Hiking to Tai O

For the last couple of weeks, our outdoor activities have been limited due to intense summer heat and the unpredictable bouts of rain. It seemed like every time we ventured out to play at the park or go for a walk, we got caught in a big downpour.

Although the kids love playing in the rain, it does ruin their soccer and skateboarding plans. After a few weeks of rained out park time, I needed an alternative outdoor activity to maintain my sanity. Hiking sounded like a great way to expend our cooped up energies and thankfully it was a day with very little chance of rainstorms.

The hike from Tung Chung to Tai O seemed like a good idea. According to Kyle and Cade, who hiked this trail a few months ago in 2½ hours, it's a nice hike on a paved path that follows the coastline most of the way. The trail's a little longer (16 km or about 10 miles) than other hikes we've done in Hong Kong but not difficult terrain. I knew it'd be a little challenge for the kids and I but thought it'd be a fun adventure.

With Cade as our guide, we set out with bug repellant, sunscreen, hats, lots of water, snacks, and Skittles power pellets (a must when trying to motivate or energize my crew).

To begin, we walked through a few small villages and along the shoreline. Just as we were entering the wooded area I took this picture because it was a cool contrast. Little did I know what surprises awaited us. From this point on, our hike changed from a fun adventure to a trek of endurance and will power. The wooded areas were covered with gigantic banana spiders, many larger than my wide-open hand. And poor Abby was scared to death! Her high pitched screams and cries probably scared away any other critters we could have encountered. 

Instead of turning around, we were determined to continue on. With the help and support of her brothers Abby calmed down and persevered. She covered her face with a towel, held tightly to Ian's hand, and heeded Cade's counsel of "look down", "stay to the right", "watch your head" as he scouted the eight-legged creatures. The kids' team work was impressive and a highlight of the trek for me.

There were some more pleasant aspects of the hike, like this rest area where we refueled as we watched airplanes take off and barges towed to aid the construction of the Macau-Hong Kong bridge. We also saw some interesting things - a small, delicate bird nest (Leah guessed it was for a hummingbird), a long, green stick bug (it really was hard to tell if it was a stick or not), and a petrified, rock-camouflaged frog (no one saw it move although we almost stepped on it). Unfortunately, in an effort to capture another tender moment along the trail, I dropped the camera and broke it. :(

The following pictures are from Kyle and Cade's hike in March but show much of the unique, beautiful town of Tai O. It's an old fishing town popular with tourists because of the unique stilt houses.

When we arrived, the water level was much lower exposing very tall stilts and lots of barnacles. 

We walked past many of the very small and simple homes built along the water.

Many people had fish and/or fruits out to dry.

Once in town, there are many shops and restaurants including the famous Tai O bakery.

Cade claims this bakery has the best donuts in Hong Kong. A promise to get donuts at the end of our hike was helpful motivation. Despite the line, we waited and watched the cute Chinese woman fry the donuts just so we could try one.

We sat and rested in this small plaza just outside this temple as we ate our yummy treat. A number of elderly Chinese people sat around us, including a cute old man who was trying to joke and play with Ian (smiles and laughs means so much when you can't speak each other's language).

 I only thought to take a picture with my phone at the end of our journey when we were about to board a bus and leave Tai O. 

We survived! It was a long, hot journey but we overcame our fears, worked together and reached our destination in 3¾ hours. Good job Team K!

Here are the rest of the pictures from Kyle and Cade's hike.

They had a great time exploring a new trail,

playing with bamboo,

observing the progress on the bridge construction,

and seeing the many beautiful flowers in bloom

(lucky for them there were no banana spiders on their hike).

They also loved the way Tai O is tightly built together. It's an amazing little community.

The beautiful and intricate artwork on their temples was also fascinating.

Plus, Kyle saw this Chinese drawing on a home that reminded him of some artwork his Grandfather received in China during his business travels over 50 years ago.

Tai O is an interesting place and we'd like to visit and explore some more but we'll have to take a bus. I don't think I ever get the kids to hike there again. Our hike was definitely an adventure that we'll talk about for years but not worth repeating anytime soon.