Text by MOOK Scenic Spots / Mofei | Photos by Charlie & Mark
After a major skateboard wipeout, Charlie and Mark took a rest day at Grandma’s house before continuing their journey. Though sleep and good food helped restore some of their physical exhaustion, the unhealed wounds still throbbed faintly, and the long road ahead along with the poor weather were just waiting to greet them.
A bright smile only seen after the rain clears.
PART2 Miaoli Toufen – Miaoli Tongluo – Taichung Fengyuan
After bidding farewell to Grandma, they encountered the not-so-nice side of things while heading from Xinpu toward Toufen. As they stopped to refuel, a car pulled up, rolled down its window, and scolded them in a disdainful tone for littering on someone else’s motorcycle. They had thought it was a passerby coming to cheer them on, but instead, this unfriendly encounter and the pouring rain nearly shattered their spirits. Just before sunset, they made it out of the mountains to be welcomed by an extremely hospitable Airbnb host. But as they finally settled in to rest, they realized that their feet soaked in rain all day, clothes that wouldn’t come clean, and bandages clinging to unhealed wounds were equally weighing on their minds.
The heavy rain, unfriendly bridges, and mountain roads continued to wear down their spirits.
On the way to Tongluo, they met another fellow long-distance walker, though he was already on day 29 of his journey while they had just begun. With intermittent rainfall, the rural roads of Tongluo offered beautiful scenery everywhere, and the simple, warm hospitality of the locals kept their morale high.
A high school best friend came with his wife and kids to have a meal with them and cheer them on.
On the way to Fengyuan, they also met an old man who specialized in photographing island hikers. He took photos of them to post in a Facebook group, hoping those who saw it would also cheer them on. And so, they smoothly made their way from Tongluo to Fengyuan, ready to be welcomed by friends.
On the way to Fengyuan, they met an old man who captured images of island hikers.
Q&A
What moment during your long-distance walk made you feel glad you had each other?
Charlie C
I suffered a large bruise from the skateboard fall on the second day, and the next two weeks were pure misery. But having a partner around helped me get through it. When you're deep in the mountains with no sense of direction, having someone beside you brings a sense of reassurance, even if you’re not talking. Aside from the scenery and the few people you meet, when you feel emotionally lonely, having someone to talk to about many things—that’s what makes it meaningful.
Mark M
When you’re physically and mentally exhausted and on the verge of breaking down, it helps a lot to have someone to talk to and ease that feeling of helplessness. Having a companion by your side is incredibly helpful.
Charlie, whose mind, body, and spirit were all nearing their limit.
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