Today we decided to take the kids on a hike up Chiaksan Mountain. We can see the mountain range from our house, but we’ve never taken the opportunity to go. We didn’t actually get to go very far up Chiaksan today, as we had a stroller with us. As soon as we order a backpack baby carrier for Michael, we’ll definitely be attempting to summit the mountain. It’s so beautiful up there, and the views are just breath taking. It was the perfect day for a family hike, and thankfully the rain held off until we were less than 20 yards from our car.
What a neat drinking fountain along the way! I’m not positive, but I believe this turtle is part of the family of dragons guarding Guryongsa. A water-spewing dragon, whoever heard of such a thing?
Watch out for dragons! This one looks particularly menacing.
Count this as our 2nd Buddhist temple to visit. Half way up Chiaksan lays the Guryongsa Temple. 9 dragons, which legend says once lived in a pond on Chiaksan before they ascended to heaven, guard this temple. A monk built this beautiful and ornate temple during the Silla kingdom. It’s so interesting to see all the artwork involved with these temples, and compare it to the artwork in the cathedrals of Europe. It gives a person a lot to ponder…. (Maybe that’s just my background in art history talking?).
Stopping along the way in front of some very large urns holding the ashes of Buddhist monks.
Look at this waterfall! Isn’t it beautiful? It looks like something out of a painting, or a travel guide. The even more amazing part was the refreshingly cool air the rushing water creates. Standing near this waterfall felt like standing in front of an A/C. Very welcome during a long hike!
The bond between these 2 is simply greater than anything I could’ve ever imagined. You would think Sterling would give me some credit for single handedly parenting him for nearly the first 11 months of his life while Michael was stationed over here. Nope! I don’t think this little boy has a single memory of a day when his Daddy wasn’t there. There is nothing in his world that means more to him than Daddy…not even me! I just have never seen a child so taken with their Daddy. Michael can’t leave the house without it sending Sterling into ragging sobs. Wherever Michael is, you’re sure to find Sterling nearby. Very nearby. Like in his arms or on his lap. And I do believe the admiration is mutual. If Sterling asked for all the stars in the sky, we would all have a very dark night tonight.
Ella took her first plummet down a slide after dinner tonight, and she couldn’t have loved it more. Of course, I kept my hands on her the whole time, but I think she would’ve been just as happy if I had let go completely. Little thrill seeker.
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