On Monday we took the tent down, packed up the scooter and headed back into town to drop the scooter back of to the rental place. We waited for a bus to take us to Fanglio. After about a 45 minute bus ride, we bought some train tickets to take us across the island, through the mountains to Chihpen.

The train ride was pretty neat, on the way there, you basically go through the mountains and seeing the scenery unfold before you is quite amazing. Things were pretty dry everywhere as I don’t think they have gotten much rain lately.

We got off a Chihpen where we tried to get a cab to take us to this hot spring resort that Amanda had been too previously. Amanda tried to explain to the cabby where it was. He was obviously confused as he said the place had closed. Finally another Chinese woman who could speak very good english came over and tried to help. Amanda could remember enough on how to get there that we just told the cab to take us and we’d tell him where to go. Sure enough, 10 minutes later, we were at the resort.

After we checked in, we quickly changed into our bathing suits and headed for the hot springs. They had 4 areas, each warmer then the other one. One even was a balmy 42°C. You couldn’t really stay in that one too long, as it was just too damn hot. We headed back up the hotel room after we pruned up where Amanda took a nap and I watched Star Wars till it was supper time. We ate some spicy chicken with peanuts. It was really good.

After supper we headed back to the hot spring for another relaxing evening. I should mention that they make you wear caps on your head. You aren’t allowed to go into the spring without one. And because we just happened to forget our swimming caps, we were forced to wear shower caps. And if you’re wondering, there is no pictures of me in a shower cap! Well there was, but that will never be seen!

The next morning we had some breakfast, took another swim, and then checked out of the hotel. A van was going to take us to Taitung, just a 1/2 hour passed Chihpen. We had a little time to waste before that though, so we checked some email and took in the surroundings one more time. The driver kept trying to get more money from us and made us talk with the girl back at the hotel room.

From there we took another train up to Hualien where we would visit the Toroko Gorge.