leaving the farm

So, with the farm population having shrunk to two, I felt it was time to move on. Usually on my trips I get to this frustrated point where I have to do something crazy to clear my mind. Pushing myself to my limits tends to recenter me. So, instead of taking the train to Taitung, the nearest big city, I decided to try to run it with all of my gear. Twenty plus miles through rain and over mountains was an unforgettable experience

I definitely cleared my mind, and saw Taiwan in a way I would never been able to otherwise. Seeing the terrain change as you run through it is a wonderful feeling, I only wish walking didn't suck so much afterwards, especially when you're in a new city with amazing spots for parkour and right next to a university with open outdoor obstacle courses and an open fully loaded gymnastics gym. Too bad I don't think I can find a way to stay here for a while, and staying in the jungle where I am now will only work so long. I discovered this amazing vine which burns your skin at the slightest touch as though it was a hot stove; my left arm and neck have thin burns that I can't believe came from a plant. Also, a monkey tugged for a while on my hammock cord for a while while I was sleeping last night... I tugged back and he screemed in surprise and ran away. Between the crazy squirrels and monkeys, I'm definitely the slow kid on the tree-dwelling block.


pps. Off to another farm probably, keep you posted...