Natural Jianshi Hot Spring (part 2)

There are two small, shallow pools under cover and a deck of sorts where I have seen people taking a nap.

Being Taiwan people normally enjoy the water wearing a swimsuit or underwear. However, when it is only the guys, it is not unusual to enjoy the soaking au naturel.

The environment is greatly unspoilt because of the difficulty getting there which makes it so much more attractive to nature lovers. Nothing like enjoying a nap on a rock right in the middle of the Taiwanese Jungle.

Jianshi Hot Spring (Part 1)

If you have access to one of these, this popular family spot is easily in reach between Taoyuan and Hsinchu, in Jianshi.

Although the road is VERY rocky with fragments piling up in uneven heaps after rains, it doesn't stop 4x4 owners to practice their skills going down. I don't own an SUV but that just means I had to park my scooter higher up the mountain and walk down - something even SUV owners do as the road pays testimony to the difficulty of maneuvering even a off-road vehicle down.

At the bottom of the road lies a hot spring next to the river. AND it's free. Well, not really hot, but warm enough to count as a hot spring. After bathing in the icy river first the heat of the hot spring is very welcome. So, on week-ends groups camp here, barbecue and enjoy the environment.

Taiwan Beer brings people together

The army boys were on leave and so it was a good time to indulge in some Taiwan Beer in front of the store.

A couple of meters down from Michael's home and the store, a waterfall makes a splendid view.

But we are down here for the cool mountain water. And who needs swim wear in Taiwan - undies will do fine. Nothing like enjoying a refreshing swim and basking in the sun afterwards.

Michael looking kewl in the shades.

The Atayal in Jianshi

Neiwan and Jianshi are both Atayal country. All over evidence of a tribal heritage is visible. Often the first sign Taiwanese tribes leave is the colorful decorations, not dissimilar from traditional Africa.

Until relatively recently the aborigines relied heavily on hunting and fishing for survival. Hunting by using bow and arrow and spearfishing used to be common.

But as Taiwan became a modern country, so have the aborigines. Hunting, I am told is still done on a controlled basis, and with firearms. However, the wildlife of boar and deer that once was abundant has dwindled. Spearfishing, along with angling, is a hobby that can still be witnessed in the rivers around Jianshi.

Luckily the headhunting of an bygone area (decapitation of conquered enemy was custom) is truly in the past, and ordinarily the most frightening encounter  in these regions would be the huge orb spiders (which are harmless).

Notice the spider to the left of the statue.

Twenty three siblings!

Finding large families these days is not an easy task but while spending time in Jinshi I met youngsters who were part of a 23 sibling family. I was told by one of the boys that all of them share the same mother and that their parents have been married for 23 years. Some full time job she has!

As the family is part of an aboriginal tribe, Atayal I believe, one wants to feel sorry for the children as reports about unemployment and poverty among the Taiwanese aborigines are well-known. However, the children I met looked healthy and were all attending school - some in Jianshi and the older ones boarding school in Hsinchu.

Their house is large but seems small for such a numerous family. However, since some kids have moved out, and some others in boarding school I suppose it is sufficient. Imagine waking up every morning with a splendid view of the evergreen mountains and spending vacations cavorting in the rivers.