Taroko Gorge // swallow grotto

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_f0HcFcWFv1ceeGyOdUTv95sKH1ODt82CRk2vwvJ1Sz8jrDpnuDoNJMtJ0zbpv7Of8mLgQqB8xYe0Ebl84W0TJ4zqtCEDIa-V7jZbe8IkHiOpx6dDHrZ4QqY4356aIlRX1A031spOFlbC/s1600/Taroko_SwallowGrove-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_f0HcFcWFv1ceeGyOdUTv95sKH1ODt82CRk2vwvJ1Sz8jrDpnuDoNJMtJ0zbpv7Of8mLgQqB8xYe0Ebl84W0TJ4zqtCEDIa-V7jZbe8IkHiOpx6dDHrZ4QqY4356aIlRX1A031spOFlbC/s1600/Taroko_SwallowGrove-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwuQRhqHw2E_klLsfcBcFmR3qT84v8Il60F91gqjNfH_eXG5eJy7RIcJyn3Gz2sqpCL714-_t_Nl3QRdTvnkZf57YQATulpkFj_-oO9OzyHDXQF2UIWEKHThwk9ytuYcXMXi0PlezdSXQ/s1600/Taroko_SwallowGrove-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwuQRhqHw2E_klLsfcBcFmR3qT84v8Il60F91gqjNfH_eXG5eJy7RIcJyn3Gz2sqpCL714-_t_Nl3QRdTvnkZf57YQATulpkFj_-oO9OzyHDXQF2UIWEKHThwk9ytuYcXMXi0PlezdSXQ/s1600/Taroko_SwallowGrove-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGfMqd7GumZiGCD6rUVFPbI4Q1k5v1lXri-hnYr1U3QNT_x8OOf4J6JdtmFqy6u-xluHj4VAf1VWjO5z7bgSNNt2CNocyyLvhNY8xnLekiTXlFCWxv5Pnog7_BjbpFK8y-EHnUmk-m7dH/s1600/Taroko_SwallowGrove-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGfMqd7GumZiGCD6rUVFPbI4Q1k5v1lXri-hnYr1U3QNT_x8OOf4J6JdtmFqy6u-xluHj4VAf1VWjO5z7bgSNNt2CNocyyLvhNY8xnLekiTXlFCWxv5Pnog7_BjbpFK8y-EHnUmk-m7dH/s1600/Taroko_SwallowGrove-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdc_I1-3ZM7Evnh8jQGcJsMB3zWcLk88_8hVaGGbdREJgmtu5TQ9rXsyNEFTX30tqc3Nqwr8ojV_BOtD7SHStvQy_vqJAR7KV4QN5vUycftkJ5vUegE79HES60Si7VPHRKPfWl1ABRxW8/s1600/Taroko_SwallowGrove-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdc_I1-3ZM7Evnh8jQGcJsMB3zWcLk88_8hVaGGbdREJgmtu5TQ9rXsyNEFTX30tqc3Nqwr8ojV_BOtD7SHStvQy_vqJAR7KV4QN5vUycftkJ5vUegE79HES60Si7VPHRKPfWl1ABRxW8/s1600/Taroko_SwallowGrove-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />the area of Taroko Gorge known as the swallow grotto is a popular stop with tourists. they arrive by the busload and are given the requisite hard hats, then walk along the side of the road for a short distance. the buses drive down the road to meet them at the end, where they return their helmets and pile in for the next stop.<br /><br />we decided to add the swallow grotto to our itinerary despite the crowds. partially because - when in Taroko, right? - but mostly because our driver just stopped there anyway.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qFeT-KiHwZyfhZuDBSAQajLr9t3Ce3IdrqCUPXc8156h4jQLZNuTZVg62TBWane9y0RGMz6UOXHxC4IyCMb-szEgAZHNFLA-y8UGHLMApQzt3swVjSytWBPQi8D-HMv0jadjSsyRwthc/s1600/Taroko_SwallowGrove-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qFeT-KiHwZyfhZuDBSAQajLr9t3Ce3IdrqCUPXc8156h4jQLZNuTZVg62TBWane9y0RGMz6UOXHxC4IyCMb-szEgAZHNFLA-y8UGHLMApQzt3swVjSytWBPQi8D-HMv0jadjSsyRwthc/s1600/Taroko_SwallowGrove-9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyckbPcvJG2bTJ50ZsOLjD0-eQK2W__MivBAlffWSLpIbqqDbNqSndD9jG2M09ItaDnHYkqCnFQnznmM5OEJW30JYWAriPzqgnh9c07ax_FPsUpzLcoX2KvL5-CpRVuGKvw1Es-YEJY5u/s1600/Taroko_SwallowGrove-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyckbPcvJG2bTJ50ZsOLjD0-eQK2W__MivBAlffWSLpIbqqDbNqSndD9jG2M09ItaDnHYkqCnFQnznmM5OEJW30JYWAriPzqgnh9c07ax_FPsUpzLcoX2KvL5-CpRVuGKvw1Es-YEJY5u/s1600/Taroko_SwallowGrove-3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRNpvn81lRNPHAo42-9s6wJlQlmriCybuy0GEOfIs1jPjcEzci5kbKz0XR1YTGmFiGkjIROq5VGaQxLlgALm5DcrYyfy1c98jeRDx6F-ZNRw9nC73ngCu_O6rDvXozwxE_oPth886UVJO/s1600/Taroko_SwallowGrove-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRNpvn81lRNPHAo42-9s6wJlQlmriCybuy0GEOfIs1jPjcEzci5kbKz0XR1YTGmFiGkjIROq5VGaQxLlgALm5DcrYyfy1c98jeRDx6F-ZNRw9nC73ngCu_O6rDvXozwxE_oPth886UVJO/s1600/Taroko_SwallowGrove-4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLJ2_TYZYvU5Lg-KqPSnlyxh4hJLaSclMKh9KLZEKa0VarAph47cBYVSml23TcL3KZhJTtDWG2lrMykbuphyphenhyphenhcEov0VV5q5RUaTbjHqRRXxTgjNG3L5vkV09lwIwrhmXJkYXYZrrX86M4/s1600/Taroko_SwallowGrove-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLJ2_TYZYvU5Lg-KqPSnlyxh4hJLaSclMKh9KLZEKa0VarAph47cBYVSml23TcL3KZhJTtDWG2lrMykbuphyphenhyphenhcEov0VV5q5RUaTbjHqRRXxTgjNG3L5vkV09lwIwrhmXJkYXYZrrX86M4/s1600/Taroko_SwallowGrove-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRniyp0USS572MjzIIfVeU7QNNJ-A3kEuhpuA10eRMWoKPamymjWLx2sJPQDhJ0TJsWzZwU2IhTqVU0c0wIkYsZpH4ccTSZodyYjk6ixp629PzG4gsE9t_8aFdeVh89mhYNpe0TQiVlDP/s1600/Taroko_SwallowGrove-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRniyp0USS572MjzIIfVeU7QNNJ-A3kEuhpuA10eRMWoKPamymjWLx2sJPQDhJ0TJsWzZwU2IhTqVU0c0wIkYsZpH4ccTSZodyYjk6ixp629PzG4gsE9t_8aFdeVh89mhYNpe0TQiVlDP/s1600/Taroko_SwallowGrove-12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDJQbKIQ9JElatdEGZ-rIsfhm9PckeoQ2iplbzP5c3T5ytRwQD7gRYluTWNag8C2Ui7O7oEZwX2Y_y5FrZRlNtiy9K3RfvJcXxphJqxFYm7pcrmVscSfsj4J-NZMASJA8M5VPIfcTErUf/s1600/Taroko_SwallowGrove-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDJQbKIQ9JElatdEGZ-rIsfhm9PckeoQ2iplbzP5c3T5ytRwQD7gRYluTWNag8C2Ui7O7oEZwX2Y_y5FrZRlNtiy9K3RfvJcXxphJqxFYm7pcrmVscSfsj4J-NZMASJA8M5VPIfcTErUf/s1600/Taroko_SwallowGrove-14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />the swallow grotto is miles downstream from the <a href="http://www.inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2014/09/taroko-gorge-baiyang-waterfall-trail.html" target="_blank">baying waterfall trail</a> - the waters weren't nearly so beautiful here. but walking along this narrow part of the gorge [and partially through tunnels cut into the mountain] is popular for another reason: the swallows. we were able to spot a few of these birds sweeping in and out of the holes in the rock that they call home. by hanging back from the crowds, we were able to get a little <strike>breathing room</strike> space to take pictures.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkLClvWaN0yxA6Zg_g_uuIv0ZBm6UmIDnzW62bxGubT3Kh1yxwC2riFBUbuj7Rv359u7gZmljJs-T4AH4ttc7QgiWzXY1qZ2juFen1-m6o_BMmIGGjX2G96gqsch-7y6xh7cclofQ2zOA/s1600/Taroko_SwallowGrove-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkLClvWaN0yxA6Zg_g_uuIv0ZBm6UmIDnzW62bxGubT3Kh1yxwC2riFBUbuj7Rv359u7gZmljJs-T4AH4ttc7QgiWzXY1qZ2juFen1-m6o_BMmIGGjX2G96gqsch-7y6xh7cclofQ2zOA/s1600/Taroko_SwallowGrove-5.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiD6k5qa2JgAC5q1oemKnrhxU_96IUVLnIhEp8uWwQy18LkQPahrnaFqUrInNK1j8X13YzBRbBWCgmc7nu8K_nncFRuNewcWUh-qo5NJFWVEJfR3ESgKBoAUfOF280VnsDwsKG3oDPAH7a/s1600/Taroko_SwallowGrove-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiD6k5qa2JgAC5q1oemKnrhxU_96IUVLnIhEp8uWwQy18LkQPahrnaFqUrInNK1j8X13YzBRbBWCgmc7nu8K_nncFRuNewcWUh-qo5NJFWVEJfR3ESgKBoAUfOF280VnsDwsKG3oDPAH7a/s1600/Taroko_SwallowGrove-16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34iHzxy6eypfIaE3ixbzcPHbbIJi1AsgapNDSGzzrSwsw45f9CVD6zC4TcdumiRBhpCDwJOWopMkONW-4PzDkciXfcEYECAAlPCht_8FuNS6z0hiojVRiNLh433DuG8oDUu-TOHzA13KE/s1600/Taroko_SwallowGrove-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34iHzxy6eypfIaE3ixbzcPHbbIJi1AsgapNDSGzzrSwsw45f9CVD6zC4TcdumiRBhpCDwJOWopMkONW-4PzDkciXfcEYECAAlPCht_8FuNS6z0hiojVRiNLh433DuG8oDUu-TOHzA13KE/s1600/Taroko_SwallowGrove-15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihm6YZ6eQ7kT21R7iiG_J7a_wLPVvrqr77LHSdqT3DVoZr99R8XHqTWrcou4G6soOZAenmmvvGfh98xFZbPRTw2R0R3tqwVhwtdv_RRghHSfB4bQOMGI0ENl81v2YKY_f-McDfygEpbfF_/s1600/Taroko_SwallowGrove-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihm6YZ6eQ7kT21R7iiG_J7a_wLPVvrqr77LHSdqT3DVoZr99R8XHqTWrcou4G6soOZAenmmvvGfh98xFZbPRTw2R0R3tqwVhwtdv_RRghHSfB4bQOMGI0ENl81v2YKY_f-McDfygEpbfF_/s1600/Taroko_SwallowGrove-6.jpg" /></a></div><br />parts of the "trail" have been wiped out by landslides and haven't yet been repaired, so hanging back from the crowds seemed a bit safer as well. this also helped us to have a clear view when we got to the part of the trail where a face in profile can bee seen in the natural rock formations of the gorge. it's hidden in the last photo above - can you spot him?<br /><br />the swallow grotto is probably the least exciting part of the gorge [for me] but if you're diving though, I still recommend stopping for the unique scenery and the chance for a helmet-head selfie.

Taroko Gorge // swallow grotto

the area of Taroko Gorge known as the swallow grotto is a popular stop with tourists. they arrive by the busload and are given the requisite...

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Taroko Gorge // Baiyang Waterfall trail

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9-OY6DMNLa24TdrlkBaRvuu4_O9oY5djv9v6oZ8RyBobQEHqak2W3Hgwz4Df_zGBXiSdCHPR45fwbMe4MgTf6Is8g30kdgb9lAbwc5dVoLKhu2HTSeVj6FZ1xpqPHBfmbwjr2Rn5KJ5R/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9-OY6DMNLa24TdrlkBaRvuu4_O9oY5djv9v6oZ8RyBobQEHqak2W3Hgwz4Df_zGBXiSdCHPR45fwbMe4MgTf6Is8g30kdgb9lAbwc5dVoLKhu2HTSeVj6FZ1xpqPHBfmbwjr2Rn5KJ5R/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8tnQ7Z-SCwuhyphenhyphen-L0IKMQrKbxlrPcWBmNdddP4jgJ4bFRv1UjIMx_Gxeeoym6R-9c3GDL-Ij_Dk0Vk6DXbispfpzpU8DlwaAVJ5OFfHSfi7allLO0qmc7XKRlepm5ZYIwDqd6kRzypyMo/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8tnQ7Z-SCwuhyphenhyphen-L0IKMQrKbxlrPcWBmNdddP4jgJ4bFRv1UjIMx_Gxeeoym6R-9c3GDL-Ij_Dk0Vk6DXbispfpzpU8DlwaAVJ5OFfHSfi7allLO0qmc7XKRlepm5ZYIwDqd6kRzypyMo/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw34Xsc4guFmUfgFXUGulfIkjJ2mRXW9YOONvDFUCcCWz1idhaGL5OFHpEPeV0BUYWvEhysan-QCZfY7DVHG7l_cKXseHhWw8kCZCKXYtQS_hLGYbX0tklcndZ2zZnhypgNQV_KQAiZYy9/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw34Xsc4guFmUfgFXUGulfIkjJ2mRXW9YOONvDFUCcCWz1idhaGL5OFHpEPeV0BUYWvEhysan-QCZfY7DVHG7l_cKXseHhWw8kCZCKXYtQS_hLGYbX0tklcndZ2zZnhypgNQV_KQAiZYy9/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-25.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxe-OAoTrtIUTW1h6fC6UTRPi6kgz_l4qmtNXeUviM7zkkztwP6Gt0BOlS2IJ27XnKKk75VIsvWeRHcNFdFq65pyEmoSeHADRwnnooHWDn8P_YmsEtZL2j_R6YQtRNp88iZlGLdwmbCnAI/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxe-OAoTrtIUTW1h6fC6UTRPi6kgz_l4qmtNXeUviM7zkkztwP6Gt0BOlS2IJ27XnKKk75VIsvWeRHcNFdFq65pyEmoSeHADRwnnooHWDn8P_YmsEtZL2j_R6YQtRNp88iZlGLdwmbCnAI/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjq3xRDnVwoX_aBg0g4rY0UfFINUuFR79r09UqbcnWC_92sFwxJjldiKoJI7YXN9id1ND5VAaPLfwjFy-HO7ygY-jZ7klr3stMqvDmIxwS9KRgcLasoUd_bu4HTOO-vMfY5-HZwhTkK53P/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjq3xRDnVwoX_aBg0g4rY0UfFINUuFR79r09UqbcnWC_92sFwxJjldiKoJI7YXN9id1ND5VAaPLfwjFy-HO7ygY-jZ7klr3stMqvDmIxwS9KRgcLasoUd_bu4HTOO-vMfY5-HZwhTkK53P/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-4.jpg" /></a></div><br />Taroko Gorge is easily one of my favorite places in Taiwan. a huge marble gorge, carved into the mountains, full of hiking trails and hidden temples... what's not to love? last spring when my friend Kelsey was visiting, we went down and stayed in the gorge for a few days to explore.