Mr Sam Soaring in the Wind

Taiwan Stage 13 – Guangfu to Hualien 47 Km (Fri 23 Nov 2018)

Weather: 21⁰C min – 23⁰C max, fine but overcast

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“If someone finds me collapsed on the road, please pause my Garmin” ~ Jayson Carey-Brenton

Breakfast at Summer Trail B&B was a real surprise, with a delicious freshly cooked omelette and about five other dishes (six if you include the toast and marmalade I finished with.

What made breakfast even more special was there was a lady who spoke very good English. She owns a farm down in Pintung County and was a mine of information. One of things she told me was that the elections tomorrow are conducted with friendly rivalry between the parties, no animosity at all. Excitement is building up to fever pitch here, with loudspeaker vans spruiking their candidates day and night.

When the lady told the man she was with I was from Sydney he said, “I love you, I love you” and presented me with a couple spotty bananas to take with me. Lovely friendly people here.

One thing I love about bicycle touring is that you never know what delights are around the corner. Mr Sam Soaring in the Wind fairytale cafe, located near Shoufeng township, was definitely one. Interestingly, although there is a big signboard showing Mr. Sam, there is no such person … it is named after a mountain pig originally intended to be raised there. So if Mr Sam is soaring in the wind does this mean pigs might fly?

Another delight was Pine Tree Lake featuring a serene lake surrounded by beautiful maple trees showing their autumn colours.

Miraculously, the rain held off until I arrived in Hualien. Tomorrow I am having a rest day here, though resting is not in my nature so I am planning to catch a bus up the mountain to see Taroko National Park. Apparently the gorge there is spectacular, so stay tuned.

Tonight I discovered a real barista making real coffee, just around the corner from where I am staying. I think I am going to enjoy my two days in Hualien!

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6 Responses

  1. Bernard Burrell says:

    Pigs flying and bananas to boot…you are have a whirlwind trip kevin(lol)

  2. MelvetaEllwood says:

    Fab breakfast good coffee and someone who understood what you were saying. Yes it is a good day in the saddle Sorry the bananas were off?? Happy and safe ?? Lovely photos

  3. Tracey JAMES says:

    Great photos. Looks like an amazing place.

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