Up and out at 7am. Cold and Rainy start to the day. Oh, forgot to mention that yesterday I was told that I am very wise to travel clockwise around Taiwan this time of year. The man said the winds are to my back along the east coast right now. Had intended to go to Dawu but things change from day to day and that is the great thing about being on the bike as a solo traveller.
Today I met the most cyclists I have met all trip. They were mostly going the opposite direction and all of them giving me advise about which road to take or not to take. I was leap frogging a few guys from Hong Kong most of the day. I also met up with another female solo cyclist from Taiwan. She was heading north and said she was going to hop on the train to avoid the next hill.
I enjoyed a stop off at Fegang (fishing village) just north of Taitung. I was there early enough in the morning to see the boats being unloaded and the fish to be weighed and sold.
I opted, once again, to bypass the city. I stayed on the coastal road instead of heading into Taitung. Sorry, but this traveller isnt going to be able to give you much info on the cities of Taiwan. I am happy just taking as many side roads as possible and meeting folks along the way as well as watching how people go about their every day work and play.
South of Taitung there were two hills that I was warned about. Sometimes its best not to know all that much about what lays ahead since I can easily be psyched out when a person tells me about a killer hill. The first one south of Taitung was fairly short. The second hill was the one beyond Taimali that led me to the town of Chinlin (Jinlin) that I am now staying at. Maybe I have gotten a little stronger, but I think it is more like the hill kept on going for quite a while, ,but it was not a killer hill. I stopped twice to rest and then got right back on the bike. Halfway up the hill was a shrine (probabaly to bless the cyclist and help them up the hill), there was also a rest room and a place outside to wash up. It had gotten quite a bit hotter and I was thrilled to pour water on my head and down my back. That helped with the last part of the hill.
The ride offered nice views of the ocean but there wasnt much of a shoulder to ride on so I had to concentrate all the time to stay away from the trucks, busses and cars. I dont think I have told you yet, but I do find the drivers to be careful and considerate..
The last couple of miles took me to Chinlin Hot Spring Town. And I am really glad to have chosen to stay. The hotel was higher than I have typically paid but well worth the money. Beautiful clean room, outdoor spa place she provided me with a the use of the private hot spring spa. Breakfast will be included tomorrow.
Expenses 711 Breakfast of cold noodles with sesame type sauce, shreds of carrots and cucumber – plus coffee and a lovely flan type pudding $4.50 Hotel $50 Noodles with veggies and not sure what meat substance was included $2.00 Beer $1.00 Total $57.50
As for tomorrow , there are a few options for the ride to Kenting. I was asked if I want to go fast or slow. We truthfully I only have one speed….a constant slow. But I do want to take the slower back roads. We shall see what tomorrow brings.
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