Monkeys and Trenches…

This weekend, the sun decided to come out and play.  It has been raining, cool to cold, and simply sadly overcast for nearly three weeks.  So, I and another ETA decided to hop on out to MacLehose Stage 6.  You may remember from my earlier posts about the MacLehose that it spans the entirety of the New Territories.  Stage 6 mirrors Stage 1 in that the majority of it is paved and easy on the body.  But, it has some cool views and two most notable features: monkeys and tunnels. 

When we got to the trail head, there were about a million signs saying ‘Don’t feed the freakin monkeys.’  The first thing I see?  Some idiot feeding the monkeys white bread.  These aren’t the wonderfully playful monkeys of Ishigaki; these monkeys are feral and mean – but darn if they ain’t just so cute, huh?  Well, one of the ‘protect yourself from monkeys’ signs warned not to make eye-contact.  Turns out, good advice.  I was looking at one [presumably a male] and that bugger leapt up to the fence, bounded down it – prompting me to skirt away with a eeeee sound coming out of me – and stood there puffed up and indignant looking.  There was one moment, where you had to pass under a set of trees that monkeys were in.  Creeeeepy.  Nothing like a bunch of eyes staring down at you where you fear one will snap and usher forth the charge of your furry cousins or an eyeball will be chucked at you al a Congo-style.

The second feature are these odd tunnels and bunkers:

Apparently built in the 1930s, these tunnels lead underground to bunkers, living quarters, and pill boxes.  They were used heavily during WWII, and numerous signs request that people respect the dead and not play war games in the tunnels.  Of course, after about 10 minutes in the tunnels – my first thought was how awesome a paintball tournament would be in the area.  Interestingly, all the tunnels have street names – Oxford St., Shackleford St. – and appear to be modeled after London.  Signs are outside every tunnel saying ‘Desolate Trench – DO NOT ENTER’ – but all the guidebooks say bring a torch and explore?  So, if you go do be careful [some of the trenches have been purposefully closed off, others seem to have fallen apart].

Overall, a pretty awesome little day.  More pictures here.

MacLehose Stage 1 and Stage 2

The MacLehose trail spans the New Territories of Hong Kong.  In total, it covers about 100 KM.  Originally, I planned to do Stages 1 through 5 or 6 with several other ETAs.  Unfortunately, a sudden cold front, traveling with some gray clouds, put a major damper on those plans.  While freezing at night can be fun, it isn’t when there are major winds piercing through your bones and you weren’t even prepared for the cold [since the week before had been a sunny and warm extravaganza].  So, only Stages 1 and 2 were completed.  Stage 1 is basically a road.  Stage 2 has beautiful beaches, some down up rollercoaster hills which can be a little rough on the knees, and finishes with an acent toward heaven.  Both of these sections go around the Sai Kung pennisula – so great beaches and ocean vantages.   Plus, it was great fun with friends.

I plan on returning to finish the other sections during this spring, so keep a look out [Stages 3 and 4 are suppose to be killer difficult, Stage 5 apparently has some tunnels and monkeys].  Exciting!

Pics via Facebook.