The loop around the south

Taitung to Hengchun

The weather is on the turn for the better by the looks of it. Another day headed south. The road from Taitung was mostly a dual carriageway swooping it's way down the coast. Again, the crazy speed limits were the only negative on what was a fun ride. I've noticed a lot of drivers don't even bother slowing down for the speed cameras. I'm confused?!?

At Daren, I branched off the main road to follow the Twisties down to the southernmost tip of Taiwan (having been to the most Easterly point earlier in the trip). I had my obligatory 7-11 lunch stop at Daren, where there seems to be a higher concentration of bikers; who were today back to ignoring friendly waves?!

The small twisty roads south from here were a joy to ride. No speed cameras (well, one) and very few vehicles. Had a fun couple of hours carving through the bends at a pace of my choosing! Sometimes riding the rollercoaster over the hills and sometimes meandering by the sea. 

The internet was lost for a bit which led Google Maps to believe I was in the middle of the jungle, miles from an actual road. Oh well, keep going. The very real road I was on must go somewhere. Right? 

I didn't stop to long at the actual southernmost point sue to the hordes of Instagram drones. I am so old, but I don't get it??

Hengchun was a little disappointing. Not much to see or do. I passed through a small town called Kenting on the way here which looked much more appealing; it had at least 2 Thai restaurants and probably a great bar. Next time!

Soundtrack: "Dancing" - Tindersticks  

The next morning, I was quite pleased to be leaving Hengchun, despite my hangover. The clouds still looked threatening over the mountains where I was headed and it was hot. The road followed the coast north. Not as nice as the East Coast, things only picking up when I left the sea and the traffic behind. It was then a leisurely ride on almost empty roads edging closer and closer to the hills.

A bit of rain appeared, but it was a half hearted effort and the sun gradually took over.

Hengchun to Yujing

Carefully scanning the sides of the road after the speed camera signs, I came to the conclusion that half the time there was no actual camera. That would explain why the locals largely ignore the speed limits. 

A group of bikers passed me coming the other way. As an experiment, I gave them a thumbs up, they seemed confused by the gesture, but returned my greeting. In fairness, when I stopped for lunch, I avoided one 7-11 as there were loads of bikers there. Maybe it's me who is the miserable, anti social one?? Yes, it's definitely me!🤓

 

Then as I got up into the hills proper, the riding became fabulous! Great smooth, twisty tarmac with the sun beating down. This was just a taster of the roads to come. I had picked a random small town to stay in short of where I'd wanted to be as the accommodation was either booked out or very expensive. Still, it looks like the weather will be even better tomorrow.

Sunshine!

There are A LOT of temples by the road here; from tiny shed like affairs to massive behemoths. Must be a lot of money in religion.

 

The homestay I had booked was nice and the owners also had a Hot Pot restaurant around the corner. Excellent and cheap! Stomach full, I decided against beer for this one day.

Soundtrack: "Boys from the County Hell" - The Pogues