We traveled to Taroko Gorge October 7 through October 10, 2005. There was a long holiday weekend because of the 10/10 or Double Ten Holiday. In Taiwan Double Ten celebrates the beginning of the uprising on October 10, 1911 that led to the end of 268 years of Manchu rule and the fall of the corrupt Manchu Qing Dynasty . The Republic of China was eventually established. This is similar in significance to the US 4th of July.This trip was truly phenomenal, I think it has been the most spectacular thus far. Taroko Gorge is on the eastern side of the island about a third of the way day. We traveled by train to Haulien which is just south of Taroko Gorge. Many of our photos are posted at KodakEasyShare.
We arrived in the Gorge just a week after a major typhoon. In fact, many people tried to dissuade us from going through with the trip. There was much damage to the area from the typhoon and many of the trails in the Taroko National Park were closed. However, we decided that we still wanted to go and we were so happy that we did. With the help of a hired guide we found plenty to do and hiked on some spectacular trails. The Gorge is truly beautiful and we hope to return there before our time in Taiwan ends.
