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…

---

Photos

Taroko Gorge
I wish I could capture how it really looked...

Waterfall
There were little waterfalls everywhere...

Big Spider
None of us saw the little spiders from the ground. The little ones are a somewhat normal size for spiders. Check out that big one...

Temple Entrance
This was the entrance to the pathway up to a temple

FAT
The airline we flew from Taipei to Hualien.

Indigenous Woman
This woman belongs to one of the indigenous tribes on the island. She makes these crafts all day every day.

Tattoo Statue
This is a depiction of a man from a tribe indigenous to the area. The dark patch on his chin represents a tattoo earned by killing an enemy.

Tour Guide
Our wonderful Guide through the park, Sandra Yu.

A Marble Wall
The marble wall of Taroko Gorge.

Is It a Bird or a Plane?
The marble wall of Taroko Gorge.Probably one of the many birds...

Look Closely
Is that what it appears to be? No. It's backward from what it appears to be and is an important Buddhist symbol

Beware of Falling Rocks
Like the ones that happened just behind this sign.

Comments

[miket]

Awesome
Looks great, man. I know you're enjoying it.

[Jennifer Sinclair]

Photography
Your photography skills are awesome and they do look very professional.....stunning pictures! Your blogs are very informative- thanks for the good reads! Jenn

[Sylvia]

Very cool! I love that waterfall! Your pictures aren't that bad!! Anyway, all is normal, as normal can be, over here.....talk to you soon! s

[trista]

pics
I love the pics! Looks like you are having a great time.

[Julier Street]

awesome
Your photos look great. I want to go!

[Monica P.]

Hmmm...
These are really just scanned-in images of travel postcards, aren't they? Prolly picked 'em up at the Chinese 7-11.

[Debora]

Thanks for sharing
I always wanted to go to there! How beautiful. I enjoyed the pics.

[Julie S.]

Beautiful!
David, You say these photos don't do justice but they are wonderful. I am so envious. Hope you are doing well!