Day 83 - June 7, 2014 - The Final Day - Zhuwei Harbor to Fisherman's Wharf

Zhuwei Fishing Harbor in Taoyuan

The Final Day! Oh Joy! Oh Bliss! Yeehaw! FINALLY!

But there was still a bit of walking to be done before it was over.
And today there was a schedule to keep, as some friends had agreed to come along for the final part of the walk, and I was too meet them in Bali Township for lunch, so I had to haul ass to my starting point and stomp about 15 km in 2 1/2 hours, which means being in a bit of a rush.

So, with hangover suppressed through sheer effort of will, I got into a taxi (what an unusual luxury, a taxi to my walk start point!) and set off for Zhuwei Harbor.

I got there, and did my usual checking out of the place. It all seemed fine, but after the stinky rivers I had seen the walk before, I wasn't attracted to eat anything from that place. Of course, it could all have been fine. But how do you know where your food comes from? What is in it?

Zhuwei Fishery Harbor

Old house

Cool bridge

Nasty dirty river

Baseball? You bet!

After exiting the port area, it was going to be a walk along the road, which followed the shoreline fairly tightly.

I was very close to the airport, so there were jets landing every few minutes.

Signs I am getting close

Not the most natural of seashores

Friendly blue collar blue truck types

Too many carrots in the diet, maybe?

Statuesque

Green roads into Linkou

Bali temple

 I was in Bali now, literally one township away from  Danshui, and my feeling of excitement was growing. But certainly not because of the scenery! Although it was interesting enough, I suppose.

Rocks

Floats pretty well for concrete!

Guanyinshan

From left to right, Trent, Will and Don. Lunch with the lads! And a lovely pizza lunch it was indeed!

Indigenous personnel: Wife, Mr Sou, Homer, Baijianguo, Maniou

Off we go through Bali towards the boat launch to Danshui!

We passed by the anthropological museum in Bali. There were some interesting pieces of art around.

This guy was really cool!

Grain gourd concept

A random church

The walking and bicycle path passed through some traditional communities along the riverside.

Bright factory

Mangrove

Mounted police and Mr Wang

Danshui, as seen from Bali

We walked along the boardwalk in Bali. It was a pleasant scene, overall.

We had to take one boat across the river to Danshui, and then change to another one to get to Fisherman's wharf. This was allowable under my "rules" as I had walked this section dozens of times before.

Here comes the boat to Fisherman's Wharf!

On the boat to Fisherman's Wharf!

Finally, after about 20km of walking and a long day, I arrived at the end (and beginning) of my walk, with friends around. It was an emotional moment for me. 

THIS IS WHERE I STARTED

AND THIS WAS WHERE IT ENDED!!!

AIN'T SHE A CUTIE?

EPILOGUE:

At last it is over. I could have done it quicker, that's for sure. Six years is not fast. But then again, this was my project and there was no time limit. What a trip! What a way to see Taiwan. So many many thoughts and feelings.

STAY TUNED FOR THE BOOK!

Thanks for reading this!
Big John