Toroko Gorge, Taiwan

[Wildera]

I'm new to this forum, so I thought I'd share some photos from a recent hike I took. This was in the Toroko Gorge in Taiwan. It was really only a day hike, but the tropical views were amazing. Take a look:

http://www.wildera.com/blog_post.php?blog_id=8

I have another hike listed in my blog if you want to see more. When I get back to the states I'm definitely going to need to follow suit and take one of these backpacking trips I'm reading about here.

- Scott

[EdK]

Very nice Scott. The pic of the waterfall is impressive. Let me ask you though....while in the backcountry in Taiwan, what sorts of animals should you be watching out for, as far as being poisonous or threatening? Like, in my area, So. Ca., it's rattlesnakes, bears and mountain lions....and such creatures in your part of the world? And where do you call home in the U.S.? Thanks for the picture post....good stuff! Ed

[Wildera]

Thanks for the kind words! I think the biggest thing to worry about out here are the bugs, some pretty nasty ants along that trail, huge too!! Lots of mosquitos as well. We actually came across a monkey which I just uploaded here:

http://www.wildera.com/photo_detail.php?img_id=28

Unfortunately he took off before I could get a clear picture of him, so this is the best I got. Looks like he found a grape along the trail and was munching on it as we turned the corner. My first time seeing a wild monkey!

I'm from Socal myself, grew up by Palm Springs in a small desert town called Morongo Valley. I know all about the rattlesnakes, bears and mountain lions!

Thanks for taking a look,
- Scott

[EdK]

Morongo Valley. Yep....you'd know rattlesnakes for sure. I try to spend a lot of time out in Joshua Tree N.P. and pass through Morongo Valley often. I live in Riverside, spend as much time as possible in the local wilderness areas...San Gorgonio, San Jacinto and just try to get out. But, what a difference Taiwan must be, heh? As for the monkeys...are they aggressive, or for the most part shy and reclusive? A long way from the high desert for sure :) Ed.

[Wildera]

Cool deal, I've hit up JT quite a few times, nice place! I'm also a fan of Big Bear. Love to spend a weekend camping up there or Idyllwild. Monkeys are pretty shy, the closer we got, the more he tried to get away. Pretty crazy little sucker though, he jumped off a cliff onto a hanging tree branch.

We saw quite a few waterfalls which were just awesome. There was even a waterfall inside a cave, now that was pretty nuts. Had to wear a rain coat otherwise we'd have been soaked!

- Scott