Usual and not so usual sights on a hike from Tung Chung to Tai O (Photo-essay)

The first year that I hiked in Hong Kong, the longest route that I went on was the around 15 kilometer long stretch that takes one largely along the water's edge from Tung Chung to Tai O.  Some nine years on, this Lantau Island trail remains one of my favorites; and one that I've ventured along at various times of the year, including in the summer.  

Another time I hiked this trail was after a fire had laid waste to substantial swathes of the countryside near Tai O.  It's my sincere hope that that devastated section of land -- and the flora and fauna found on it -- has managed to recover in the period since because that desolate stretch really did tear at my heart even while certain sights at other points on this same excursion were able to lift up my spirit and made me really feel alive...

Yes, this is one of those rare countryside hikes where you'll

catch glimpses of a cable car ride and a busy airport! ;b

Thanks to a staff member at the Fung Yuen Butterfly Reserve, I now can

identify white dragontail butterflies and am aware of how rare they are

-- so it's a major thrill to catch sight of, and photograph, them :b

 

Every time I pass by this remote section of Hong Kong,

I think how it'd make a cool movie location...

 

Not the biggest lizard I've ever seen... (that honor goes to 

the one I saw on a tree at Luk Wu Plateau some years back)

 

 ...but it sure does have a long tail! :O

 

 I realize some might find this critter creepy looking

but I like how transluscent and transparent its wings are!

The next time I pass this way again, I sincerely hope 

I'll see much more green than burnt vegetation

 

There are reasons why signs and warnings like these exist

-- now if only people would heed them!