During the holiday break, we hiked up Qixingshan (Seven Star Mountain) in Yangmingshan National Park (right behind our apartment). We went with our friends Paul Jacob, Amanda Jacob and their son Theo and of course we dragged our little dogs along too. Both Jake and Scout are getting on in years (15 & 14 respectively) but they hate to be left behind and luckily they are small enough to carry when they get tired or the terrain gets too rough. It was a beautiful day for a hike – with clear skys, pleasant temperatures and breathtaking views of the city of Taipei as well as the surrounding mountain-studded landscape. We loaded the kids, dogs and hiking supplies in our two vehicles and headed for the trailhead.

Qixingshan is located in the Datun Volcano Group and is the highest peak in Taipei, at the rim of the Taipei Basin and is also the highest dormant volcano in Taiwan. Thousands of years ago the Datun Volcano Group erupted and spewed huge amounts of lava that flowed to the north and became the foundation of Taiwan’s rocky north coast.

A lonely dog treks.

Low clouds, high mountains.

Master of all he surveys.

Breathtaking horizons.

Looking up towards the top.

Mountains and more mountains.

The Klars Afar on the move.

Silver grass covering the mountainside.

Beautiful views on the way up.

The north coast of Taiwan visible from the mountains.

Looking up to our destination

Jake takes his time.

The trail begins

Above the tree line, the mountain is covered with silver blooming grasses.

Lunch at the top.

Bodhi gives Scout a lift.

Mountains and more mountains.

More surrounding mountains.

Bodhi perches on a rock on top.

Amanda Jacob takes the lead on the way up.

Griffin gives Jake a lift.

Lunch at the top.

Pause for a picture.

Beautiful mountains of Yangmingshan National Park.

A wonderful day in the fresh mountain air for everyone. At the top we enjoyed packed lunch and of course a bottle of wine. Scout and Jake were the favourites of the other hikers at the top and even managed to beg some treats.

Thanks for keeping up with the Klars Afar. Remember we love and miss you all and we always have room in our home for friends to visit us in Taipei

–TheKlarsAfar