I was sitting on a big black rock, smoothened by the endless river stream, I can see stages of moth covering the rock. I finger a cigarette from the plastic bag and lit it. The puff of smoke fill the air. It was great to smoke in the open air, especially in a forest so virgin like here. I scanned thru the morning sun that pierce the green leaves and the silvery sparkling water in the stream. I listened to the sound of the mother natures. Birds was singing in the bush. Insects made various curious sounds. The steam played its percussion against the rocks. Amazing is the great works of the Lord. Before I finished my cigarette, I heard 明忠(Mingzhong) came over catching his breath after a long march in search of me. I was separated from the group. I had walked the extra mile by marching 20 minutes ahead of everybody. I had to march 20 minutes back to where they stopped and rest. 明忠(Mingzhong) gave us the instruction emphasizing that this sport is indeed dangerous and reminded us to be extra careful. Even professional falls, so layman be watchful.

 

We started climbing down the wet and heavily bushed cliff, grabbing a rope tightened to a tree we made our way down. The track was dangerous that the female co-workers had to sit and glide to prevent from falling off the cliff. I stopped and helped the female co-workers from time to time when we had to pass thru difficult obstacle.

About 20 minutes later, we reach a clearance of rocks that laid down into the stream. The water was rushing down fast and heavy hitting rapids in the stream. Splashes of water played in the stream as school of fishes looks for food underneath.

We took a short rest, unpacking our ransom and start chewing the chocolate bar. We hoped it would give us enough energy to go downstream. We put on our special water-tracking shoes. It was specially designed to prevent from slipping when we track on moth-covered rocks. A few minutes later, we were grouping on a big rock to take a snapshot after which we commenced water-tracking downstream.

 

Now that we hit waters, the tracks became more dangerous. At anytime when lost our alertness we could just be swept away by the rushing water of fall off the cliff.  We penetrated forest, sweeping thru thick bush and sharp branches and splinters that anytime may harm our outer skin. Some insects, mosquitoes and fire ants could anytime bit us and left red marks all over our skin. Lucky if we wore long sleeves.

There was one time that I lost my alertness and fell down. Fresh blood flowing out from scars caused my branches and rocks. 小朱(xiaozhu) has the least stamina and can be seen catching her breath and stopped many times along the way. She is our finance girl, she took care of our salary. We still want her home safelyJ so we help her all thru the way. Brenda, our PM of all PM was strong willed, yet the activity is too exhausting for her, when she found time, she quickly laid down and caught some nap.  Shuling was a bit cowardly, but of course who would brave the rushing water and risk a life when you know you don’t have the strength to face them. Lizzie had the weakest legs. She was lucky she didn't break one. After a long punishment running down the river and thru the forest, she hurt her legs and refused to walk further. Two instructors bend down on her feet and gave her a massage with the medicated Chinese ointment.  She walked anyway. Cheney was dressed in his military suit. We know he’s an ex Sergeant or something. We know he’s strong. But we didn’t know he could be so unhelpful at times. Well do not blame Cheney, he has his own share of grave perhaps. I just hoped he could be more human and tolerant to others. I don’t mean that I’m helpful eitherJ I ran the first run and at times leaving the group and going way ahead of everybody.  I enjoyed the adventure but I realized the group might need my help so I slowed down and help them.

 

When we have to cross a rapid, I was looking for a shortcut and disobey the instructor by not going hand-in-hand with everyone else crossing the rushing water.  I dipped my right foot into the water trying to find foothold. Before I know it, the water drag my whole body down and swept me down the rapid. I panicked, but I don’t know how to yell for help it was my own fault. A memory of the instructor saying that I need to relax in the rapid water crossed my mind.  I relaxed my body then, hand trying pedal and reach the side of the stream.  I choked at the depth of the water, and my feet couldn’t reach the riverbed. But after I relaxed I was swept to the side and I can feel the riverbed at which I feel safe and praise Hallelujah. I almost lost my life.

 

I promised myself to be obedient and not to take my own decision in the stream, but I’m still alive with so much energy as I penetrated the forest.  After we rested for several times, we finally reach the end of the stream which brought us back to our car. We changed our shoes and clothes and hopped into the car. I shared Mao’s car, oh man, He looked tired having been carrying the load of three person’s backpack along the way until I offered to carry some.  We headed straight to 烏來(Wulai)’s hot spring. When we reached there, it was drizzling outside. We brave the rain and walked down to the hot spring. It was a good old free natural spring and it was sulfur free, unlike the one in Mt. 陽明(Yangming) or 北投(Peitou). I took a shower before dipping myself into the hot water. There were three pools with different temperature. I bathed in lowest the temperature first before slowly changing to the hottest one. When I could no longer stand the heat, I jumped out and ran down to the riverside, and dipped myself into the icy cold river attaching myself to the rope.  It was dangerous, but it was fun.  It feels damn good.

 

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