What had been a major attractor for me in coming to Taiwan was being able to get out and see new things. I wanted to see the forests and mountains the island had to offer. The ranger in me wanted to see exotic foliage, fauna, and minerals. Yet, I had been largely limited to the city. A lot of this was circumstance. It is easier to to see sights within the city and being sick as a dog does not encourage travel.
It came the monday of the Moon Festival, though, that I was finally feeling better and had some free time. After hearing all about it, I wanted to finally hike up Elephant Mountain. It is said to have the best view of Taipei 101. So I woke up early, or at least tired, and took the MRT to Xiangshan.
I walked out of the station into a very nice park. There was even a fenced off area for frog habitat. I started down the wrong path until a biker was nice enough to point me on the right way. Walking through the park was pleasant. A small shrine is located near the entrance. Walking through I saw people enjoying morning exercises.
 |
| A pretty park shrine |
To reach the trail I had to walk up the road a good piece. Other people heading in the same direction were helpful in finding the weathered stone steps that would take me up the mountain. The stone blocks led up through the thick forest and past a temple where a woman sold water bottles. I had brought my own, but had I known what lay ahead I would have bought another.
 |
| Up, up, up... |
Up, up I went. The steps seemed never ending after a while. Sometimes they were short, forcing a stifled pace or taking two at a time. At other points they were large blocks. The path changed between level points and steep climbs up. The top seemed to remain elusive. I would reach one landing to only find that the climb up continued on.
The entire time as I trudged upwards I was surrounded by lush forest. The vibrant greens stood out in contrast to the stark gray of the stony steps that were my path. Side trails branched off, many looking like they were created by curious hikers rather than intended paths of travel. I am hesitant to go off trail, at least in a formal park, but these off the beaten path trails were mighty tempting.
There were places to stop along the way up. Little benches to sit and rest. Viewing areas offered a chance to look back on the city. Truly, the view of was as promised. Taipei 101 rose high above all of the rest. The great sentinel pointed up to the sky like it might well pierce the clouds.
Pushing on, I finally reached the summit. The most surprising discovery was that there was an outdoor workout area. So if one was not already exhausted, there was the option of calisthenics. I was told by another hiker that the small gym had been funded by private donations. There were people there, as well, getting in shape. It was primarily an older group, people determined to live forever.
Following the path I found picnic shelters for those wishing to enjoy a view with their lunch. I had come early enough that I had not brought a meal, I made plans to do just that at a later date. Hopefully I can find someone that will join me for a high altitude meal. I rested and observed what lay around me as my energy refreshed.
 |
| A butterfly finally held still for a picture. |
There were many things to see that I had already glimpsed on the hike up. Butterflies were abundant. They fluttered around, feasting on the bright flowers. Yellow and black spiders with long legs that spread out to the size of my hand spun massive webs in the trees. My best guess was that they lay in wait for a butterfly to flap into one of their traps. Sweet olive was the only plant I could truly identify. There were many tropical trees, though, and bamboo formed thick walls. I even found a frog happily croaking away near an isolated puddle.
As I continued to hike along the ridge I could hear chanting, music, and the occasional string of firecrackers. I took another trail down, following the sounds. Making my way down some old stone steps I found myself coming around the backside of a temple. I watched as they performed a ceremony of some kind. I have to presume it related to the Moon Festival.
I watched in solemn silence, not sure what was going on with the ceremony. It would have been to rude to ask someone what was going on. I mainly hoped to see some fireworks go off. My attention eventually turned to the temple itself. It was a work of art with amazingly detailed dragons and carvings. It was a mix of bright colors and gold filigree.
Eventually I was forced to go. I was tired and thirsty. I hiked back up so that I could hike back down the right side. I passed by people still working out at the summit. It had grown late and hot though. Fewer people were up now and the stream of people hiking up had trickled down to only a few.
I took in the view that had been to my back as I ascended earlier. The Taipei skyline was stretched out for me with Taipei 101 pointing towards the heavens. I stopped to climb up some rocks for a final stellar view before descending into the tree cover.
 |
| The grand view I climbed up there for. |
 |
| A pretty good workout. |
