Hong Kong Hiking

Can't believe I have been gone for a week already! Time is already flying... I know it will only start to go faster! So its time to soak it all in. This past weekend was lots of fun. On Saturday I navigated through the city on my own, via bus to Emily's work. Once she was off, we made a B-line to the other side of the island, Kennedy Town to meet up with Bruce and hike the peak. The peak is one of the taller peaks on the Island (I don't think its the tallest though).

We met up a some friends of Bruce, Greg and Megan, at their 59th floor apartment in a building called the Belchers. What a view and their apartment was amazing! From there we walked to the foot of the peak and started the hike, which started with lots of steps!

As those of you that mountain bike with me know, it takes my a good 1/2 hour to get warmed up. So needless to say I was out of breath on the way up. The views were amazing though and it was a "clear" day for Hong Kong standards. We walked around the top to see all sides of the island. Here are a few photos...

Victoria Harbour and the smog!

Emily and I... Just a little sweaty!

Saturday night we went back to Greg and Megan's for a delicious dinner and a great night view of Hong Kong.
On Sunday we took the ferry over to Lamma Island, which is known as the more laid back "hippie" island. I was excited with the idea of getting out and seeing something new as well as going to a "laid back" place! The ferry ride over was interesting. We got on the ferry and it was already packed! There was no area to sit outside, and there were only a few random seats here and there. Emily and I found two seats on either side of a women. We politely motioned to her if she could move so we could sit next to each other. She just stared and then finally pointed to the two seats on either side! She clearly wasn't understanding our request. Finally she moved and we were able to sit next to each other! After about 25 mins on the ferry we arrived in Lamma, and started up the hill/mountain. We planned to hike Mt. Stenhouse. Emily and Bruce had attempted to hike it a month or so ago, but were forced to turn around due to the heat. We were all excited with the weather, it was in the mid 70's, with a thick smog cover! (gotta love HK!)

Mt. Stenhouse

As we started hiking I remember that Emily had told me the trail was not maintained very well! EX2 and MORE you are needed here! As we headed up about 10 mins. into the hike, it looked the trail had ended! With Bruce in the lead we fought through some heavy brush! My legs were getting torn up, but I was still excited to be out!

After about 1.25 hours of hiking through the brush we made it to the top!

Bruce, Emily and I at the Summit of Mt. Stenhouse

The way down was almost harder then the way up! The overgrown trails were easiest to navigate a steady pace going up, but then coming down good ole gravity set in and you didn't always have control over how fast you descended. There were some spots where you had to boulder up and around rocks... lots of fun!

Once we got back down to the little town we were all starving and sat down for some food! We went to one of Emily and Bruce's favorite Seafood places. As many of you know I am not a huge seafood fan! But each time I force myself to try something new... this time it was scallops! While the service was not great, the food was awesome! We also had some yummy beer, Tsing Tao along with some fried rice, and sweet and sour pork and veggies!

This was the view from our table.

We then jumped back on the ferry and headed back to Hong Kong Island

This is one of the many ferries out in the Sea

What a great weekend! I am really settling in to the whole traveling lifestyle. I am meeting and making great friends, and enjoying every minute of it. I have a bit of cold, at the moment, but am sure it will subside in a few days. Emily and I are planning to go see a Buddha tomorrow! Please keep up the comments and emails I love them!

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