THE FOREGOING
The Origin: A Spark of Aspiration
起點：一顆嚮往的種子
In 2021, a single image in an online article captured the majestic silhouette of Mount Nanhu, leaving an indelible mark on my mind. After hearing glowing recommendations from friends who had stood upon its peaks, I made a silent vow: I must see this “Emperor of Mountains” with my own eyes in this lifetime.
2021 年，在一篇網路文章中偶然瞥見南湖大山那雄偉的山容，自此便在心中烙下了深刻的印象。隨後，身邊爬過此山的朋友也紛紛強烈推薦，讓我下定決心，此生一定要親自登頂，一探究竟。
The Call: A Sudden Opportunity
契機：不期而遇的召喚
March 2026. My friend Martin, knowing my long-standing fascination with Nanhu, reached out the moment he spotted an opening at the mountain hut. “Are you in?” he asked. Without a second thought, I said yes. The long-awaited journey was finally taking shape.
2026 年 3 月。朋友馬丁因為知道我對南湖大山的嚮往，在看到山屋釋出空位的瞬間便聯繫了我。我想也不想便立刻答應，這場期待已久的朝聖終於成行。
The Approach: The Eve of the Ascent
前奏：登山前的寧謐
April 2026. A day before the hike, we wandered through Wuling Farm near the trailhead. That night, we found shelter at a local Mazu temple. As the scent of incense filled the air, I prepared my gear and my mind for the challenge ahead.
2026 年 4 月。登山前一天，我們在登山口附近的武陵農場漫步。當晚借宿於當地的媽祖廟，在淡淡的香火味中整理裝備，為隔天清晨的出發做最後準備。
Day 1 & 2: Into the Heart of the Cirque
第一與二日：走入圈谷的心臟
The first day was fueled by adrenaline and fresh energy; we reached Yunleng Hut half an hour ahead of schedule. However, the second day was a test of willpower. Starting at 2:00 AM under a pitch-black sky, I trekked in a half-conscious state, questioning my resolve with every step until the magnificent Cirque finally appeared before me.
第一天體力充沛，抵達雲稜山莊的腳程比預期快了半小時。然而，第二天才是意志力的考驗。凌晨兩點在漆黑中摸黑出發，腦袋還處於半開機狀態，一路上不斷「懷疑人生」，直到那壯闊的圈谷出現在眼前。
After a brief rest at the Nanhu Hut, we made our way to the Main Peak. Though I had initially planned to “collect” the East Peak as well, I chose to listen to my body and preserve my strength for the descent, savoring the victory at the Main Peak instead.
在南湖山屋稍作休息後，我們前往主峰。原本打算順便前往東峰，但為了保留體力，我決定適可而止，專注於當下主峰帶來的悸動。
Day 3: Stone Forests and Secret Realms
第三日：石瀑與叢林秘境
Before sunrise on the third day, we set out for the more technical South Peak and Baba Mountain. The path was a rugged tapestry of treacherous stone falls and giant boulder fields, yet it hid serene, untouched forest groves. Recognizing the limits of my stamina, I chose to bypass Baba Mountain, letting Martin and other hikers press on while I found my own peace on the trail.
第三日黎明前，我們挑戰難度較高的南峰。路途中充滿了險峻的石瀑與巨石陣，卻也藏著幽靜的叢林秘境。再次考量體力後，我決定放棄巴巴山，讓馬丁與其他山友繼續前行，而我則在山徑間享受獨處的片刻。
Day 4: The Descent Through the Mist
第四日：迷霧中的歸途
On the final day, a heavy storm loomed on the horizon. The peaks were swallowed by thick mist and fierce winds. With a heightened sense of vigilance, we began our slow descent. After hours of navigating the blurred landscape, we finally returned to the familiar warmth of the lowlands.
第四天，暴雨將至。濃霧與強風吞噬了山頭，我們保持高度警覺，在迷霧中緩緩回程。花了半天時間，終於從那片原始荒野回到了熟悉的平地。