There are some parts of Hong Kong Trail I like. The ones with waterfalls (mini ones), streams, greenery and proper, hiking trails (not concrete). However, majority of the trail is on concrete and gives you views of buildings. Those who like to see skyscrapers on a weekend will enjoy the views. But, my preference is for greenery and nature (a sort of getting way feeling..)

I really, really wanted to do Plover Cove after that for the greenery but finishing in Shek O and traveling from there to Wu Kau Tang after that is like traveling from Australia to America. (Not such a great analogy as the world is round but you know what I mean..)

Did about 23Km in good time (don’t have exact records since I forgot to resume Garmin after pausing it on Stage 7)

Garmin link.

Total: 18.459 km in 3h 01m 48s at an average of 6.09 km/h

GPX file.

• HK Trail Stages 1-4 and then Sharp Peak + Ham Tin + Sai Wan (1)
• Good old Hong Kong Trail (50km) (0)

Tags: Hong Kong Trail

Started very early (0730 HKT) at the Peak. Actually, let me rephrase. Should have started very early (0730 HKT) at the Peak but unfortunately, I overestimated the speed of the minibus (Number 1 from Central). It’s bloody slow and stops at every nuke and corner. So ended up being 7 minutes late. We started at 0737 on a HK Trail stages 1-4 run.

I have a feeling I made a wrong turn somewhere and had to retrace. But, my Garmin lost power (forgot to charge) so can’t really check.

Finished at 1012 HKT (something like 2 hrs 30 mins) stages 1 to 4 (25Km or so).

But, I needed a healthier dose of greenery. The problem with HK trail is that most of it is concrete and you don’t get the feeling of escaping from the city. I needed to escape from the city. I had the usual choices – Plover Cove and Sharp Peak. Not willing to spend 2 hours more on commute, I settled on Sai Kung.

Planned a precision hike/run starting 1235 HKT (Pak Tam Au). 1335 (Sharp Peak). 1340 (depart Sharp Peak). 1440 Sai Wan. 1545 finish in Pak Tam Chung.

Execution was precise. Finished at 1545 at Pak Tam Chung.

Sharp Peak was amazing as usual. There was this point where the clouds covered the body of the mountain and left the summit untouched. It looked like a summit in heaven was popping out of nowhere. No pics I am afraid. Couldn’t fit my bulky camera in my new hiking bag but planning to buy something small and cheap soon.

Total: about 45Kms

No maps or GPS I am afraid.

• Sharp peak, Stage 3 Mclehose (fast) (0)
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Tags: Hong Kong Trail, Pak Tam Au, Sai Kung, Sharp peak

So, here’s a question: what do weathermen and stock market analysts have in common?
Answer: They both predict something after it has happened!

So, for instance, if the Hang Seng index has fallen 200 points, an “expert” comes up with some wild cock and bull story about how hot money is flowing out of Hong Kong. Had the index gone up 200 points, the expert now claims it’s because hot money is coming into Hong Kong!

Likewise today, the weathermen forecast sunny periods and about 16-22 degrees. But as we reached The Peak to embark on a 50km HK Trail hike/run, it started pouring down! It was cold, windy and raining. (I am sure the weathermen now have some explanation about some Northeastern trough from Guangdong bringing rainy weather to Hong Kong!)

But, rain or no rain, sun or no sun, wind or no wind, the great Hikespeare has said “The hike must go on!”

And so we started at about 0810 HKT with a mission to complete the HK trail within 6 hours by pretty much running all of it! (that’s 50km)

Several members quit leaving two of us to brave the rain and the cold weather. As I did so, my clothes got much heavier as the tee shirt and shorts absorbed water like a sponge!

After several hours of steady running, we reached Dragon’s back at 1300 HKT and it started raining cats and dogs! I was already wet but now I was completely drenched! The falling rain drops were turned into mini missiles by the wind and these in turn, hit my eyes and ears with great intensity! It felt as though someone was playing drums next to my ear. But, as the famous Hikespeare has said, “The hike must go on!”

With much determination, we completed the hike 20 minutes before schedule! 5 hours 40 minutes is what it took and we treated ourselves to some well deserved noodles at Big Wave bay.

Good thing is that I felt fine despite a 50km hike/run and had no problems. I enjoyed the rain and the relatively cool weather. Bad news is that all my electronic gizmos including my much treasured phone ended up HATING the rain. My phone no longer works and I am now in the process of giving it the kiss of life (getting a hairdryer to smooch and heat the phone!)

Here’s the map for the day (manged to revive the GPS receiver using the same hairdryer kiss of life method!)

Stats: 50Km (5 hrs 40 minutes to complete against a 6 hour target under pouring rain!)

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Tags: Hong Kong Trail, Rain