We went to Jiaming Lake with Wilder partners, planning to climb from the Jiemaosi route. Just as we reached the mountain entrance, heavy rain started. Rainwater cascaded down like a small waterfall at the entrance of the Jiemaosi. Despite teammates helpless looks, everyone donned raincoats and continued…
Jiemaosi is mostly composed of continuous steep and descents, demanding a specific level of physical fitness. We climbed though the rain traveling the altitude of cumulus clouds, and the sky began to clear up.
At Xinwulu River, the initial rest and water spot, most camp for the night due to ample water. Yet, we opted for the higher-altitude camp at the volleyball field. After a short break, we hurried to catch up our faster teammates.
The scenery along the Jiemaosi route is picturesque, resembling a fairyland.
After several hours of climbing, we reached the campsite, the volleyball field camp, at around 3 PM. Our faster teammate had already set up their camps, and we spent the night exhausted.
The next morning, noticed a detached shoe soles I had use dust tape to keep it in place and continue walking.
Early in the morning, we arrived at the golf campsite near the base camp. Since no one had camped the expansive views of this entire campsite, and we set up our tent here to capture some photographs.
The volleyball court, soccer field, and golf course in this area seem to be named based on the size of camping zones and the horizontally lying giant trees on the golf course are considered notable landmarks.
We began the ascent on the second day, heading towards the ultimate destination of our journey, Jiaming Lake.
Lieliao Campsite, the only water source between the volleyball court campsite and Jiaming Lake, was where we gathered water for our journey to the lake. After descending, we intending for the campsite on second night.
After a water break at hunting lodge, we resumed our uphill trek. The landscape transformed into low shrubs, revealing a wide and open vista.
We arrived the shores of the Jiaming Lake in the afternoon of the second day, and as we gazed around ,the vast alpine meadows were extending to horizon.
In the past, Jiaming Lake held significant importance for the Bunun indigenous people residing in the mountainous tribes of Taiwan. It served as a crucial pathway, a prominent landmark along their hunting routes. Beneath the night sky, Jiaming Lake would reflect the moon's glow. Hence, in their native language, the Bunun ancestors referred to Jiaming Lake as “ CIDANUMAS BUAN”, meaning “the mirror of the moon ”.
On the morning of the third day, as the sunlight emerged, we started to break camp and prepare to descend, concluding our journey.
