Birthday Party Under a Pine Forest at the Entry-Level Campsite "Pine Wave Mood" in Miaoli

Text & Photos /Mike Peng

Way back when... in 2011... we had visited Pine Wave Mood. Camping wasn’t as popular back then. With friends, we completed our "Life Zero Camping" trip (because we usually live in a cola can house), and just how noob were we? Just look at the tent behind us and you’ll know............ We didn’t even put up the rainfly. Hahaha, I’m still in awe that my friends didn’t get caught in the rain that night, otherwise it would’ve been........... truly unforgettable!

We came without even setting up a tent before, but luckily the owner’s wife helped us out (hey you over there........... next time when you borrow a tent, please study how to set it up at home first)

To be able to sleep soundly without a rainfly, now that’s impressive (look at everyone smiling so brightly). Our first camping experience ended in a delightful mess.

We had originally planned to throw a birthday party for the little one in December, and of course we wanted to pick a place with some meaningful significance Up! However, four years have passed, and in the past year or two, camping has swept across Taiwan like a whirlwind. In light of this, half a year ago, we booked the campsite area well in advance. Unexpectedly, when we entered on Friday evening, people kept arriving. This photo was taken on Saturday morning—you can see how popular this place is!

It’s less than a ten-minute drive from Nanzhuang Old Street, making it one of the more accessible campsites.

The only thing to note is that the final steep slope right at the entrance to the campsite is extremely steep. Please go uphill from the base of the mountain in one go. The night before, we slipped at the entrance and couldn’t move—an unsettling smell of burning rubber from our tires scared the daylights out of us (the photo below shows the slope after entering the campsite from the gate).

The night before, it poured heavily and the ground was wet. We unexpectedly spotted a snail crawling along the ground!

We’d better let it pass quickly, lest someone steps on it later.

Take a look at the cola can house we stayed in four years ago and the open space where we pitched the tent.

The scenery remains the same, but we’ve grown quite a bit.

Lying in a hammock, enjoying the autumn sunshine pouring over you—is there anything more blissful?

Before everyone else arrived, we helped spread fallen leaves and twigs to keep the ground from getting too muddy.

Walking up the woodland area, you can see quite a few villa-style wooden houses, many of which are already privately sold homes.

Didn’t get a chance to try them this time, but definitely will next time.

Another important mission this time was to update you on the bathrooms at Pine Wave Mood. Those who have camped here before know that the bathrooms here are pretty basic—no five-star luxury, not even million-dollar décor. Compared to today’s mainstream campsites, they’re certainly less impressive. But this time we noticed the campsite is aware of its shortcomings and has renovated some facilities. Although it’s an upgrade, it still maintains the camp’s simple and down-to-earth style. The bathroom area used to only cover the area of the right-side metal shed, but now you can see the usable area has significantly expanded.

Let’s start with this one—we’ll call it the “skyscraper toilet.” The lighting is absolutely amazing. When you’re using it, you can look up and see the blue sky, white clouds, or even starry skies and galaxies. In this kind of setting, you’re sure to feel completely relaxed, as if you’ve just had your chi unblocked.

Compare this to the toilet on the opposite side—the difference is quite noticeable!

Next is next to Bathroom A—there are actually two urinals for guys, but because they’re not very obvious, the owner even specially made WC signs.

The upgraded bathrooms this time are really spacious. The sink in the photo is a full 24 inches tall—youngsters taking baths together in winter will have plenty of space in the tub and won’t have to worry about getting cold!

And opposite are Bathrooms B, C, and D, but the focus this time is on the new bathrooms, so we’ll skip the old ones!

Bathroom B: No mistake, it’s super spacious—it can fit the whole family for a bath. But there’s one issue: the hot water pipes have a safety device, so if they’re used continuously for too long, the hot water will automatically shut off. Then you’ll have to turn off the tap and reopen it to get hot water again. Luckily there are buckets and scoops provided, so you can better adjust the water temperature and avoid getting cold.

Also, the ceiling is enclosed, so you won’t get blasted by cold air halfway through your shower. Otherwise, winter showers can be quite the thrill.

