Editor's Note: Jann Yeong, a student at the
Taipei European School, shares her experience
on a great hiking trail on Yangmingshan. Thanks
Jann, We hope your writing career only gets
stronger and better from here.
Recently, my schoolmates and I went camping
through the Yangmingshan National Park. The
journey began inauspiciously, as we had to
walk on slanting steps in the drizzling rain.
There were pebbles all over the path, and
we strode up in a hot and humid atmosphere.
The first part of the day seemed an impossible
task to complete. Up the seemingly endless
steps we went; like many others, by the end
of day I got blisters on my feet, which made
our second day even more difficult and demanding.
Although the first-day's hike was difficult,
there were still moments that were enjoyable.
For example, as we finally arrived at the
top of mountain, the landscape turned out
to be stunning. While taking a break, we busied
ourselves filming videos, taking pictures
and taking in the view. After a long strenuous
walk, resting on top of the mountain and breathing
the fresh air was invigorating.
It was nearly sunset when we arrived at the
campsite, so we had to put up the tent in
the dark. Someone held a torch while others
assembled the tent, but soon, familiar to
working in the dim light and with teamwork,
it stood up successfully.
The temperature in the evening was not bad.
Our team cooked dinner together. It then started
to drizzle a bit and we fell into deep sleep
listening to the rhythm of the raindrops drumming
on our shelter. Even though the night turned
a bit chilly, it was still warm enough in
our sleeping bags. We got up early the next
morning and packed up our tent quickly again,
ready for a day of new challenges.
The second route was no easier than the first.
The trail was very different. Ropes were needed
for slippery cliffs and slopes. Feeling a
bit wobbly, I slipped quite a few times. Still,
practice makes perfect and it became easier
as I gained more experience on the ropes.
After the jungle walk, it was back to long
trek with rock-stairs again.
This expedition was insightful. I learned
that team work is a really important part
of holding people together both physically
and mentally while facing the challenges of
nature. Thus I want to share it with others
and encourage you to hike this beautiful part
of Taiwan's Yangmingshan Mountain.
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