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVoPohUqqE3q-C9tubyLKST1lr00PNHBrXp0N05hLwuarvE43vStKjB2YOytNSgns5uws4vOSWrPARmqm0DceETYkNni_j7FkiGxrAgWHoiZUjfoyBiU4e2bTn3xRxNo-7CxNhrBfdSOF/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVoPohUqqE3q-C9tubyLKST1lr00PNHBrXp0N05hLwuarvE43vStKjB2YOytNSgns5uws4vOSWrPARmqm0DceETYkNni_j7FkiGxrAgWHoiZUjfoyBiU4e2bTn3xRxNo-7CxNhrBfdSOF/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-5.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeIoYfu5qV72tbOTXzpte6YWMIyQ2deEIUBOarInhQG1D3m15if-8JFIe_-Qvvq4Zu13psk8rCI-VJibWEe0dkGz15WsQtSA3qTBI5V77rfc-rpNwDlf0cv2h3e46iQSoTp_5Zcxw-1h2/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeIoYfu5qV72tbOTXzpte6YWMIyQ2deEIUBOarInhQG1D3m15if-8JFIe_-Qvvq4Zu13psk8rCI-VJibWEe0dkGz15WsQtSA3qTBI5V77rfc-rpNwDlf0cv2h3e46iQSoTp_5Zcxw-1h2/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-6.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5cx58J-5mIv16AxJn5zAVt_3-garC72dwZMnA0UBGapK9MI7bhHZq6tlnYcNPNTepf1jwWll8T_Tjv2trpWp_orcnztSKHoaAuQOFVPQvznIaCKvRnOo0ffAs5iOlGAJPFEioQ3je-kt/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5cx58J-5mIv16AxJn5zAVt_3-garC72dwZMnA0UBGapK9MI7bhHZq6tlnYcNPNTepf1jwWll8T_Tjv2trpWp_orcnztSKHoaAuQOFVPQvznIaCKvRnOo0ffAs5iOlGAJPFEioQ3je-kt/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-26.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSY8XGpZlUWd4nxmnz0g8GZS0Dt_G4syGwatrI0VrmB84GK6WxxbVf0HCxgpYIsNSobHQH9zg0RosIGH-Z4guo7-4xTXAOT-zurjg8aeMwhGlwXtU2kFW147wx4vRySDDNpkQSs5Wfigm/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSY8XGpZlUWd4nxmnz0g8GZS0Dt_G4syGwatrI0VrmB84GK6WxxbVf0HCxgpYIsNSobHQH9zg0RosIGH-Z4guo7-4xTXAOT-zurjg8aeMwhGlwXtU2kFW147wx4vRySDDNpkQSs5Wfigm/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-30.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxE34WNWM6LTN9O0HdwUvlvvXja6C2o10r5HD7YuRyHNe0EKwEo9kLS-qQ9oWMtGpmkM_tKruq8TG6S9tLV5kS1m0zQW-5jm26CAF3UD8zkTI5Sd0uwMrqbil3qT-8_1KaWahyphenhyphenqD3kwIUK/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxE34WNWM6LTN9O0HdwUvlvvXja6C2o10r5HD7YuRyHNe0EKwEo9kLS-qQ9oWMtGpmkM_tKruq8TG6S9tLV5kS1m0zQW-5jm26CAF3UD8zkTI5Sd0uwMrqbil3qT-8_1KaWahyphenhyphenqD3kwIUK/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-7.jpg" /></a></div><br />the Baiyang Waterfall trail was one of my favorite hikes. it's farther back in the gorge, so many of the tour buses don't get that far. we went in the morning and the crowds were minimal. add to that some amazing scenery, a waterfall, and a mysterious "water curtain" tunnel... and you've got a great hike.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOQefVR8IQXGQLzeAzYDUjeH43vNuRp0f4O8X4Q4Mqe3efiZTzg7aqtYXhXIUXcqkLVw4xqxRYEFwyYHa8FLawlwFZDxPXhCXNVsTOj6I6FZbHETwggtXY0TB2cuF0j3cr0HWwBwNNGVs/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOQefVR8IQXGQLzeAzYDUjeH43vNuRp0f4O8X4Q4Mqe3efiZTzg7aqtYXhXIUXcqkLVw4xqxRYEFwyYHa8FLawlwFZDxPXhCXNVsTOj6I6FZbHETwggtXY0TB2cuF0j3cr0HWwBwNNGVs/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-20.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzW6hl2beVu6qQ1GTJQg5HnJN93MPTDNTd2ld9nKvTiGQ7EwzC7ocEQkI9GbNjBwhQaWmWP3ytwKCUKIXzJouXbkjqdfn51XU6wi5sWJHpFvtsb8cBvYrv3cEEN9aWxWi7j8TvegSiu4i/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzW6hl2beVu6qQ1GTJQg5HnJN93MPTDNTd2ld9nKvTiGQ7EwzC7ocEQkI9GbNjBwhQaWmWP3ytwKCUKIXzJouXbkjqdfn51XU6wi5sWJHpFvtsb8cBvYrv3cEEN9aWxWi7j8TvegSiu4i/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-21.