Highway 193 hugs the interior of the coastal mountains, with its counterpart 11 following the ocean side of the same range. This section of 193 is a placid stretch of road that is rather car and truck free compared to its counterparts, 11 and 9. It is also a much more interesting ride as the road curves and twists and climbs along the valley, whereas 11 and 9 are much more direct (though, this is not in the least a condemnation of highway 11...it is in itself a spectacular ride).
The Eastern Rift Valley, Coastal mountains to the left, and in the distance you can see the Interior mountains. The road we biked followed the Coastal mountains, also following watermelon and pomelo fields
Snakes; dead and dead. On the left a snake that died from heat (this is a common occurrence, unfortunately) and on the right a snake that died from a tire. Earlier we also saw a dead snake that was killed by a big rock...thrown from a human hand. A poisonous snake is a threat, and it is common also to see the well-known poisonous snakes killed as protection to farmers and residents.
Along the way, further south, we get into pineapple territory. On the left is a lunchtime guest that kept me occupied for some time (mostly because I could not focus on it!)
Camera on an angle....the road was actually flat here. So goes the battle of using a bike seat for a tripod. In the background is a pineapple field and some betel nut palms.
The ride from Hualien to Ruisui is quite nice, and this trip topped off the trifecta for us - we had done the trip along highway 11 (multiple times, and across the coastal mountains themselves), 99% of the trip along highway 9, and now the full trip along highway 193. Next trip.....who knows!
