Day 15 Tue 27/10 - Sun Moon Lake to Tongfu

Total Distance : 57.5 km
Today's Temp : 20 - 29c
Average Speed : 12.1 km  max: 58.5
Time On Bike : 4 hr  44 min
Average Climb : 4%  max: 22%
Total Altitude :  999 m   max:1029 m
Today's Spending : NTD 415
Total Distance Todate : 462.6 km
Total Spending Todate : NTD 2176

Weather is fine as I took a last look at the lake - calm and quiet!! While I was busy packing, my camp neighbour came over to say hello and passed me some fruits and biscults. He also gave me some informations about the road I am taking.According to him,this campground is at the opposite end of the exit road 21 and 30km for a full loop of the lake, so a distance of 15km to the exit road regardless whether I turn left or right at the campground exit. I decided to go for right as left turn would be the same way I came.But the downside is more hills to climb.I saw quite a number of cyclists on the road,but were all leisurely dressed,not the serious type.The fisrt 20km to Shueili was rolling gently downhill until the Chanyulan river. The effect of the recent 88 typhoon ,has caused much damages to the road and the houses along its bank.Temporary road was built at the river bed , some houses were hanging dangerously at the edge of landslide. Workers on the bulldozer were busy stacking rocks to build walls to stop further errosion.After witnessing all these destruction of mother nature,in a way I can't stop thinking " How fortunate we Malaysian are!!" The climb started from Sinyi ,Fongciou and then Tongfu.Along the way ,I stock up some groceries,among them the new stuff is a foot long smoky baked pork for NTD 130 ,look very appetising but the strong smoky taste spoiled everything,throwing away is a bit too much,guess I had to continue carry along and struggle to finish it. My campsite today is on an abandoned cement path below the main road, with a scenic view of the valley below and a winding bridge across the Chanyulan river which I rode thru' earlier. Tomorrow,the climb continue up to Tataka and hopefully the road will be better....

                                                   For a last look at the Sun Moon Lake

                                                              Wenwu Temple near the lake

                                   Looking from inside the temple,the lake at the background

                                                           Beautiful design on the temple roofing

                                        Giant lions on both sides of the entrance as GUARDS

                                                Temporary detour road built on the river bed

                                                 Houses on the verge of collapes.....

                           Bulldozer stacking rocks to form wall to prevent further damage

                              A section of the half tunnel also fell victim to the massive landslide

                                                              This bridge was lucky

                                          Very shaky detour,how long it will hold.....

                                                                A tough job to rebuild

                                              The power of mother nature!!!!  Don't play,play.....

                                                               Back on the normal road

                                                                     Time to settle down

                                                             The tent and coffee is up

                                              Looking down from the campsite

                     Tonight's dinner special - Smokey baked pork . Look good but taste lousy!!