Another Outing: Tai Ping Mountain, Part 2

Yes, with another typhoon coming, we had to cut our trip short. We had planned 3 days, but decided that a typhoon in the mountains (when we had to drive back down those wet slippery roads) would be asking too much from a merciful god. Now, a vengeful or bored god would love us to stay and roll the dice, but we wisely decided against it. But we had a great time the next day regardless of a little rain.

Very close to our accommodation was another scenic area called Cui Feng Lake and we decided to head there and hang out. We were so glad we did. It was even more beautiful than Tai Ping mountain.

This was the entrance to the 3-4 km path around a natural lake up in the mountains.

Wait, could it be? Non wooden plank paths?
Well, except for that section up ahead to help protect the muddy area the path this time was much more....natural, I guess, which made the whole experience even better (to me at least).


It was quiet and peaceful and we only saw 1 other couple on the path going the opposite way, which was great. Even though it was rainy, the mist made the woods seem etheral and the smells and sounds were fantastic. We even came upon one of the famed cedar trees, once harvested here and he was not only huge (the picture does not do justice), but he still smelled quite fragrant. Needless to say, we stopped here awhile and just relaxed a bit.


Well, Jo is maybe too relaxed...




Along the path, there were small signs telling you both scientific information of the area as well as those bordering on the philosophical. There were also flip signs with quizzes to see if you could recognize the specific plants or animals in the area. So both Jo and I learned a bit more about the area, which adds to people's awareness (I hope).


Like this for instance, this area is called the White Tree Forest. The trees are all white since they have died but since they are so high up in the mountains, they can not decompose and break down as quickly as others might. The white is the natural color of their heartwood, or under the bark wood.


Next, we came upon an area completely covered in moss. It was a huge area and instead of a wooden path or a natural path, they constructed two planks that you shuffled along on.



The air was very fresh here and just breathing in was very relaxing.



However, there was thing that was starting to bother Jo. This was supposed to be a path around the lake and we had not caught a glimpse of it anywhere. Well, Jo starting to get impatient and frustrated and started to yell at the poor trees and wanted to find some frogs to kick. Don't be fooled by that seeminly inocculous smile!

I tried to placate here and offered to hold her for a picture to calm her down....


....But she just kept whining and complaining and I could not stand it.

So I threw her over the edge.


Ok, I managed a second of regret and eventually climbed down to rescue her, but it seemed that her bad mood only increased for some reason....

It was a long walk to the exit, but as we were getting close to the end, we both sensed something. Jo sensed that the lake was close and I sensed that I was hungry.

Turns out we were both right.


But this was not good enough for Jo! Too much fog. So she yelled a bit more at the fog to get out of the way.

That's better....



And that is or trip to Tai Ping Mountain and Cui Feng Lake.