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX47joSv-KcFKzssRvFcqa4l-uUHWw37gXxUhZuzocwkmjWEGW9zriCMv7YgXI9Bh0usvc3eNJTKF4R8XhrgRN6XRE8VQYfWycRtYWeOYlCMHlFmvYVLfysWBlb5akMwREjVMaapL9QyhU/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX47joSv-KcFKzssRvFcqa4l-uUHWw37gXxUhZuzocwkmjWEGW9zriCMv7YgXI9Bh0usvc3eNJTKF4R8XhrgRN6XRE8VQYfWycRtYWeOYlCMHlFmvYVLfysWBlb5akMwREjVMaapL9QyhU/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-28.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSu-3XhIPo1HQj-3h5k4fD2UVJW0Z7xgmZT_uY8jb-qOJogy107qDZtdrS9Fvk1JguOdRKBfiibbaIV8-XkMJgBN3IsjKctIzmP6DjiVKOZBOBwYUYdzJ9gC2xvwOe0lV6B7uwHhQlIE_/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSu-3XhIPo1HQj-3h5k4fD2UVJW0Z7xgmZT_uY8jb-qOJogy107qDZtdrS9Fvk1JguOdRKBfiibbaIV8-XkMJgBN3IsjKctIzmP6DjiVKOZBOBwYUYdzJ9gC2xvwOe0lV6B7uwHhQlIE_/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-22.jpg" /></a></div><br />the weather was not fantastic, but we still managed. it was misty and rained off and on the whole hike. we couldn't see the tops of most of the mountains... but the scenery at the bottom of the gorge was enough for me. the first time <a href="http://www.inkandadventure.blogspot.tw/2012/08/taroko-gorge.html" target="_blank">I visited Taroko</a> was after a large typhoon. the rivers were flooded and muddy from all the rain and landslides. but this time? beautiful blue waters.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDspXXsQRsCR6b_mxWWs37N0NJIb_GyoUtn2VLXJvp-CEyvE30Ed7ZbPUoKRN3jltcBh9_JrFDua2u-GHdKdY5VaLpKZ9_-IuDAMn0_HWrD2ePRVxBfRzY4W_b6MwR5K-bvI8VRyqxAcdp/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDspXXsQRsCR6b_mxWWs37N0NJIb_GyoUtn2VLXJvp-CEyvE30Ed7ZbPUoKRN3jltcBh9_JrFDua2u-GHdKdY5VaLpKZ9_-IuDAMn0_HWrD2ePRVxBfRzY4W_b6MwR5K-bvI8VRyqxAcdp/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-32.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpEbhMVGLMmfvji2YXw6YoPcj1SYu783uay3Nph_tGfFSgr89WVV5h1qHFVfkGYpeNCAitSLH4CctTHd_nYnk_IzwE4rrmPBYa6AsRJalWyAP5AJMcL_Ysiy5_9VObyRO1XVNFsB69K9b/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpEbhMVGLMmfvji2YXw6YoPcj1SYu783uay3Nph_tGfFSgr89WVV5h1qHFVfkGYpeNCAitSLH4CctTHd_nYnk_IzwE4rrmPBYa6AsRJalWyAP5AJMcL_Ysiy5_9VObyRO1XVNFsB69K9b/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-34.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwoBSscpdN0v9iHoyFcPLRSIDAfSNwQ0AyslgrHPF5gme5p-Ve5IEbauFBd84hG2UVwwHl_ilkOdb6R84axsJc_floyfPBqxWZ1HFutn6xrtom5r81SJQsHmMro24eb_oUvvAJkMQU0jMk/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwoBSscpdN0v9iHoyFcPLRSIDAfSNwQ0AyslgrHPF5gme5p-Ve5IEbauFBd84hG2UVwwHl_ilkOdb6R84axsJc_floyfPBqxWZ1HFutn6xrtom5r81SJQsHmMro24eb_oUvvAJkMQU0jMk/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-19.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoYBP1uEFJpze8SgXbfi0MRwKd476obn5HFWDHIA1COKkgNbmDgWr15mkIu6IDDBNfFDseDWvYB3n79hOdqou7TqJw5crU8FyKdUmSp3VrCE4mvLpZJCi9PD4AJPPwootqXrBSJO_DE58B/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoYBP1uEFJpze8SgXbfi0MRwKd476obn5HFWDHIA1COKkgNbmDgWr15mkIu6IDDBNfFDseDWvYB3n79hOdqou7TqJw5crU8FyKdUmSp3VrCE4mvLpZJCi9PD4AJPPwootqXrBSJO_DE58B/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-35.