Like a Green Grand Canyon.

Today our group flew half-way across Taiwan to spend the day at Taroko National Park near Hualien.

I don’t know enough superlatives to describe the place’s beauty and appeal. Very simply, though, the National Park was a great break from the bustle and humidity of the city of Taipei. At a higher altitude and different climate, the park was comfortable and refreshing.

The primary attraction to the park is Taroko Gorge. Adding to the beauty of the deep canyons is the material from which they are composed: marble.

We drove up to the visitor center of the park and met our guide for the day who first showed us a video about the park, then accompanied us on our driving and walking tour through the park.

I took more pictures today than any other day and I am a little disappointed with them. I am just not a good enough photographer to capture the beauty of the Gorge in any perspective. But I’ll add a few pictures to give an idea.

Oh, and another interesting thing about the place is that the airport in Hualien is part of an air force base. In preparation for the trip and out of curiosity I Google-mapped the town and viewed the satellite image of Hualien.

Because of the type of threat and pressure Taiwan is under from China, Taiwan must be prepared militarily. Landing at the base offered a fascinatingly different view of the area than the satellite image provided - by defensive design.

Anyway, if you ever happen to make it to Taiwan; Hualien and its surroundings are a must-see…

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