Jimmy's Mountains

by Steve Taylor

During a recent visit to Taipei, Taiwan, I hiked the Four Beasts Trails, a collection of mountain peaks that resemble, and are called Leopard, Tiger, Lion, and Elephant.

Elephant Peak Trail

An hour into the climb, I bumped into a friendly local. He introduced himself as "Jimmy", told me about his passion for mountains, and offered to lead me through some trails off the beaten path.

Heading to Thumbs Peak (Jiuwi Peak)

During our hike, he told me about the mountain's native fauna, flora, and history and took me to a stunning, tucked-away Buddhist temple. He was an absolute almanac of knowledge and laughed and giggled his way through the path.

Buddhist Temple

Hammerhead Worm

Jimmy retired from a successful career in his 40s, forgoing the trappings of wealth and materialism to lead a simpler life. He hikes the mountains daily, feeds the local cats, and sweeps the trails with his hand-made bamboo brooms. I called him the "Guardian of the Four Beasts", but he was too humble to accept the title.

Jimmy's Bamboo Brooms

We walked and climbed together for just over five hours, eventually reaching 95 Peak (Nanshang Mountain) which overlooks the Four Beasts and offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of Taipei.

Taipei (viewed from 95 Peak)

Throughout our trek, Jimmy was kind, and friendly. When the hike was complete, he led me back down the trail at nightfall and waited with me until I got into a taxi.

The mountains were awesome, and I learned a lot, but the real highlight of my hike was meeting Jimmy. His kindness, joyfulness, and enlightened way of life were the real lesson.

Jimmy is an avid photographer - makes sense for someone who values being present.

Check out his work at https://www.instagram.com/jimmy_liao_ha?igsh=MXdwOTN2eGkzcjB6eg==