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEKbV8tRIYc4lJIp8ZM-cDNjzF9yBccKBl8OWVwe0ivoYhM4Wt94TTpxuUeQ2b9ZsJmkxwxQwTLOgvPqqFOXMLYO_Q5NA8nVkV2A5nkjtuH_JO7HflLvSmrxOVe2WPETXVqLpCX_KMvjl/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEKbV8tRIYc4lJIp8ZM-cDNjzF9yBccKBl8OWVwe0ivoYhM4Wt94TTpxuUeQ2b9ZsJmkxwxQwTLOgvPqqFOXMLYO_Q5NA8nVkV2A5nkjtuH_JO7HflLvSmrxOVe2WPETXVqLpCX_KMvjl/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-33.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />at the end of the trail, past the waterfall, you can continue on along what they intended to be a road. the workers started carving/blasting a tunnel through one of the mountains and discovered a water source. the water kept flowing and they had to chose a different route for the road, but you can hike through the tunnel to where they stopped. it's dark and filled with water, and thankfully past visitors have left some rain ponchos you can borrow.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoAzNYZjTMU4vW8hSHOlltM-UyTDcgQnyva-JpQCPsiE7wNAFdXNLNyAhAcY2uOW8_4vUz6iNMWCAiIKKA1v2ByEATlESAtF7PqwEzuhisVn1OS2J8Z-GB7-KV5dHcMVoF6b8hWUrCJ-q/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoAzNYZjTMU4vW8hSHOlltM-UyTDcgQnyva-JpQCPsiE7wNAFdXNLNyAhAcY2uOW8_4vUz6iNMWCAiIKKA1v2ByEATlESAtF7PqwEzuhisVn1OS2J8Z-GB7-KV5dHcMVoF6b8hWUrCJ-q/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-8.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5cQ6iAgs8KgaGVWY5rnEsrt45yU63YEmYk-wsAGDnXijHZEZLYYH3yrV6S15d9H-lECB048UFVnc0Z7VrDfufSoWwrJ_e6ZhgxF9vap6MqhaGSOXmuXbvEJX5kBW8DjW_sGHSbi7xvnY/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5cQ6iAgs8KgaGVWY5rnEsrt45yU63YEmYk-wsAGDnXijHZEZLYYH3yrV6S15d9H-lECB048UFVnc0Z7VrDfufSoWwrJ_e6ZhgxF9vap6MqhaGSOXmuXbvEJX5kBW8DjW_sGHSbi7xvnY/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-9.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLod9LJetdRU4dnMUAvPKGB3i_ad_ZLWFfSEFz0kbJKT_4RWoDv_7-1o28wz6KeU82eiOcB1_3GE-tWlRjG3zFAAMQxPNLp8zPJ5S5I7LX9DqVZyQt1WT8LngxxMtt0t6thAI_a84cGKn0/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLod9LJetdRU4dnMUAvPKGB3i_ad_ZLWFfSEFz0kbJKT_4RWoDv_7-1o28wz6KeU82eiOcB1_3GE-tWlRjG3zFAAMQxPNLp8zPJ5S5I7LX9DqVZyQt1WT8LngxxMtt0t6thAI_a84cGKn0/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-27.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1iWU4E1Yt7JjV5Np5ZI3329h242cfMTHqgc7ppB2Zmoo-dv8rnPMm7z-z3GYN1V_PmBWAqjkixV-BLCubIFLVhdi8RS3SZpoPLPSKRhz2WSjhY4vrfLruUJvXvmtdcESnCmN_JZkUFRX/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1iWU4E1Yt7JjV5Np5ZI3329h242cfMTHqgc7ppB2Zmoo-dv8rnPMm7z-z3GYN1V_PmBWAqjkixV-BLCubIFLVhdi8RS3SZpoPLPSKRhz2WSjhY4vrfLruUJvXvmtdcESnCmN_JZkUFRX/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-15.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioennsiQJob-GSbA8VPH3KzBywAYQ8LjZTQm8um70CJnP1Yk4mUEAFmZDiVJQBXVnObVOYmhwgAtVLdv632jEavdfg7fBuk0eJNLgJ-LY9OIQMm6iL7XlYYA1C4V8hV69MgvC77izhYeDs/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioennsiQJob-GSbA8VPH3KzBywAYQ8LjZTQm8um70CJnP1Yk4mUEAFmZDiVJQBXVnObVOYmhwgAtVLdv632jEavdfg7fBuk0eJNLgJ-LY9OIQMm6iL7XlYYA1C4V8hV69MgvC77izhYeDs/s1600/baiyangwaterfall-18.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>PS: I swear, I tried to cut back on the number of photos in this post. I just can't help it. everything about this hike was so breathtakingly gorgeous it almost seemed unreal. even these pictures can't show you the magnitude of this place... I was shooting with a 22mm lens and still had trouble fitting it all into my frame. oh well, I still have about a dozen posts worth of photos from Taroko to share.