Yangmingshan 3-parter: River Trace, Hike, Hot spring

[Grant Lovering]

Hey guys, this is my first trip filling in for Richard and it's a bit ambitious, but I think we can handle it. I've got some good friends coming into town and I want to show them everything Taipei has to offer so we are gonna pack a lot into one day. 

The plan is to river trace walk 27 in Mr. Saunders' Yangmingshan book called Waishuangxi Old Trail. It's a little simpler than Jiajiuliao at Wulai, but still fun. There hasn't been much rain recently so hopefully water levels won't be too low, but I can promise at least a few (smallish) swimming holes. Sorry, no big jumps or rock slides on this one. It should take around 3-4 hours. 

This trail finishes at Cingtiangang (Buffalo Meadow) which will be a perfect spot for lunch. For those that haven't been up there, Richard describes it as ''glorious close-cropped grassy slopes'' that he has a hard time believing isn't completely natural. So, the Japanese set up a cattle farm here in 1934 which stamped out the coarse silver grass. "It commands breathtaking views in every direction and still has a small herd of buffalo." 

It also happens to be the beginning of Walk 35 Fish Road. This trail is all downhill and has some nice scenery. We can check out Dayoukeng Fumarole. It takes around 3 hours, but we will turn right when we get to the road and walk about 30 more minutes to Baiyan Hot Springs. There is a waterfall andcold river rushing next to it so don't worry about being to hot. There will be a Royal bus stop at the end to go home or...

 I was thinking to possibly try finding the place where I've had my favorite meal in Taiwan. There is a restaurant around Bamboo Lake and has a plethora of organic vegetables grown in the volcanic soil to make em super delicious. This part is optional.

Meeting place is Jiantan MRT, not sure what time yet. Please bring river tracing shoes, a dry bag, and plenty of snacks as we probably won't reach the hot springs till around 4. There is a place to buy some snacks at Cingtiangang, but nothing substantial. Let me know if you'd like to join!

Grant