Qixingshan | Seven Star Mountain
I briefly mentioned in my previous post that I went on an outing with a new friend, and some old friends, that helped me feel like I was breaking out of my shell and exploring Taipei. This outing took me up to the top of Qixingshan or "Seven Star" Mountain, the highest mountain in Taipei! Now, that title sounds more impressive than it actually is. The tallest mountain in all of Taiwan is Yushan (Jade Mountain) at 12,966 ft, and Qixingshan is 3,675 ft. So it is not nearly as formidable of a conquest, but a conquest nonetheless.
The day started with the four of us attempting to catch a bus to the trail-head (that's one amazing thing about Taiwan, there are buses that take you from your front door, to the mountains!), but the weather was nice, so the lines for the buses were long. We decided to take a taxi instead. A 25 minute taxi ride to the trail-head only cost us around $3 apiece, which I think is well worth it to skip the line.
Upon arriving at the trail-head we were met with troops of middle-aged aunties and uncles all sporting neon-colored shirts and professional hiking gear. They all looked at us--carrying our small drawstring backpacks, wearing t-shirts and tennis shoes--with mirth in their eyes at our unpreparedness. We began the hike and I immediately gasped at how beautiful the scenery was from the start.
The higher we climbed, the more clear the air was. With each switchback the view was becoming more and more spectacular. We stopped to take pictures at a rock overlooking the scenery below then proceeded to eat sour gummy candy of the Trader Joe's variety. All the while, we were chatting about the metaphor hiking can provide for our walk with Jesus. When we feel tired and want to give up, it is worth it to keep going. Thankfully, over this year I have learned that I can rely on Jesus' strength because he never grows weary. Only Jesus is strong enough to carry the heavy burdens of life.
We started hiking again and arrived at the false summit. I despise false summits. They are obviously trickeries, and dashers of hopes. You heave a sigh of relief, perceiving that you have reached the top only to realize you still have a long way to go. The false summit still provided some wonderful views however, and the clouds were teasing us with the threat of closing in on the peak.
Upon arriving at the trail-head we were met with troops of middle-aged aunties and uncles all sporting neon-colored shirts and professional hiking gear. They all looked at us--carrying our small drawstring backpacks, wearing t-shirts and tennis shoes--with mirth in their eyes at our unpreparedness. We began the hike and I immediately gasped at how beautiful the scenery was from the start.
The higher we climbed, the more clear the air was. With each switchback the view was becoming more and more spectacular. We stopped to take pictures at a rock overlooking the scenery below then proceeded to eat sour gummy candy of the Trader Joe's variety. All the while, we were chatting about the metaphor hiking can provide for our walk with Jesus. When we feel tired and want to give up, it is worth it to keep going. Thankfully, over this year I have learned that I can rely on Jesus' strength because he never grows weary. Only Jesus is strong enough to carry the heavy burdens of life.
We started hiking again and arrived at the false summit. I despise false summits. They are obviously trickeries, and dashers of hopes. You heave a sigh of relief, perceiving that you have reached the top only to realize you still have a long way to go. The false summit still provided some wonderful views however, and the clouds were teasing us with the threat of closing in on the peak. We moved on, struggled up to the very top of the mountain and once again were impressed with the views. I had to get an obligatory photo with the signpost marking the tallest point in Taipei. We asked fellow hikers to take our picture and then started on our way down.
When we finally made it to the end of the trail all of us were happy, just soaking in each other's company. We took the bus back to the city and went home from there. What a day of exploration, adventure and grace from our God. I hope for many more opportunities to get outside and connect with not only new friends, but to connect with my Father who created all things beautiful and magnificent.
When we finally made it to the end of the trail all of us were happy, just soaking in each other's company. We took the bus back to the city and went home from there. What a day of exploration, adventure and grace from our God. I hope for many more opportunities to get outside and connect with not only new friends, but to connect with my Father who created all things beautiful and magnificent.
Comments
Post a Comment