Taiwan Day 2: Taipei-Hualien (Part 4 - Swallow Grotto 燕子口).

We drove further in to Taroko Gorge and arrive at Swallow Grotto 燕子口.

See the suspension bridge in this photo?

This was the old bridge that the aborigines used to travel to get across in the old days.

I don't think it's in use anymore but I'm not too sure.

Looks near in this photo right?

That's cause we zoomed in.

Try finding it in the photo below.

This is the other suspension bridge across Liwu River but it was closed to public.

Sun was really bright and shining into my eyes.

Walked into the shade so it was slightly better.

See the bus behind me, this trail is just next to the traffic.

And, although it was narrow, it was serving 2-way traffic.

What's worse was that people park their cars on the road side to alight and take photos.

This caused a jam and the bus driver had to announce with his speakers that no parking was allowed at this stretch of road.

That's what I call telling them off!

Hahahah...

Swallow Grotto trail which runs about a half kilometer starting from the entrance to Swallow Grotto to the Jinheng Bridge.

Here, you can enjoy the sights of the Liwu River from nearly straight above the water, the potholes on the cliff faces, the springs sprinkled along the lower parts of the walls.

I asked Yong why this place is called Swallow Grotto?

He told me should be the potholes on the cliff faces that resembles Swallow homes.

Maybe it was true that Swallows used to make this place their homes but I didn't see any while we were there.

Swallow grotto is probably the narrowest portion of the Liwu River where the 2 gorge walls are at its closest.

See all the rocks in the Liwu River?

These proves that although serene, there are still loose rocks that will fall off the walls.

This is a walking trail and it was so hot that I had to run to the shaded area.

Another famous rock formation was the chieftain face.

Can you spot it?

The face is a lil white with the chieftian hat.

Nose, mouth and eyes!

Try my luck at kissing him.

Might not have another chance.

Drove a little further to another vantage point to see how close the cliffs were.

I can't really see the separation of the 2 gorge walls here.

This is a little better.

It's that close.

The next post will be slightly lengthy as I try to cover the remaining attractions in Taroko Gorge.