The bus ride up Taroko Gorge was breathtaking and beyond what I had expected. As we stepped off the bus and took a long deep breath of the fresh, moist mountain air, Lily looked at me and said mom, “I really, really missed nature.” “Yes my girl, me too, me too.”
The Taroko Gorge is a stunning marble gorge outside of Hualian. It is called the “Grand Canyon” of Taiwan, but it is so very different: deep lush forest, huge mountain faces and deep gorges with crystal water rushing over white marble cliffs. The area is impressively protected, much like Zion or Denali national park where almost everyone travels by public bus or tour bus with a few side trails.
Most people stay at the base and visit for a day as there limited lodging in gorge, but we lucked out with a deal and stayed for 2 nights in the gorge itself landing us in a mountain bliss were we all agreed we could stay all month. As road bikers passed, and hikers explored I just wanted to get out on foot and see and feel as much of it as I could. We hiked, explored, enjoyed, but for me, the highlight was the last day. I wanted more time, I wanted to see and feel the gorge, and so Traverse and the kids spent some extra time in the pool and then took my bag down on the bus as I ran the length of the gorge taking in the sites as I went. My mind wandered as my feet hit the ground thinking back to Norway, Croatia, Bhutan, Vietnam, and the many roads and places we have seen, again so grateful for the moment, stunned by the beauty of this place and the opportunity of this year.
Reflecting back on where the road has taken us.
The beauty was stunning.
And the road was a work of art
The trail took us through 7 tunnels the last one will if waterfall curtains.
Headed up
I could have looked at this rock forever - stunning marble carved slowing by the forces of water and time.
Fun time in this stunning pool
Beautiful temples in the heart of these mountains.
Loving the time to explore
Letting the bus pass on this impressive road
More magic roads
A hike after the run up a stunning valley
discovering
A pool of duckies - yes please
Fun all around