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August, 2013:
The book that I am reading
I read books in Chinese to keep up and build my reading skills. Because the books are in Chinese, my progress through them is slow. It is not uncommon for me to take a few months to get through one book.
I brought several books back from Taiwan when I was there in 2009-2010, and I’m slowly making my way through them.
The book that I am currently reading is called “An illustrated history of Taiwan.” I explores the history of the island’s human habitation from prehistoric times to the early 21st century. Because Taiwan’s history went through so many big changes over time, the book’s structure consists of short chapters that characterize significant events from various eras.
What makes the book easy to read is that the chapters are short (only a few pages long), so I can read the book in small chunks and not lose the narrative. I can get through a chapter in 10-20 minutes (depending on how many words I have to look up). I read near my computer, so that I can look up unfamiliar characters using my online dictionary. I also keep a notebook handy so I can write down new words and with luck, remember them. 😉
The book is just over 200 pages long, and I estimate that I will finish it in a few weeks. It’s a good read, and either my Chinese is improving, or the writing gets simpler as I progress through it. 🙂
Hocking Hills is still awesome
We revisited Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio. The trail was just as great as when we visited in April, and this time, we got to go kayaking down the river.
Early in the morning, the sunbeams shoot through the foliage around Old Man’s Cave
Stacy and I both like to hike. We covered about 12 miles that day on the Grandma Gatewood trail.
The trail seems primeval to me. Maybe because of the big rocks and water.
They’re actually only a few feet off the ground, not at the edge of a sheer cliff.
All four of us made the trip this time.
The second day we took a 17-mile trip down the river. The weather was perfect, and the river was calm and easy to navigate.
Isle Royale trip, part 2
My favorite campsite on Isle Royale is called Moskey Basin. It’s located at the innermost part of Rock Harbor.
There are shelters right on the water. Shelter #3 is the best:
Sheter #3 at Moskey Basin campsite
The shelter is on a large rock face, which goes right down to the water. It’s like having a big front porch that ends at the water’s edge.
We got there early, and spent the day relaxing and enjoying the island.
Chilling at Moskey Basin
Trail tacos for dinner
Having to filter all your water makes you appreciate the convenience of running water at home.
We had a full moon that night. The moon rose over the outer island right in front of our shelter.
Moon Over Moskey Basin
Well rested the next day, we set off on the trail. We walked over 10 miles that day, which is a long hike on the rugged trail.
One of the high points on the Greenstone Ridge is Mt Ojibway. We enjoyed the views of the island, Lake Superior, and Canada off in the distance.
Another high spot is Mt Franklin (named after Ben, I think). No safety rail, 1000 feet straight down, and three hours’ hike to a ranger station. That’s why I’m not standing any closer to the edge!
Mt. Franklin
On our last night on the island, we tried the housekeeping cottages in the Rock Harbor area. They are very expensive, and pretty spartan, but after three nights on the trail, it was wonderful to take a hot shower.
Housekeeping cottages
Chilling in the cottage
On our last day, we took a boat tour of Tobin Harbor.
Fog on Rock Harbor
Fog rolled in that morning, showing another look at the island.
The weather was bad on our drive back to civilization. It rained almost all way back from Copper Harbor to East Lansing. Driving across the Mackinac Bridge in the rain is not fun.
Yucky weather
Another Isle Royale trip is done. I have been there three times now, and I can’t wait to go back. Evan is talking about a solo trip next year, so I think he loves it there as much as I do.