Keelung, Taiwan

I have had the north coast of Taiwan on my list for a while, especially Nanya Rock Formations. They are a little out of the way, and I couldn't figure out if there was a bus there or if it was only reachable by taxi and private cars. Since I didn't really know where to go, I didn't know the best train to take and ultimately I bought a train ticket to Keelung thinking I could get a bus to the rock formations easily. I didn't realize Ruifang would have been a better choice or just how far that bus ride would be. But, when the bus pulled onto the expressway along the ocean, I just got off. It was so beautiful there, I couldn't stand to be waiting for something better. I didn't know where I was or how I'd get back to catch my return train, but the weather warmed up, almost 75F, and the skies were blue. I decided there was absolutely no where more important for me to get to than the ocean and that it would sort itself out. And I was right. I spent the day watching the waves come in, the fisherman carefully balancing on the rocks, and children running around flying kites. I wandered from the very edge of Keelung, by the Wanghai Fishing Harbor to the Fish Market. I grabbed a bus to return to the train station just in time to get whisked away.

I found it surprising how many lights the fishing boats have, but yesterday I discovered why. I'll be posting an entry all about this soon. 

I love these rocks, the colors are just perfect. 

I'm not sure why this is here, as neither side is accessible by a road intended for people. I found it beautiful and spent a long time relaxing here, reading my book.

The water from Keelung is really beautiful. I have heard Hsinchu's port is not as pretty, so I will probably procrastinate that trip to stave off disappointment. This will be hard to beat as I really loved Keelung. 

Rock Climbing in Samcheonpo

My boyfriend, Mike, likes rock climbing. Previously this had been something of a mystery to me, something I did at camps as a child, indoors on a plastic wall, away from real rocks, dirt, and nature...  But, since the weather is perfect and he is addicted, I have spent quite a few weekends trying it out. Here are some pictures from a trip to Samcheonpo with Mike and his friend Eoin. 

Here is Eoin, notice the rock doesn't go higher than his body? He is lead climbing, meaning he is clipping in the rope every few moves into bolts on the wall. Eventually, when he reaches the top, he will put the rope through a clip, which allows the next climbers to go straight up, without worrying about the gear and everything else. Top rope is easier for me, because if I fall, I only fall a matter of inches, rather than the possible feet down to the previous bolt. 

Mike gracefully swinging around the overhang. This is a part of climbing I truly do not like - overhangs are not my friends.

Nice and safe with my top rope and harness on, don't worry, Mom!

I wouldn't consider myself very good at it, but climbing can be a fun afternoon spent in a beautiful place. 

The person on the bottom is harnessed in as well, since they are controlling the rope and ensuring that the climber doesn't fall. Also, Mike likes to eat turtle feet.