Natural and not so natural sights along a Tai Lam Country Park hike (Photo-essay)

Earlier today, I took a new friend hiking along a favorite route: that which goes from Wong Nai Chung Gap to the Tai Tam Reservoirs via Violet Hill.  But rather than have that be the subject of today's blog entry, I'm dipping into my ever burgeoning hiking photo archive to offer up pictures taken on a previous foray into the countryside that I went on with two different friends.

Like in today's case, I had gone on that particular Tai Lam Country Park trail (leading from Tsuen Kam Au down to Tsuen Wan via Shek Lung Kung) before and was introducing it to friends.  On that occasion though, the day that turned out to be quite a bit wetter than we had anticipated -- and we found ourselves seeking shelter from a downpour under the concrete slide in the grounds of the old Lin Fa Shan school!  Fortunately, however, the rain soon stopped and we were able to resume our hike in drier conditions -- and the next time it rained again was only after we were safe inside a cha chaan teng having our dinner! ;b

I often see fungi while out hiking in Hong Kong --

and unlike some people, I'd never dare to try to eat them!

 

A helipad is not something I'd expect to see on a trail 

with the word "nature" included in its name! :O 

 

Now that's more natural -- and beautiful! :)

 

Shortly before the heavens opened, it got on the 

gray -- and foreboding seeming -- side ;S

Is the Hong Kong Buddhist Association a corporation? In any case,

 I'm cool with their taking part in the Corporate Afforestation Scheme ;b

That day's hike went along a section of the Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail 

that used to be the main route between Yuen Long and Tsuen Wan

 

Long before we got down to Tsuen Wan, 

we could see the high rise-filled section of Hong Kong

But even as we neared the city, there were ample signs that nature 

really isn't that far away from the concrete jungle in the Big Lychee :)