Higher Still

Last Thursday, the kids and I went on a guided tour of Yangmingshan National Forest.  They were the only kids in a group of about 18.  Jesse was the only gentleman and he acted like one.  We left at 9 AM and were done close to 2 PM, so we put in a good effort as tourists.  The other ladies were all very friendly.  We saw a couple of women I have visited with briefly on other occasions, plus met several new friends.  Many were from other countries, including Norway, Holland, and India.

Among our stops were:  the highest peak in the northern mountains, a park famous for butterflies which were unfortunately not ‘in season,’ an old sulfur mine with geysers, and a flower farm.  As usual, the signs, bugs and plants were fun and interesting.  We even saw a pond turtle.

Again, I’ll put the photos below and try to give them descriptive captions.  We had a wonderful time that the photos are very limited in capturing.

There are very nice paths around here.

hot springs public bath houses in the distance

a sulfur pond

scary suspension bridge

We didn’t see the sign untill after we had crossed.

lots of trees

The observation deck was being remodeled, so we stood on the bags…

Carlie and Natalie looking youthful –

just one of many views

a geyser at an old sulfur mine

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a closer look

just us –

hmmm…  should we go on?

or should we stay in the vehicle?!

um..  I’d rather let the snakes burn…

looking off to the right

a more stable bridge over the turtle/fish pond

dyed with the indigao found in the Datun area

a small sample of the butterfly collection

park details for you, if you like

our apartment is down there somewhere, the guide said

rambling brook flowing through the flower farm

a picturesque walkway wound a long way through it

keep going, I’ll catch up

calla lily fields

a big red flower?

I had no idea how far we were going

a water garden

another view of the calla lilies – no wonder I have trouble growing them in Idaho!