</div><div><br /></div><i>the cup of coffee that fueled the writing of today’s post was sponsored by <a href="http://www.nearandfarmontana.com/">Jenn</a>. she drinks her coffee with Truvia + almond milk and blogs about lifestyle + home improvement over at <a href="http://www.nearandfarmontana.com/">Near and Far Montana</a>.</i><div><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">linking up with <a href="http://bonnieroseblog.co.uk/category/traveltuesday">Bonnie</a>, <a href="http://thethingsiamcrazyfor.wordpress.com/">Camila</a>, <a href="http://www.twofeet-oneworld.com/">Jessi</a>, and <a href="http://www.amyandthegreatworld.com/">Amy</a> for Travel Tuesday.</span></div>

Taroko Gorge // Baiyang Waterfall trail

Taroko Gorge is easily one of my favorite places in Taiwan. a huge marble gorge, carved into the mountains, full of hiking trails and hidden...

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railay: the lagoon. almost.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXa5tlchYKb1fu1uFjCgrJokInzbd6C-cSo8M9jSrkZUVMQWl7ukR6mL4VM-3o_LUEUOVyzNKOClo6SJOfiZYEikFoba7_qCMKVIX6Eh2YPhsgXPgLOfz2bNXuap51kx1zPgLu27WSqQ1/s1600/IMG_8024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXa5tlchYKb1fu1uFjCgrJokInzbd6C-cSo8M9jSrkZUVMQWl7ukR6mL4VM-3o_LUEUOVyzNKOClo6SJOfiZYEikFoba7_qCMKVIX6Eh2YPhsgXPgLOfz2bNXuap51kx1zPgLu27WSqQ1/s1600/IMG_8024.JPG" /></a></div><br />there is a lot of great rock climbing to be done in Railay. the trail that Husband and I took to find the lagoon [rumored to be hidden somewhere in the jungle] involved more rock climbing than we anticipated. it may not have been the best idea I ever had to go through with it. being, as I was then, a girl who was recovering from a scooter crash related knee injury and hadn't really worked out in 6 months. but, we did.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIUwhbz7cQXiQtekyAGVho5hyQQCRDvS0duHo87pRzZLFMxsglVCO6G9u2Mf173ap3_Y5ae8oMnvlb7C6-JnnkykFCnmbqaMFUlWcQOBCvr9qmeYWVVjHXU38wDx_soE4VURTl5orzKrd/s1600/IMG_8016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIUwhbz7cQXiQtekyAGVho5hyQQCRDvS0duHo87pRzZLFMxsglVCO6G9u2Mf173ap3_Y5ae8oMnvlb7C6-JnnkykFCnmbqaMFUlWcQOBCvr9qmeYWVVjHXU38wDx_soE4VURTl5orzKrd/s640/IMG_8016.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCM8Zu8gglChU3oPmC3x1ZN0l6DMhibryVz4UNVx87RvQky2mrXrod5M5CgGQP1Gg0dvb-n9VsBaJgYfDbT2hMt2FqWH-9VQAedSx8S33SzL3dQhyphenhyphenuJmBBBnMXHc1pMx_exB2qaWRLJd9i/s1600/IMG_8023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCM8Zu8gglChU3oPmC3x1ZN0l6DMhibryVz4UNVx87RvQky2mrXrod5M5CgGQP1Gg0dvb-n9VsBaJgYfDbT2hMt2FqWH-9VQAedSx8S33SzL3dQhyphenhyphenuJmBBBnMXHc1pMx_exB2qaWRLJd9i/s640/IMG_8023.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewPwUh1-GSrwCDXHsEoMPdoJQQ5yFSHlTgb4IfabEfSbprPgyy5Qb-_g5Db34PHg0bQtqm6evPKJA6s96UrT4m56njkpNt1eC1dp5x1_4teupsOI19mcszkh1sRXohXs4AlH0Jfswpc3W/s1600/IMG_8050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewPwUh1-GSrwCDXHsEoMPdoJQQ5yFSHlTgb4IfabEfSbprPgyy5Qb-_g5Db34PHg0bQtqm6evPKJA6s96UrT4m56njkpNt1eC1dp5x1_4teupsOI19mcszkh1sRXohXs4AlH0Jfswpc3W/s640/IMG_8050.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />I should also mention that in the interest of saving space while packing [and in an attempt to be realistic- really, like I was going to start working out again while on vacation?] I left my nikes and workout gear at home. so I ended up doing this climb in flip flops, a bathing suit, and jean shorts. oh. and with a DSLR slung around my neck. when I make a bad decision, I really just go all in.