked I saw a GIANT earthworm! I put Tabi down for good measure and even then half of it is still behind him.
Oh the places I went
As I was heading down the mountain I again caught a glance at what seemed like a small off the typical path trail. Where I was just shortly behind this WONDERFUL group of people. After trailing behind them for a short time I heard someone call back and ask if I was alone. At my breathy yes they proclaimed I should join them and I quickly pushed on to catch up. They adopted me into their group and I joined them for green tea and snacks for a much needed and fantastic rest.
These are two of the nicest people I met in Taiwan!!! Hands down !
Claire (on the right) was so kind and spoke to me often. Her English was amazing and she told me about how this group travels on the weekends to different places to hike. I felt so welcome as they joked and laughed about their day and asked me loads of questions.
One part I truly enjoyed was the variation in language. While the women I spoke with seemed to speak English well, the men spoke some Japanese! One very sprightly man spoke to me in Japanese and at one point mentioned that I should stay and meet his son. Ah to be paired off with peoples kids around the world! Ha Ha
The amazing group that took me in and made sure I was ok.
They were so kind and even made sure I made it back tot he metro in good manner. The gentleman to my left in the photo even walked me back to the hostel to make sure I was able to find it and got there safely.
I couldn't have asked for a better day and this amazing group made it even better. Thank you so much for making my trip memorable.
After a long fun filled day of hiking, I met up with Kari and we hunted down Mary Jane Pizza once more. (we couldnt go the day before) I finished off my day stuffing my face with food and a nice GIANT beer.
Debby,I am happy you have great time in Taiwan. Hope can see you soon again.
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