We had shuffled the itinerary a little bcos of the rainy day earlier in the week. The plan was to sleep in and wake up naturally, have bfast, check out before going to the Dragon’s Back (DB). We didn't know what to expect but read that the DB trail is very popular. We think we would be able to make it back on time to catch a taxi to the airport for our flight at 9.45pm.
As expected, whenever the plan is to sleep in, some kid will wake up early. It wasn't too bad; Zaky woke up at 8.45am, pulled up the curtain and declared that it was morning time, time to wake up. He didn't even bother to check the time. It was almost 11am by the time we set out.
Christmas day didn't feel much different except for a bigger crowd even during non-peak hours. We took the MTR to Shau Kei Wan and exited A2. I read some blog about taking bus no. 9 towards Shek-O until the To Tei Wan stop. There wasn't any bus no. 9 when we got out of the station but we saw mini buses to Shek-O and Big Wave Bay parking right outside the MTR. This time, we paid HK$12 per pax in cash for the mini bus. Daddy Lim was looking for a toilet but couldn't find any. He said that he wasn't too urgent and we boarded the bus. I was anxious on his behalf though, willing the bus to go faster. There must be a toilet at wherever we were going, right?
The way to the starting point was a winding road. The experienced (I assumed) bus driver was doing an Initial D and I bet he would be drifting if not for the little car that was in front of him.
There was no need to worry about missing the stop. Upon arrival at the starting point, the driver stopped and yelled that we were here. Seriously, we had no idea if we were at the right place but saw many others in hiking gear at the bus stop and presumed that it was where we should start. I think we were in the middle of the mountain.
There were 2 portable toilets and we all used the very overpowering odor toilets. I pity Daddy Lim who needed to do his big business and pity even more the next soul who had to use the same toilet.
After nature calls, it was picture time before we start our adventure.
I snapped a picture of the trail before we started but have no idea how to read the map or where we should be ending.
At the start, it was cement steps. The kids posed with a big stone and requested for pictures.
Then it was dirt track mainly. The ascent wasn't too difficult.
There were a lot of many other people and there is no way to get lost bcos there were very well-trotted walk paths. Look at the crowd behind us!
It didn't take us long to reach the 1st peak. We climbed up further along mini paths created by the many before us. At the top, it was breathtaking. The wind was howling; we were at the cliff or what looks like it. Daddy Lim and I wouldn't let the kids get too close, just in case. Even if they didn't trip or fall, there was no guarantee that the wind wouldn't blow them off. Yes, the wind was that strong. I too had difficulty walking straight.
We tried some lousy wefie but they didn't turn out very well. It didn't do any justice to the actual scenery. Got photo bombers some more; too many people were crowding the cliff for pictures.
We were wondering if we were done but that seems a little too easy and fast. When we looked far ahead, we saw many others at nearby peaks. What did we do? Just follow the crowd and there was more walking, and more walking, and more walking.
Along the way, we stopped to admire the views.
At certain parts of the path, it was really just us and the vegetation on one side, cliff on the other. There was no barricade and we had to constantly urge the kids to stay close to the vegetation. It was definitely thrilling and heart pumping. All in all, I think we covered 4 or 5 peaks. A picture at the last one.
Seriously, we had no idea if there was a way out as we went along but we just did. Many others were going ahead of us and not many people were turning back must mean that there is a way out ahead, right? Along the way, Daddy Lim kept scaring me about running out of water or missing the plane. Chey. There is no water point or toilet (except the bushes) on the mountain and I did try to ration the water that we had.
After the last peak, we started the descent and we came to a flat path and crossway. The local pointed us to what we hoped was the right walk. The walk became a little more boring. It was largely dirt track and we saw a few steams (ok, water tickling down) along the way. The kids would stop to see if they can spot any tadpoles.
The walk went well until Zaky tripped and fell and got a cut on his knee. He was whinny and grouchy for a while but his spirit picked up soon after. I think the walk after the descent was at least 1 hour when we finally reached the midpoint of the mountain. Daddy Lim then made sense of where we were using the map at the checkpoint. We could either cut short the trek by going towards the cemetery and hike a bus/ taxi or walk another 45 mins to the Big Wave Bay. Serious, there is a huge ceremony right in the middle of the mountain. It was one of those that we can see in HKG movies. I am quite sure there would be public transport to and from the cemetery.
The kids took a toilet break, had some snacks and were ready to hike to the beach (Big Wave Bay) even though it was another long walk. Steady lah. It was cemented path for a good 500m before we turned in to dirt paths for our descent to the Big Wave Bay at the bottom of the mountain. We had been eyeing the beach all the while during the hike. We went pretty slow and were overtaken by many other groups but we rather played it safe bcos we have people with short legs. Haha.
Finally, the Big Wave Bay.
Only at the end of thr trek, I had realization of what these Distant Post were about and how to read them on the map. Haha.
All in all, it took us about 3.5 hrs to complete the walk. Phew. Unfortunately, we didn't have much time to spare. We took a quick lunch and the kids ran off to the playground while waiting. There were a lot of people at Big Wave Bay BBQ-ing. I am quite sure these people either took the bus or drive directly to the Big Wave Bay.
We of course had to visit the beach. That was what motivated the kids to walk another 45 mins. I was so surprised to see big waves and people surfing. That must be how the place gets its name. I can also imagine how cold it was in the water. Haha.
We couldn't stay long at the beach and had to entice the kids to leave with ice cream. It was a short walk to the bus stop for the same mini bus. I was shocked to see the long Q but fortunately the mini buses were really frequent and we made it back to the MTR quickly.
Eventually, we arrived back at the hotel early and the taxi ride to the airport was shorter and faster than expected. The wait at the airport wasn't too bad bcos the kids were in a great mood and played together so nicely. So rare! I was just very tired.
I sat with Zaky this time while Daddy Lim with Lil Shauna behind us. The seat was very uncomfortable. I didn't dare recline my seat too much for fear of squashing Daddy Lim behind me and the person in front of me reclined fully his seat. Zzzzzzzz. Zaky declared that it was bedtime early into the flight and happily used my lap as his personal pillow. Tired as I was, I couldn't sleep even when I tried; my butt hurts like hell. I ended up playing iPad the entire journey. 3/4 into the flight, a little boy beside us started a mega tantrum and wailed uncontrollably. I pitied his parents who tried their best and were getting dagger stares. Lil Shauna was awaken and couldn't go back to sleep. Zaky seemed to sleep through though he claimed that he heard the wails. Haha.
We touched down at 1.40am. On the way home and a picture with Lil Shauna’s favorite honey cake. The sibling magic continued and there was no fights. The taxi ride home was great too bcos the kids fell asleep again. Haha.
It had been a fantastic trip. We did a lot more than the usual Disneyland/ Ocean Park/ eating and shopping. We explored HKG in ways that we never before. My only complains are how costly and crowded HKG is. I don't remember HKG this way during our last trip. Anyhow, I like how the trip turns out. The kids are growing up and starting to enjoy different traveling activities. Hehe. More to come but the next one wouldn't be here soon. Fighting!
Mummy Lim
