Orchid Island

2009.7.3

Orchid Island (III)

Like Green Island, Orchid Island is formed by volcanic activity and surrounded by extensive coral reefs. Over the years, the effects of tidal, wave and wind erosion have sculpted cliffs and caves in the coastal rock. These unusual formations along with the rich local cultural heritage and ecological resources make Orchid Island well worth a visit. The best ways to enjoy the island attractions is by following the 37-km island-round highway.

This morning Hsiao-Fan accompanied me to see the sunrise. Because the way to Weather Station was a little far away from the place we lived, we got up at about 4 a.m.. While arriving at the Weather Station, there were quite a few people waiting for sunrise. However, it was cloudy that day.

Qigong!!

Cannon in the mouth!!

After sunrise, Hsiao Fan was so tired that he came back sleeping. I rode on the Round-the-Island Highway again to take some more pictures.

the airport of Orchid Island

Steamed Buns Rock

Looking from this side, it didn't look like steamed buns

Mt. Nipple(Why? I thought it might be called Mt. Breast)

Look like the back of a gorilla

The abandoned lighthouse of Orchid Island

Red Head Rock, it really looks like the side face of westerner. It only can be taken from a far distance. I tried any points on the island when approaching to the rock, and It wouldn't look like side face from other angle. (Except you can take a boat there)

The way to the lighthouse. The Z shape road made me feel a giant Zorro taking his sword and left his mark on the mountain.

It was clearer in the day time. Does anyone also think it looks like Ninja?

The front side of Tank Rock

Battleship Rock

Some say the rock in the end of Battleship Rock looks like Guanyin(one God in Buddhism)~

I felt this rock looked like an ancient sitting there writing with a pen (the tree on the rock). But it was not famous. Doesn't anyone think the same with me?

I finally found the little road to Lover's Cave by the tip of the host when I rode to Mt. Grass where I came yesterday.

Lover's Cave

Lover's Cave

Looking Dongcing Bay from Lover's Cave.

This was the first time I saw Elegant Five-Lined Skink(石龍子) at eastern of Taiwan.

Does anyone think the other side of Helmet Rock looks like an old woman wearing coif?

Then I went to Dragon Gate to find Kiss Rock again

Kiss Rock. I could not find it yesterday, and the host didn't know where it was, too.(It is really not so famous) But the hostess knew it!!! She describe the shape of it for me and I finally recognized it today

Loom in!! Do you figure out? The boundary of two mountains looks like two people kissing.

It was about 9 a.m. when arriving the B&B after I went around the island. My friends just woke up and was going to eat breakfast. = =
OK~The attitude for traveling of us were quite different. They like to go on a vacation leisurely, but I like to take every moment to visit scenery as much as possible and sleep at home.

While they ate breakfast, I went to climb mountain to see Heaven's Lake. I gave them the scooter, because the host was going to take new visitors to do snorkeling and could take me for a drive. It was a very steep mountain, and I had to use both of my hands to climb most of the time. It was a pity that it started to rain after half of hour. Afraid of the danger, I went down the mountain.

When I went down I called Yao-Ching to pick me up. I was wondering why he took so much time to ride here and he told me that he rode on the opposite way!!= =||| How amazing to get lost on a one way island!!


Then we went to eat lunch. I was wondering the pictures I took at Green Prairie last evening were not clear and I would regret if I didn't have good pictures of Green Prairie. Therefore, I took the last one hour before we took ferry boat to go there and finally took clear pictures of Old Man Rock.

I felt this picture looked like a side face

Old Man Rock and Little Orchid Island

The sea cave which is on the opposite site of Old Man Rock

After taking pictures satisfyingly, I went back to the B&B and packed my backpack. Looking Orchid Island gradually disappeared from my sight, I was glad I used every moment to find the beautiful scenery of the island. Though it was pity that I could not climb on the mountain to see Heaven's Lake and visited the beach with a lot of shells, I hope I could visit those places next time.^^

On the way back to Taiwan, Hsiao-Fan and I stood on the deck, watching sea spray and beautiful scenery. The waves were quite large that day and the ferry boat swayed. However, It could not make me sick for two and half hours swaying. Cars and Planes never make me sick. I thought this experience let me know I am also free from sea sick. This was the first time I met large waves on the boat.

The most impressive scenery of Orchid Island was its underwater world. It made me love snorkeling. I think everyone can try snorkeling at least once at a beautiful place, and it will give you a very impressive experience.^^

It was pouring rain when we arrived Pingtung in the evening. I had not seen it rained so heavily for a long time. Saying goodbye to my friends at Pingtung Train Station, I took the train to my aunt's home at Taitung. I had a really good sleep that night because I was exhausted. It is better for me not to take a trip for more than three days because the way I travel spends too much energy. That night I was looking forward the trip in Hualien with my friend--Chun-Bo next few days.^^

If you want to see more pictures about Green Island,
click on: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=99857&id=697191847&l=81a30f49e7