Hong Kong 2010 Day 3

Cannot miss out packing in a hiking trip whenever I come to Hong Kong. This time, we were going to take a leisurely stroll on the Ma On Shan Country Trail, supposedly just 4.5km which would take about 2 hours. It starts at Ma On Shan barbeque area, crosses the Ngong Ping Plateau, passes the towering Pyramid Hill and will finally lead us to Sai Kung (seafood dinner!).

Had breakfast at our favourite 翠华 cha caan teng to load on some carbs first.

Enjoying breakfast

After breakfast, took the MTR to Hang On, and walked a while before coming to the start of Leung Yau Road, the beginning of a gruelling uphill walk towards the start of the country trail.

Neighbourhood area outside Hang On station

Crossing the roundabout

Just started to walk to Leung Yau Road

On our way up

Ma On Shan Tsuen Road will take us to the start of the trail

Huh ... another steep stretch of endless walking ...

Rested at a pavilion

Already 2+pm and we needed to be on our way

Came to the barbeque area at the end of Ma On Shan Tsuen Road. Gosh, we hadn't even started the trail and it was already late afternoon. And we were worn out and sweaty (even in winter). Should have cabbed straight to the start of the trail. Didn't intend to spend the night in the mountains, so decided to abort this expedition. That meant ... more rest time!

Barbeque area at Ma On Shan Country Park

Area empty and quiet on a weekday afternoon

Enjoying the tranquility of nature while taking a breather

Finally decided to make our way down, but found ourselves walking aimlessly along little paths that seemed to bring us back to our original spot. Explored some quiet settlements nearby.

A noticeboard with posters

A sad-looking dog (yeah, we understand too much silence can drive you nuts)

A little waterfall

Next time, O Lofty Peaks

Sun was dipping behind the hills

Was disappointed I did not even get to attempt a simple hike. And the wild outdoors with almost zilch civilization was quite daunting at times. We are true-blue city kids whose adventure thresholds do not go beyond Orchard Road.

Just 1.3km to Ngong Ping Plateau but we had to give it up due to time constraints

Was damn lucky to chance upon a minibus that could take us back to Hang On. The friendly driver and another elderly passenger seemed to be amused to see us wandering around in such remoteness. It took only 5 minutes for the bus to descend the steep roads which took us 2 hours to ascend earlier on. We took a bus to Sai Kung - we needed food quick!

Visited our favourite 通记 seafood restaurant and ordered our old favourites. A gratifying consolation for our failed attempt at hiking today.

Boats selling live seafood at the jetty

At the restaurant

Have yet to tried this restaurant

Humongous fish

Went shopping for classic HK movies in Causeway Bay - always enjoyed the sense of satisfaction derived from finding cheap buys and classics that would otherwise be lost with time ...

Must find a way to sneak these across