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| Tourist map courtesy of www.communicate.com |
I woke up groggy from the stress of traveling. After three weeks
in Thailand, you likely have a number of bruises from a variety of
adventurous activities.
Nevertheless, I was in Hong Kong and the weather outside was complimentary to how I was feeling.
The sky was foggy with a light mist of moisture. The temperature ranges from 70-
80 degrees in spring with an avg. one inch of rain a day.
I decide to stay on Lamma island and explore the local scene.
The island is 4.5 miles in length with the tallest summit at 1150 feet above
sea level, known as Mount Stenhouse.
70 percent of the island is accessible by trails. Eight
hours worth of walking I took in about five since I was alone.
Somewhere along the path I found an old fashion visor with
an extra large bill. Sporting my baggy Thai pants, my new accessory completed
what I thought was a causal Asian inspired outfit.
The first village I came to Yung Shue Wan. This is where
most of the people live on the island, which has a population of 6,050. Slim
pathways lined with shops, tiny restaurants and a variety of worship venues for
different religions. Most restaurants
are Asian cuisine with a few Italian and European options.
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| Approaching Sok Kwu Wan from the north |
Behind the bank where the main ferry terminal sits, you walk
about an hour northeast to reach Sok Kwu Wan. First, greeted with hut looking
homes, one or two room maximum. This village has the best seafood on the island
with the fishing farms just a few hundred feet in the water.
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| Sok Kwu Wan |
Floating docks used as makeshift homes for some of the
fishermen. Past the groupings of docks
you see the apartment building towers line the shore of Aberdeen Island, also
known as Ap Lei Chau. Ap Lei Chau is the second most densely populated island
in the world.
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| Aberdeen Island is the background, a.k.a. Ap lei Chau |
The villages are quiet during this part of the day, most
residents have gone to work on Hong Kong Island. In passing, I approach the Tin Hau Temple
that is colorfully painted with beautiful tapestries while being tethered by
the increasing winds.
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| Tin Hau Temple provided by www.myworldshots.com |
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| Anyone want some fish? |
I head south to discover the side where the least
populated areas are located. Yung Shue
Ha and Tung O both sit along a bay, home to sandy beach but dark, liter filled
water.
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| Vibrant Flora |
Inland from the sea you cross meadows of flora that turns
into dense jungle. Scattered abandon brick structures become tangled in the
vines. The trails start to steeply
ascend as I reach Mt. Stenhouse. Thank goodness I packed those granola bars.
The views at the top were breathtaking. You see vast ocean
in one direction. Green rolling hills with two-tiered homes filing the pockets.
Large cargo ships look like toy boats from this perspective. I never thought
this is what I was going to see in "The Kong."
Serenity at its finest, I am so grateful for the only sounds
I hear are those of nature. Waves crash along the side of the island. As the
sunlight starts to dwindle I head back towards Joey's casita. Skipping along
the cobblestone paths I pass the police station where I encounter friendly
waves and smiles.
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| On the way to the top of Mt. Stenhouse |
Hung Shing Yeh beach surprises me with its cleanliness. A
few families play in the sand. I wiggle my toes in the sand as I end my day.
The day I fell crazy in love with Lamma Island.
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| View near Lo So Shing Beach |
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| Yung Shue Wan in the distance |
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