After a busy morning, you can grab lunch in town since it’s less than ten minutes from Nanzhuang Old Street—eating out is quite convenient. Back at the campsite, it’s time for the afternoon’s first activity: parent-child DIY, mainly using materials found on-site (leaves, branches) for creativity.

Of course, we must introduce this session’s little teacher—Jing’er. We pulled some strings with colleagues from years ago to invite her to teach the kids.

Kids, listen up!

Actually....... it’s the adults who are busy!!

However, little by little, the children observed and learned from one another, creating works that were each uniquely styled and full of personal creativity.

Just use foam glue to attach the leaves and add some small stickers for decoration, and you’ve got a super festive Christmas artwork Up ! If younger kids find it hard to control the foam glue, you can switch to using English newspapers + glue instead — it’s easier to handle.

The final completed artworks are here Up ! Please ask MOMO sister to help showcase them.

After an exciting DIY session, the kids seem all warmed up — next……it’s time to move on to today’s main event.

Birthday party time Up , hurry up, hurry up, put on your birthday hats quickly.

As it turned out, all the kids in the room……were just staring at the snacks on the table !

They were so eager to blow out the candles they didn’t even wait for them to be lit !

Right after the birthday song ended and the candles were blown out, everyone moved super fast ! In the end, DuoDuo grabbed the best spot, and the marshmallows sold out instantly !

For the kids’ health, the popcorn was popped fresh on-site, and even the pudding had to be from YeeMei.

After the snack time, balloons were handed out. Turns out boys and girls do like different patterns — good thing we picked them out specially in advance.

Let’s cheer YA!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY~'d'd'd'd

At the end of the party, there must be gifts, right? Even though it’s their birthday, the other kids also got gifts — that way, everyone can have fun together !

Being able to make everyone happy, today’s birthday party was a complete success !

Before dinner, let Mia’s mom lead another activity to burn off some of the kids’ energy.

Today’s whole day of activities was as lively as a carnival — incredibly joyful !

What are we having for dinner tonight? Hot pot ..................... That’s right, but in this slightly cold season, how could it just be ordinary hot pot? Of course, we’re having ..................

Ding Wang’s spicy hot pot ........................ Oh yeah, being able to eat spicy hot pot while camping is such a joy. Let us also share how you can get Ding Wang’s spicy hot pot at the Miaoli campsite. Did someone bring it from Taipei? Wrong. Go buy it in Taichung? Wrong .............

The answer is: just have it delivered by Black Cat Courier ! Just a few days before departure, place your phone order to confirm the delivery location is fine, and specify the arrival time — then you can easily and safely receive your chilled hot pot base !

Tonight, we cooked three flavors of hot pot in total. This is the bonus pickled vegetable hot pot — actually not bad, there’s quite a lot of pickled vegetables.

Ever since camping, I’ve really come to love this kind of group dining vibe.

Because the kids don’t need you to watch over them — once they’re gathered around one table, they eagerly start eating on their own with their spoons.

So touching — can they eat this independently at home too ?

Bonus shot here: today’s delicious big clams were bought by YanZai’s dad. Tonight he’s joining everyone for a rare stylish group meal.

On Sunday morning, the kids at the campsite didn’t need alarm clocks — when the time came, everyone naturally gathered together !

Played together !

Ate together !

Ran around together !

Although all the preparation work beforehand and the flow of activities during made us exhausted, seeing the kids’ innocent smiles made it all worth it !

Luckily........... it only happens once a year !

Lastly..... we unexpectedly caught the chef making the youngest camper of this trip — QuanQuan — laugh ~~ Looks like DuoDuo might be getting a little brother or sister soon !

Date: 2015/12/12-2015/12/13
Price: 700, after 7 PM on Fridays night ride for $300
Address: No. 90-1, Siwan, Tienmei Village, Nanzhuang Township, Miaoli County, Neighboring 15
Altitude: Approximately 350M

Mike Bang
Not at home today, ran away from home with the kids~ A parent-child nature diary

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