Saturday, April 09, 2011

Hiking up 大刀岃

A couple of months ago, we hiked up 大刀岃.  It is a series of mountains somewhat between Taipo and Fanling.  We started near Kadoorie Farms, and were climbing up almost right away.  Soon we could see Shek Kong right below us, and Yuen Long in the distance.  The climb got steeper and steeper very quickly.  It was cool and bright, but a little hazy.  We felt fresh.  For a moment, we could pretend we were released from the daily grind. 

I enjoy hiking tremendously - the strenuous exertion, the scenery, the opportunity to see nature close up, and the sense of achievement.  But as I get older, my fear of heights gets worse.  As long as I am climbing up, I have no problems and I can climb faster than most.  But if I look down, my knees would feel weak, and I would begin to fear that I might fall.   

At one point, we were literally walking along the knife’s edge.  The mountain was falling away quite steeply on both sides.   I looked straight ahead and dared not look sideways.  But none of my friends seemed to have the same problem - I was so embarrassed.  I am now trying to strengthen my knees and to improve my balance.  But I also learned that I probably have a kind of height vertigo which has a physical basis and is not easy to get rid of. 

When we got to a safer location (for me) and were able to stop to look around, and down, the views were breath-taking.  On one side, we could see Taipo and beyond.  On the other side, Fanling and Sheungshui.   I could pick out Long Valley, where there were still some cultivated fields and freshwater wetlands.  It was delightful to know that we were high in the mountains where they were nothing but trees and rocks, seemingly far from the maddening crowds.  And yet familiar locales were close enough that we could almost touch them. 

On the way back to civilization, we saw a beautiful cherry blossom (someone must have planted it). 

And then there was this well-fed and friendly tabby cat. 




12 comments:

YTSL said...

Hi Stephen --

If it's any consolation, I'm the same as you in terms of having a fear of heights that has become noticeable on some hikes in Hong Kong. Like my regular hiking companion has observed, I go uphill faster than her but go downhill slower than her.

For that reason, I've been afraid of going along Pat Sin Leng -- whose path, I've heard, is on the narrow side -- and also up and down High Junk Peak... something which I've noticed that you managed to do -- for which I congratulate you.

StephenC said...

Thank you for the empathy, and the kind words. On the one hand, I blame my fear on getting old. On the other, I am upset at myself for the fear. I am also thankful for having some very good friends.

Anonymous said...

Luckily, there are many methods in safely removing unwanted hair.
As natural products don't have any side-effects, you can rest assured for healthy hair. A well groomed woman will look to her hair and makeup first and a poll of 3,000 females across the UK revealed that about 44% feel attractive if they are having a good hair day, this compares to 16% who felt pleased with their appearance if good teeth gave them that winning smile.

Also visit my web blog ... hair products

Anonymous said...

If you experience some emotional or physical problems in your life it can soon be seen in the condition of your hair,
using natural and organic products aids in the recovery of your hair.
As far as medical treatment is concerned,
it's often suggested to consult your doctor before any further proceeding. Both brands are popular in known hair salons and spas.

Here is my website :: hair products

Anonymous said...

Therefore, if you wanted to specifically look for CNN News, it is
right there in its own directory on the front webpage.
I suffered a lot of bullying and some sexual abuse and it compounded
my identity problem. He quickly became a well known activist for
Islamic revivalism calling for the ouster of pro-western governments using violent means if necessary.
He proudly displays a disdain for homosexuals, especially those that are
HIV-positive, by stating that they should be sequestered away from
the rest of Frances moral society. Once the symphony begins, Paul loses himself
in the sound as he had in the stuff exhibited in the picture gallery.


my web page click here

Anonymous said...

37 kits (round that up to 9 total quart and a half kits).
Also, keep in mind that the ingredients for the mix should be bought from a home
improvement store to insure quality. Repairing larger cracks or holes in driveways takes a little more time and preparation.


Feel free to surf to my website :: concrete

Anonymous said...

In many cases, a person will reach a point where they desperately seek relief and solutions for their issues.
Further information can be obtained by contacting the Washington Institute of Natural Medicine at (202)
237-7681. Located within blocks of the train station where the Tren
a las Nubes departs, this stretch of 7 or 8 blocks began 100 years ago as the cultural centre of the city, unfortunately falling into disrepair
over the years, then only to be rescued 10 years ago by the
city's current mayor. If the other driver makes any admissions of fault, write those down as well. There is use of only the best of natural vegetarian ingredients like rehydrated textured soya, wheat flour and wheat protein, vegetable oil that has salt and some fatty acid emulsifier namely mono-glycerides and di-glycerides.

Review my web page: intrigante

Anonymous said...

It is also a good idea to avoid any accidents, slips or falls.
If you make mistakes and you use a simulator, then it will cost you nothing.
You can train up your hobo so that you can kill other hobos
even more easily, and it is a very addicting game.
Still, within each of these types of simulation games, certain games tend to rise to the top.
Unfortunately, the series has been dormant for
quite some time and there isn't any indication that it will be returning anytime soon.

Anonymous said...

Pastes are isotropic but may exhibit anomalous double refraction.
Sub-Genre: Reality Simulation - Person-centered reality simulation games provide the user with the ability to control a single,
or sometimes a handful, of individual characters. Best of
all, the basic version of this game is free.
In order to compete for market shares on routes
you must have a virtual airline management game account.

If you are looking for a fun way to spend your weekends,
aflight simulator games is one of the most
fun things to have.

Anonymous said...

With all due joys, this should be the period of utmost carefulness and conscious
concentration on the vital issues affecting the future the nation
and due attention of not being stabbed from the back. Products a man can purchase in the privacy of his own home, without having to take an excursion
into some dark-alley porn shop, as if he was purchasing illegal contraband.

Hindi News Portals are catering regional people in different parts of India.
Historical documentation of UFO sightings goes as far back as the Egyptian
Pharaoh Thutmose III, who reigned Egypt around 1504-1450 B.
The higher the or TC the softer and more lustrous the fabric and the more durable and less prone to shrinkage.


My blog post ... egyptian newspapers

Anonymous said...

Pilots complete flights for their airline, using their simulator, either online
(using a network such as Sim - Miles) or offline, and then file a pilot report.
These originally were quartz crystals from the River Rhine
in a region noted for gem-cutting, particularly the town of Idar-Oberstein.
The latest version, Rollercoaster Tycoon 3, is produced by
Atari and can be purchased at most retail outlets. If you are looking for some excitement beyond
just flying, the Jane's series of combat flight simulators is the best place to look. Types of settings provided by Mobile Simulators:- Configuration Settings- Simulators helps in configuring mobile device with the necessary settings required to access internet.

Anonymous said...

I rarely comment, but i did some searching and wound up here "Hiking up 大刀岃".

And I do have a couple of questions for you if it's allright. Could it be simply me or does it look like some of these responses appear like left by brain dead people? :-P And, if you are posting at other social sites, I'd like
to keep up with everything new you have to post. Would you list
of the complete urls of your communal sites like your linkedin profile, Facebook page or twitter feed?


My weblog how much should i weigh for my height