10/03/2026
南二段
南二段 runs along Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range - consisting of more than 70km of ridgelines, exposure, and ever‑changing weather – it’s one of Taiwan’s classic high‑mountain traverses, and now I understand why they say it’s physically and mentally demanding.
I hit my breaking point on Day 3.
13 hours on the move, soaked from head to toe in relentless rain - shivering and exhausted. When we finally reached the cabin, I realised 80% of my clothes were wet. For the first time ever, I told I wanted to withdraw from a hike.
But 南二段 isn’t a loop – we were crossing from near Chishang to Taichung, with no U‑turn or easy exit. In that weather, even evacuation would mean days of waiting and holding the team back.
The only way was through.
Then the only thing left to do was to breathe, and take it one step, one day at a time. With a 15kg backpack, I kept repeating to myself: every step brings me closer to home. When it was too cold, I prayed for uphill just to generate enough heat to warm my wet clothes. Downhills were a different battle – steep, slippery, and exposing every bit of my inexperience and fear. I couldn’t afford to lose focus for even a split second, yet every night I struggled to sleep and recover.
At any given moment, I was either fighting for my life or fighting not to lose my mind.
What kept me going: our trip leader, our local guide, my teammate, Michelle, and my family and partner waiting at home.
As the days went by, the skies finally cleared. We even had full days of sunshine toward the end, and it hit me how much I had taken good weather for granted.
This hike reminded me:
- Storms don’t last forever – sunshine will break through.
- Mountains rise and fall, weather shifts without warning, yet nothing stay the same.
- When it all feels overwhelming, one step. One breath. One day. That’s enough.
- I don’t need a lot to get by
8 days. 70+ km. 7 peaks. Countless bruises and lessons. Greater resilience than ever.
Thank you, mountains, for always teaching me something.
Come what may, 2026 – we’re in for a ride. 🌤️🏔️
