Through the forest

Further upstream is the Zhiben National Forest. It's reputed to house an abundant flora and fauna, and the paths through the bayan forests is supposed to cleanse the body of harmful toxins.

It was a hot and humid day, and the forest was empty. Mum and dad were already tired walking up the slope to the entrance, and had dozed off while we watched the short documentary film about the forest recreational area. So they stayed around the entrance, in the shade. I went by myself through the forest, following a pathway which went uphill to a high lookout point and then downhill again. Normally it would take around two hours to walk the whole distance, but for the lack of time I did it in less than one.

The long and winding road was a bit worrying at first. The entrance to the path was covered with trees. And on the rockface a sign warned passerbys to beware of poisonous snakes and insects. I felt a shudder when I saw it. When I looked around, trying to heed and take note of any slithering movement, a massive spider web tangled amongst the low hanging leaves. As I looked closer, a black-legged, colourful-bodied spider, the size of a fist clung onto its nest. Another shiver up my spine...

I bravely stumbled onwards, catching glimpses of my watch, so as not to be late. Many moments I felt like turning back. The narrow path, dark forest floor and lack of anybody along the way tempted me to surrender. But nature did not triumph over my will that day. I stumbled on. Sometimes I tripped and my sandals fell off, but I continued bravely on. Though there was nobody around, the symphony of insects, calls of birds, dances of the butterflies accompanied me on the journey, up and down hill.

At one point, a sign warned passerbys of the presence of the Formosan Macaques. These are infamously mischievous apes, which often pilt rocks and branches at mountain-hikers. I was thorougly excited and wanted to catch a glimpse of them. But I only saw the branches above me ruffle and shake, I only heard high-pitched calls. They left this lonely wanderer alone on his way.

Even so, many lizards, grasshopers, and butterflies passed my path. My footsteps stirred them from their usually quite habitat. The long winding stairs seemed endless...a stairway to heaven, and then down again, amid the bayan trees that looked like old men with white beards and long embracing arms. Their green shade and branches rubbed against my head, now and then, as if signs of encouragement, wooing me forward on this journey through the mysterious and deserted forest.

A cold creek welcomed my sore feet at the end. I stood in it, and allowed the cold, mountain water rush underneath me. Nature sure knows how to mould wonders.