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWampu06MJz6gNVBtp8zsgOBxN37Y4NzXEvQ4-YhAkydGPz5sB6v7qzYQDVNEkRs2nOpGaysl2Xq3_3h6DZIuea5_sw1BhMCXnaNsYAN6p8QGXbQSRNNbr5l_kTA15Gs6AUkRcQRUL1ehs/s1600/IMG_8061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWampu06MJz6gNVBtp8zsgOBxN37Y4NzXEvQ4-YhAkydGPz5sB6v7qzYQDVNEkRs2nOpGaysl2Xq3_3h6DZIuea5_sw1BhMCXnaNsYAN6p8QGXbQSRNNbr5l_kTA15Gs6AUkRcQRUL1ehs/s1600/IMG_8061.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BXARcG7raFCYrQgMl4mUd7Lv5MIKzRGK-CbuEqkTu8y2b4fPELbAPfsYj2WK6LohS1M0iTAbYD1RqI0SIQIAcHGeMTPcaFEVbnDKSe-9V3UVNafnem3sU57VX4Z9nph4S0NY_eGo_NP4/s1600/IMG_8047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BXARcG7raFCYrQgMl4mUd7Lv5MIKzRGK-CbuEqkTu8y2b4fPELbAPfsYj2WK6LohS1M0iTAbYD1RqI0SIQIAcHGeMTPcaFEVbnDKSe-9V3UVNafnem3sU57VX4Z9nph4S0NY_eGo_NP4/s640/IMG_8047.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrcWjQWXrcvD-oT8eXlkWd9ePGQm10zbOu1MJpKG4x_d4lFVNgCJuu4DpQnnjbjpoIK1lOEqTYCbF0Lu4Zpzf7jzepEhQcDCJdGY1Zks5YVmylRifMdO0EDmrYUP-9-_gNfx212IdzPmBt/s1600/IMG_8044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrcWjQWXrcvD-oT8eXlkWd9ePGQm10zbOu1MJpKG4x_d4lFVNgCJuu4DpQnnjbjpoIK1lOEqTYCbF0Lu4Zpzf7jzepEhQcDCJdGY1Zks5YVmylRifMdO0EDmrYUP-9-_gNfx212IdzPmBt/s1600/IMG_8044.JPG" /></a></div><br />the hike/climb involves going up a steep, rocky incline with the aid of some ropes. and then to get to the lagoon you have to go down again. a few times. we made it down two levels before we decided to call it quits. we could see the lagoon [pictured above. kindof.] but we could also see that the next stretch of rock was completely vertical and had no ropes. and that there was at least 2 more drops after that. <br /><br />I really wanted to climb all the way down. we could see it. it was so close. and we had already come all that way... but we decided that we wouldn't go any further, for fear of not being strong enough to get back up. it was <i>really </i>tough for me to give up and climb back. I'm stubborn. and I don't like not being able to do things. but it also was probably a really good decision not to get us stranded out in the jungle with no cell phone and no one knowing where we were.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Ns33_0TzVnZT5ESL8sdxiroTny-NHmrQSeFE5VfnkW-z11w-hEB2qWCewl05BqDMYBqWfk2jKC6flurjc_08jdRzc931s5O6JVs6x9Ehe8iFVJElnNSz98MhhbpvA9JRngruh9C-SE_h/s1600/IMG_8071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Ns33_0TzVnZT5ESL8sdxiroTny-NHmrQSeFE5VfnkW-z11w-hEB2qWCewl05BqDMYBqWfk2jKC6flurjc_08jdRzc931s5O6JVs6x9Ehe8iFVJElnNSz98MhhbpvA9JRngruh9C-SE_h/s1600/IMG_8071.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKrI41wTtm_ahhnV-wmjde-cYjrDMCLdwaGlMO0MyBPinNET8CFhlw7Ef2EgYUuljSst22JUNADVVSVX1vxUQ81KGHL7aHkFQxbddzeiorTl0HXFGgEfpd3nJDjnbw4AWrfjhYjjf81NM/s1600/IMG_8077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKrI41wTtm_ahhnV-wmjde-cYjrDMCLdwaGlMO0MyBPinNET8CFhlw7Ef2EgYUuljSst22JUNADVVSVX1vxUQ81KGHL7aHkFQxbddzeiorTl0HXFGgEfpd3nJDjnbw4AWrfjhYjjf81NM/s640/IMG_8077.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I would love to say we made it all the way to the lagoon. but we didn't, and that's ok. looking back it seems pretty impressive that we made it as far as we did. and since we've been home I've been working on building my strength back up... because there's always next time.

railay: the lagoon. almost.

there is a lot of great rock climbing to be done in Railay. the trail that Husband and I took to find the lagoon [rumored to be hidden somew...

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