Forcing our way through silver grass taller than our heads, and trying to avoid shallow pits and depressions in the ground beneath, we had no choice but to hope the directions we'd been given were correct as we struggled to find the start of the path to one of Yangmingshan's best hidden treats: the untouched hot springs of Lujiaokeng (鹿角坑溫泉).

The great popularity enjoyed by the Gold Ecological Museum at Jinguashi (金瓜石) since it opened a couple of years ago is proof that the gold rush era continues to exert a strong pull on the public's imagination.

In comparison with many of Taiwan's more famous ancient trees, the Dasheng Tree (大神神木), on the slopes of Aman Peak (阿屘尖) on the border between Taoyuan and Taipei Counties is a mere baby in size.

Perched high above the union of the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean, the area around Jinguashi and Jiufen on the northeast coast of Taiwan is a relatively new discovery for me, but is turning into one of the most exhilarating and tempting hiking areas anywhere within easy reach of Taipei City.

Two things immediately stood out as I followed Xiao Tzukeng Old Trail near the Taipei County town of Ruifang one beautiful early morning recently.

It was a long weekend, and we decided to embark on a motorcycle trip over the Central Mountain Range, using the North Cross Island Highway. We had ample time, and chose a two-day trip.

September is here, yet still the heat and humidity make it a hostile environment for those of us seeking a good long hike in the hills.

As a diehard fanatic for fresh fruit, I can absolutely appreciate how it is so readily available during the summer months in Taiwan.

By eight o'clock, the fast-rising sun has already taken the cool edge off the early morning air, and we can feel its growing heat against our faces.

Some of the best discoveries, it is said, are made accidentally, in which case one of the most pleasant accidents to befall me in recent months was the re-discovery of Ahrou Stream (阿柔溪), which descends from the hills to empty its contents into Jingmei River at the town of Shenkeng (深坑), just a few kilometers southeast of Taipei City limits.