Monday, October 5, 2009

Yushan National Park: Walami Trail

This last weekend we took a trip to Yushan National Park and the famed Walami Trail. It is famed by those who have actually been there, but not overly known (and thus not very well used) by the general population. So, it is a very excellent place to explore, and during this trip we saw many species that are normally hidden from view (see post below).

We took a trip to the park and the trailhead on our new scooter, and set out on our way. As usual, click on the picture to make it larger.


Trailhead sign (compare to the same sign and a slight change that was made while we were on the trail).







Above: Pics of the first bridge that we encountered, one of many along the way.


Um...where else would one choose to walk when encountering a cliff?

Trevor, choosing to walk on the inside this time.

Bee-yew-tea-full, above and below.



Above and Below: Yet to be identified insects that we saw, easily, along the trail. These were about the length of my thumb (the red one is alive and quite active, the lower one was, unfortunately, found deceased).

Elephant ear, close up.

Crystal testing out the umbrella like properties of the Elephant Ear plant; this was the traditional useage of this plant, and it is everywhere. Umbrellas for all!

The trail had a small assortment of overflowing rivers, and within these, on the trail, were these freshwater crabs. Try to find it in the picture below.


Trevor taking a break along the trail, cooling off in the water.

Crystal taking a snack break.

Chinese walnut that were very common along the trail, before and after.

Above and Below: The view from the trail. This is the Central Mountain Range - the very foothills of it - and on a clear day you can see the Coastal Mountain Range in the distance.




More insect beauty.

On the cliff, basking in the heat and happiness of the mountains.


Soooo......while you were gone we closed the trail....oops.