On a recent training hike in the mountain village of Wulai near Taipei, more experienced climbers led the way while novices gamely tackled the slippery ascent of Ayu creek. Safety is a watchword for the group, and all climbers were required to wear helmets while deep or fast-moving areas were crossed with the help of secured ropes. Some members of the group were inexperienced swimmers and added life-jackets to their motley attire. Beginning in the early morning hours, the group climbed past weekend fishermen into areas where calm tree-lined pools alternated with thundering rapids. After a midday stop for a relaxing lunch, the climb continued to a deep mountain pool fed by a 20-foot waterfall.
Hikers shed their gear and donned goggles to explore.
A variety of fish were spotted in the pool while the more ambitious tested the thickness of their backsides on a natural water slide. Surprisingly, a group of fishermen in bathing suits came along the shore with small three-pronged fishing spears. More advanced climbs usually take place in the fall and early winter, when river flooding from heavy rains is less likely while training climbs take place year-round.