This weekend was a double whammy: The Liyu Lake Triathlon (above) and a field trip with Crystals students to Butterfly Valley (below).
We took part in the triathlon as a trio, and it was an absolute (painfully wonderful) blast. Crystal did the run, I took on the bike and a friend did the swim. A hot, sunny day, friends and a crowd more than 2000 strong of Taiwan's elite and amateurs. A really cool vibe, a really good time and I think when the results come in it will be happy news. Regardless of how we placed, it was worth every moment.
Me switching off the time-chip after my bike ride as Crystal prepares for the run (left) and Crystal at the end of said run as she crosses the finish line.
To the finisher go the spoils! A towel, a hat and a medal. On the right is the poster that greeted us at Butterfly Valley, a look at some of the common birds that could be found in the area.
On Sunday we loaded up a school bus and took Crystals class to Butterfly Valley, a pristine (most of it) conservation area and one of Taiwans butterfly migratory stopovers for myriad species. There are three main places in Taiwan that are key butterfly habitats - the whole forest of the island is important, but these are the vital links to their survival - and are trying to be preserved. This one, one in the south (Purple Butterfly Valley) and a region in the north are all delicate ecosystems that the butterflies rely on for their survival while in Taiwan, and their energy requirements for the journey throughout Asia. This place has unfortunately turned itself into an upperclass resort, but beyond the expensive hotel, the overpriced coffee and the rather inhospitable workers, the forest beyond the parking lot is exquisite. Not just for butterflies, but birds, insects and monkeys...and everything else. Its wild, and easy to access if your willing to walk the walk!
Um..... (left) and a nice view of part of the valley that is the Butterfly Valley.
Group photo along the way - we took the hike out in bright sun, then as soon as lunch was starting to digest the rain started....not simply rain, but rainy rain...wet, heavy and drenching. We ended the day drenched, but happy. On the right the students are looking around the butterfly enclosure where all the key local species can be found.
Overall an excellent weekend - a race and a free dinner, then a free trip to a wonderful conservation area to see some rare and endangered butterflies in the wild. To too bad, I say!
