Finding a life partner who shares your passions is a rare kind of happiness. Perhaps A-Tai and Daidai, authors of “The Mountains Know,” are one such fortunate couple.
Aspiring to hike Nanhu Mountain, an online acquaintance becomes a fellow hiker
A-Tai was born in Lukang, a town close to the sea, while Daidai grew up in Hualien, where Mount Qilai watched over her childhood. They met at the Fuji Rock Festival in Japan. Originally, their lives had no intersection, but they discovered a shared longing to hike Nanhu Mountain, which sparked an instant connection. On their second date, A-Tai took Daidai camping in the mountains—transforming from online friends to hiking companions. Since then, they’ve conquered countless peaks together.
The couple, who met in 2013, transformed their three years of mountain adventures into words, finishing the book in just one month. Whenever photos were lacking, they’d head straight back up the mountain to reshoot. A-Tai revealed that some of the text was even typed out letter by letter on his tiny iPhone, as he huddled inside a tent on the mountain.
Framed as a “storybook wrapped in a guidebook,” the table of contents clearly lays out gear, techniques, concepts, and routes. Beneath what seems like a rigid structure lie vivid firsthand experiences of A-Tai and Daidai in the mountains. Their lively descriptions immerse readers as if they, too, had wandered into that dark forest, enduring both physical and mental challenges.
Born into a mountaineering family, promoting the concept of lightweight hiking
With his father as the head of a local mountaineering club, A-Tai could be said to have been “born into a mountaineering family.” Having explored the mountains with his father for years, he learned many climbing skills and philosophies from the older generation of hikers. After venturing deeper into the mountains, he noticed a growing number of younger climbers. In addition to sharing his expertise on gear, he dedicated significant portions of the book to sharing the mindset and values one should hold when facing the mountains.
For instance, some believe that toilet paper and fruit peels will naturally decompose, but from the modern “Leave No Trace” perspective, these items should be carried down the mountain. Though 17 chapters are devoted to gear, the authors also hope to convey that the concept of lightweight hiking is more important than simply purchasing “lightweight gear.”
They started with commercial trekking teams and experienced several exhilarating summit climbs. Now, they enjoy the process of hiking together as a duo. Daidai revealed that the two rarely talk during hikes. “Most of the time, I follow about three meters behind him, silently keeping pace. A person’s true character is hard to hide in the mountains—I especially love that unique unspoken bond you only find up there.”
Preparing in advance – bravely stepping out of your comfort zone
“Many people keep preparing but never feel ready. My advice? Just go.” Speaking in a straightforward tone, A-Tai certainly doesn’t mean to encourage reckless or impulsive mountain expeditions. Preparation is key, but so is the courage to step outside your comfort zone.
Like on April 18 of this year, when the couple decided to travel to the U.S. West Coast to tackle the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). This 4,200-kilometer journey takes about five months to complete. Before setting off, they diligently did their homework and trained physically. We’re sure they’ll continue to write more amazing mountain stories.
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