Earlier this month, I noted in a hiking photo-essay that I'm someone with a tendency to err on the side of caution. And one of the things that I appreciate when hiking in Hong Kong is the efforts of the authorities to ensure this activity be carried out safely -- though, it has to be said, they sometimes have gone too far in this direction.
Still, of the three pictured safety measures in this Photo Hunt entry, I do appreciate at least two of them: namely, the directional and fire danger level signs that abound within and near the entrances, respectively, of Hong Kong's country parks.
Alternatively, I really could have done without those little wall-kerb things along one stretch of Mount Parker Road within the Quarry Bay Extension section of Tai Tam Country Park -- which presumably are meant to prevent people admiring the view from accidentally walking over a hill's edge but I'd be apt to use, if ever at all, as a temporary seat while I pause for a bit to take in the sights on offer! ;b
31 comments:
I have to agree with you about the wall at the overlook. That does seem to take it a bit far. It's good to have efforts to make hiking trails safe. Good take on the theme. Happy Weekend!
Great take on the theme. The kerb does seem to be abit pointless as a safety measure but I'm sure it coems in handy as a seat! Happy weekend
We all struggle with the fine line between Nanny State and freedom to risk our lives. Lovely shots.
Hi Carver --
"Wall" can seem too strong a word for that structure when viewed from the road but from below, a friend and I have joked that it resembles the not-so-great wall of Hong Kong! ;b
Hi Jams --
Yes, have seen more than one person sitting on it. :)
Hi Colin --
Like I said before, I tend to err on the side of caution but even I feel compelled to laugh at some of the Hong Kong government's efforts at making its part of the world a safer place. :)
I suppose if the wall were painted in a less startling way, it would defeat the object but it would be less intrusive on the view. Having been in some places where I've wondered if there was any safety consideration whatsoever, on balance I think I'd prefer it the Hong Kong way.
it is good to read that there are some sensible people putting out these signs. very helpful to hikers indeed!
nice photo! :)
The white and black paints are a bit confusing to my eyes lol. If i'd be hiking I think my eyes would be of good help...
Great photos!
Great take on theme...I don't like that curb either but I probably would be the one to walk off the side without it...LOL
Mine's up, too.
http://sandyben.blogspot.com/
A great take of the theme! My photo is up at http://rivercityfoodwine.blogspot.com/
Hi A. --
On balance, I agree with you too. And while I know people who get upset about hiking trails being over-paved, I must admit that there've been quite a few times I wish there was more concrete or stone about as I descend a steep hill... ;b
Hi ipanema --
Because of those really helpful signs (and great maps and hiking books that also are available), Hong Kong is one of those parts of the world where I've felt confident enough to lead a hike on a trail I previously have not hiked. :)
Hi Mirage --
Re the black and white painted bits: yes, well... but by the way, did you notice how many white stripes there are on the one in the photo? ;b
Hi Carol E. --
Thank you! :)
Hi Sandy --
Yikes at that suggestion! :DDD
Hi pjpink --
Thanks! :)
This are cool entries for today's theme. Happy hunting...
That wall does rather spoil the view.
Good eye!
signs are always helpful.:p
Lovely shot of a beautiful scenery.
I don´t think we have "safe hiking trails" here. We can hike anywhere in this country, but you need a map and you are not allowed to walk too close to a private house.
Happy weekend.
The first sign looks so funny to me !
Very nice findings !
Yes I love animals at least they never disappoint you, lol !
Yep, the wall is a bit much - especially how it stands out. Takes away from the beauty of the view. Three nice photos. Do they ever close the forest/trail because of the fire danger?
Those are wonderful takes for theme....I love the temperature gauge..we have those all over especially in the summer months when it can get so terribly dry....
Happy weekend to you
aloha,
those are beautiful shots...i love your interpretation of the theme three and put this striking photo the various signs, nice captures!
Randi described the rules for hiking in Sweden so well, that I won't repeat them. It seems that the feeling for how much you need to protect the general public in recreational areas varies a lot from one country to another.
Sweden has a pretty gentle landscape, not too much happens there, not even to tourists. It is pretty safe compared to, for example, Iceland, where tourists fall off cliffs or down holes each year. You would have to put up safety fences around the whole country if you went by Hong Kong's standards of safety! People on Iceland teach their children to be cautious.
Nice post, by the way!
Happy Weekend!
Anna
I love the photo of the three signs, especially but as always great photos YTSL.
Happy weekend to you.
These are such cool shots. Even before I read what they are, I was admiring the colors and compostion. Amazing that you had three thematic images like this!
Three pictures of threes, great job & great pics!
Thanks for dropping by my blog and I hope I see you again soon.
Hi gengen --
Thanks and happy hunting to you too. :)
Hi CherryPie --
Actually, the wall's so low, it doesn't all that much. In fact, I took that photo thinking it added some color to the composition. :D
Hi Sandi --
Ta! :)
Hi Luna Miranda --
When in doubt, have a sign! ;b
Hi Randi --
Hiking in Sweden sounds like rambling in the UK. Having said that, I've been out rambling in the UK with friends without a map because the trail's been so clearly marked out.
Hi Gattina --
Is it the Chinese characters, the translated names or the combo that seems entirely funny? Re the Chinese characters: I love how those for "Wan" (bay) and "Hoi" (Sea) have little bits spraying out on the left to denote "water"... :)
Hi Marta --
They close trails AFTER a big fire's taken place -- or after landslides because of monsoon. And while not common, it's happened a few times since I moved to Hong Kong already... :S
Hi Smalltown RN --
The gauges are very interesting, aren't they? But this being in Hong Kong (where it's drier in winter than summer), they conform more to humidity than actual temperature. :)
Hi Noel --
Thanks -- and/but to be honest, hadn't thought of them as beautiful shots... just interesting ones that fit this week's theme! :b
Hi Anna --
Thanks for the further explanation and good point re Sweden having a gentle landscape. In contrast, Hong Kong's countryside is on the hilly side (so much so that it's really difficult to find a flat path to hike along).
I think that another thing with Hong Kong's propensity for signs in country areas is that one tends to go from city to country really quickly -- Hong Kong doesn't have many suburbs a la, say, the US -- that many people tend to underestimate the difficulty of many of the hiking trails and terrain.
Hi jmb --
Thanks for visiting once again. :)
Hi Annie --
I had to hunt through my photo collection to find those photos but reckon they're worth it. :)
Hi Scott --
Thanks for liking the photos and we do seem to have become regular visitors to each others' blogs! :)
Governments are becoming more and and more "concerned" about our safety. But people (even hikers) can be incredibly stupid and then have the nerve to sue for damages.
Hi "Your EG Tour Guide" --
Actually, I think the tendency to sue is particularly American. OTOH, stupidity is universal... :S
The wall does seem a bit much, but having said that I'd be the person to trip over the edge when not concentrating!
Hi Rach --
So...better safe than sorry? ;b
Despite it being a small island (bigger than Singapore), Hong Kong still holds much attraction for us who don't fancy the shopping malls. :)
Hi EastCoastLife --
Er... there's Hong Kong Island but also Kowloon, the New Territories, the other islands, etc.! But yes, Hong Kong definitely does have more than shopping malls as attractions! :D
Post a Comment