The Perfect Hike - Guanyin Mountain

It was one of those rare days - sunny (finally!), but comfortably cool. Clear skies and brilliant blue waters. No rain in the forecast. And it was a Saturday. The combination was perfect – time for a senior missionary hike!                                                                                             

The ancient dormant volcano with cupped peak beckoned. Guanying Mountain is a favorite scenic spot and we were about to find out why. Rising above the little town of Bali on the left bank of the Tamsui River, we started at the Lingyun Zen Temple, which was built in 1909. 

The Thousand-Hand Guanyin (the Bodhisattva of Compassion) marks a striking presence amidst the profusion of floral and food offerings.

From there the hiking trail began. Guanyin Mountain has a number of trails, but we just took two – the Yinghanling and Niuliaopu Trails – leading us up ten thousand stone steps to the magnificent peak. At least it seemed like ten thousand steps! Straight up with rarely a break, the trail was once used for training military police, and is nicknamed “Tough Guy Peak” to this day.

Along the way were fresh water stations. Buddhist volunteers regularly haul water up the mountain to fill the canisters – their way to bless the weary travelers. 

Floral and monetary offerings to Guanyin who

 blesses the drinking water. Caterpillar included. 

Making our way to the top of the mountain staircase, we finally burst upon the reward of our labors - a 270-degree vista of the mouth of the Tamsui River, Tamsui on the right bank, and Bali on the left. The azure waters reflected the clarity of the sky overlooking the Tamsui River.

 

Leaving the stunning view, our knees then got a real workout as we took the stone-step path back down. Ferns, moss, bamboo, elephant ears, and all kinds of tropical foliage surrounded us. It was gorgeous.

Every once in a while there was a break in the thick vegetation, and you could see the view again from a lower angle.

We passed an orange orchard tucked away on the side of the mountain. Visitors are allowed to pick free oranges if they eat them on site, or they can pick some to take home for a good price. We stopped to taste some samples of kumquats, and bought some oranges for the trek home. Taiwan has many varieties of oranges and tangerines. Extremely sweet and juicy, these oranges turned shades of brown but the insides were amazing.

Kumquats, oranges and tangerines are especially significant for the upcoming Lunar New Year, representing good luck, happiness and abundance. A gift of these to your host or friend will always bring a smile.

I love the terraced mountain gardens tucked in and around each bend. Cabbage, onions, and all kinds of leafy greens are popular gardening items. Papaya trees grow naturally along the mountainside.  

We emerged from the forest at the rivers edge. The Left Bank walk meanders through parks and vendors and little shops renting bikes or buggies. 

The view from Bali looking across the river to Tamsui.

We took a ferry across the river. 

At Tamsui, we walked through Old Street and cut across a large outdoor market to make our way to Kooks - an American restaurant. 

The lunch was amazing. We were sore, exhausted, and glad to finally sit down. The food and milkshakes revived our spirits and were the perfect way to end the day. 

I heard it said once, and it might be true - 

senior missionaries have all the fun!

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Life is so much like a hike. The journey is hard, full of rocks and dirt, sweat and grit. A map and a path is all you have to show you the way. Friends are there to encourage you when it gets tough, to wait with you as you catch your breath along the side of the trail. The journey is made easier by the comradery. A guide might be there to show you the way, to walk the trail with you. You might have a metal rail to hold onto during especially steep trekking.

But you finally reach the top and it is utterly amazing. Suddenly you forget all your travails along the way. The view stretches out seemingly endlessly. 

Thus the coined phrases - "Stay on the path." "Hold to the rod." "I can do hard things." "Just do it."

I am convinced that in the end, regardless of how hard this mortal journey may be for people, the joys and glory and vision will far outweigh the suffering and the struggle. 

Life is so much like a hike.