Sunday, April 3, 2022

Victoria Harbour-front views on a day that a cold front came in (Photo-essay)

The weather's been lovely this past weekend -- sunny, cool and fine.  Normally, I'd take the opportunity to venture outdoors, including for a bout of hiking.  But I've actually spent the whole of yesterday and today holed up in my apartment -- in no small part because I figured lots of people would be out over the weekend and I still am loath to be out among crowds since Hong Kong's fifth Covid wave has not yet ended (though it does look to have subsided considerably in recent days -- 3,709 new cases reported today; way fewer than what's been reported for Shanghai, which surpassed Hong Kong in the number of daily Covid cases from yesterday.)    
 
Before the pandemic, I'd never have stayed home all day for two days in a row unless I was feeling poorly or a major typhoon was visiting.  These days though, it feels more normal to do so, and easier too.  Also, on Thursday, when it was still shorts weather but the cold front was visibly coming in, I went for a leisurely walk along the Victoria Harbour-front.  So I feel like I did get in some exercise and fresh air before I hunkered down in my apartment for the weekend.  In addition, Hong Kong was looking really beautiful at the time.  So I got in some cool sights and photography (with my new camera that I got last week) too!
 
Cold front coming in from the east on Thursday
 
The view to the west was warmer, thanks to the rays 
of the sun that had not yet set
 
Sun and star... ferries that is! ;b
 
The cold front got things looking darker than they
normally do so at this time of a spring day in Hong Kong!
 
 
Egret in the city (specifically, walking along the surface of 
the government helicopter pad at Wan Chai!)
 
The sun setting behind the highrises 
of Central, Sheung Wan and beyond
 
When you cast your eyes on views like this, 
 
A metaphor for Hong Kong?  Even when things are gloomy,
there still is some light and warmth, and beauty, amidst it all

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi There,

If seaside stroll is concerned, if you have not gone to Ma On Shan, try it out on a weekday from either directions. I have tried a few times starting from Ma Oh Shan\Wu Kwai Sha beach towards Shatin, usually stopping at City One or Sha Kok Estate if it is late, or go further if it is early.

A local bakery at Sha Kok Estate *at the lower entrance right next to the wet market) produces very good and reasonably priced egg tarts which I would usually get half a dozen if they are available. They are selling at $20 for six these days. Used to be $18. Very reasonable priced indeed.

View would be excellant if the sky is clear. I have not done it after dark yet for the whole length though. You could also opt for a bike ride for this. Except for a short section a bit more than 1 km between Tai Shui Hang and City One, the rest are along the seaside.

T

YTSL said...

Hi T --

I've walked along the Tolo Harbour-front at Ma On Shan -- after dark, in fact! -- but biked along it more frequently (starting from Shatin)! :)

peppylady (Dora) said...

Glad you got some hiking in, today I been walking in the yard some. Pandemic sure change the world. If someone mention crud or sniffles. First thing pop in my head is "covid"
Coffee is on and stay safe

Anonymous said...

Hi There,

There is another seaside route that I frequented in the past few years. That is from So Koon Wat\Gold Coast toward Tuen Mun.

But I usually branch out either towards Tuen Mun Pier after passing through Sam Sing Estate, or go further towards Yuen Long by multiple routes. The seaside route would stop at most by Butterfly Beach, BTW.

Before the virul shit we may stop by the sea food market and grab someting, then find a restaurant to cook the loot. Those were happier days.

T

YTSL said...

Hi peppylady --

A walk along Victoria Harbourfront's far more of a stroll than a hike! It was enjoyable all the same, and hopefully healthy too. Good to hear that you've been doing some walking too. Stay healthy!

Hi again T --

Thanks for the additional waterfront walk tip! I've not done that stretch -- can you actually walk along the waterfront for most of what you mentioned?

The closest I've been to by the waterfront in that area would be from Tsuen Wan to Sham Tseng. When I've been to So Koon Wat, it's been to go inland and uphill from there up to Tai Lam Country Park!

Anonymous said...

Hi There,

Only in segments over the Gold Coast to Tuen Mun stretch. But you may have to wait for the beaches to be opened before you may walk along this route.

1. Gold Coast to Sam Sing Estate, mostly along the beach with short stretch by way of Tsing Yan Street and Castle Peak Road to Castle Peak Beach, then road side short walk to Sam Sing Estate (with seafood market);
2. You may walk along th causeway from there as a side trip.
3. From Sam Sing Estate to Tune Mun Pier are mostly sidewalks along Hoi Wing Road. After crossing the bridge, turn left towards Castle Peak Fish Market along Wu Shan Road, unfortunately also for sidewalks for this section.
4. When you reached the end of Wu Shan Road, turn left toward the seaside for the rest of the walk through Butterfly Beach park;

Load up Google Maps for a closer look.

T

Anonymous said...

Hi There,

You may also consider walking along the so called 'Tuen Mun River' on either side. There are bycicle tracks too.

I have done a few times of walking from Tune Mun to Yuen Long, or back, along these variable routes.

T

YTSL said...

Hi once more T --

Thanks for all the info! Yeah, I think it'd be best to only go over to the Gold Coast area after the beaches reopen. BTW, was in Stanley today and was shocked to see how the entrances to Stanley Main Beach were barred!

Re maps: I still am a fan of the Hong Kong Directory. Yeah, still like my maps in hardcopy form rather than just online. :D

Anonymous said...

Hi There,

Google maps has something called Street View. The mentioned routes had been strolled along by the Sole Google Staff hiker with the backpack camera, thus Street View is an excellent supplement to sheet maps if you are not familiar with the area.

Most hiking paths are already covered.

T

YTSL said...

Hi once again T --

Oh ya re Google Street View. Must admit that I tend to use it to stroll down Memory Lane -- e.g., revisit old haunts in other parts of the world! ;b