And the Adventure Continues

And so the adventure continued....

Not only were we on an adventure, but it was also a vacation. And a vacation isn't complete without a morning of conversation and coffee So instead of rising early to beat the heat, as the previous two mornings, we eased into our day with Don and Marla Bettinger. 

Delicious coffee and friendly conversation- a great start to any day!

What a view to begin every morning!

After venturing through the mountains, several scooters were also in need of a little TLC. So while our rides received the attention they needed, we enjoyed a late breakfast at a shop next door.

After our bellies were full and the scooters rejuvenated, we headed south. For most of the day, we had the wide open, sparkling blue Pacific to our left and the deep green of the mountains to the right. My biggest dilemma was deciding which way to turn my head!

  

As in previous days, we stopped often to admire God's handiwork.

If you look closely at the above picture, you might see steps dangerously hugging the wall of the ravine.

Would you go on these steps?

Could you go on these steps?

While  traveling throughout Taiwan, I constantly look for the perfect spot to build my dream retirement home. Never mind I could never afford to buy the land, let alone build a house!But, I can't help it. I am a dreamer. 

This little hill, or perhaps its an island, caught my eye. Wouldn't a house at the very top with a wrap around porch be just perfect? Imagine the views! Imagine the sounds of the ocean waves gently singing you asleep each night. Imagine the price tag! Fortunate for me, dreaming is free!

Someday I hope to actually walk across this bridge and explore that little island. Last time we visited, the bridge was also closed. 

And while you can not tell from the pictures, it was mighty hot! While I enjoyed the break from the scooter seat, I was more than ready to be on the road again. As long as a scooter is going forward, the riders are the recipient of moving air. 

Since our breakfast was late, our lunch was also late, but well worth the wait. Cheap, too! Here's a life lesson #3 that I experienced over and over again during our travels- sometimes the most delicious food can be found in the most unassuming places. Such as these delicious steamed bun, believed to be Taiwan #1! This little old couple, in an unremarkable roadside building, create these sandwiches filled with a variety of meats, vegetables, and other delicacies! They all range in cost from 15 to 25NT (50 to 90 cents). I bought one with cabbage and spices and another with lightly sweet, crushed peanuts. Very filling and very delicious! 

Poor Carl. Since he is gluten free, he couldn't partake in our delicious feast. He had to settle for a banana for his lunch. 

Our resting spot for this leg of the trip was at the Gant house in Taitung, another one of my favorite places to visit! How would you like to have this view every morning?

The day had been so hot and so sticky all we wanted to do was get into the water and cool off.

Even Carl could not resist the ocean's tempting pleasures!

After our therapeutic dip in the Pacific, we headed into Taitung to hunt down some dinner.

This temple was stunningly lit up. Not sure what kind of temple, Buddhist, Taoist, or some other god, but it was very busy with the townsfolk doing various forms of bai bai (worship).

The day had been long. The day had been hot. 

But, any day that I can enjoy both the mountains and the ocean is a good day!