Cijin Island

Spring break...

Just the two of us...

Wedding anniversary right around the corner...

So exploring we went.

Last spring break, while Jacob was at the beach with a friend's family, we went Xiao Liuqiu. We thought about going back again, but we wanted to keep it simple. The snorkeling among the reefs is great and swimming with gigantic turtles isn't an everyday event, but we wanted to be back when Jake returned from the Philippines. That only left two days. Xiao Liuqiu while just a bit farther to the south requires a ferry ride. We didn't want to spend the two days traveling.

After a little research, Carl found us accommodations on another island just off the coast of Kaohsiung. A tunnel connects Cijin Island with the mainland making it very convenient. 

Carl had been on the island for one of Jake's seventh grade cultural trips. He remembered it having a good size beach, a light house, and an old fort to explore. I was hooked the moment he said beach. I was in need of some sand therapy.

Unlike many of our favorite places in Taiwan, the drive was relatively short, just two and a half hours. 

Cijin is a barrier island just off the coast. Its width averages 1 kilometer, while its length is about 15 kilometers.  It forms one side of the Kaohsiung harbor. Most of its residents work in the shipping yards.  This is where the container containing our worldly goods docked in Taiwan six years ago.

Since it was off season, the normally pricey room was affordable and surprisingly, very western.

While not having the white sands of Kenting, the beach was spacious and not crowded.

After years of neglect, the tandem was restored and ready to explore. A bike path ran most of the length of the ocean side of the island. We tried to find a road or path up the other side, but found that side mostly inaccessible due to the shipping yards.

Between exploring on the bike, hiking, and sunbathing we had plenty to do!

It was an enjoyable two days! Short, but relaxing!

Farewell Cijin Island. Until we meet again!