Go back to China Failure.
Go back to Hong Kong Day 1.
Temple North Crag.
A repeat of the morning routine from the day prior: got picked up by Karen from the hotel and took a longer MTR ride to the Lantau Island. There we were met by Karen’s friend named Moscue (spelling?). We then took a taxi to the trailhead, just past the settlement of Pui O. A ~40 minute hike brought us to the base of Temple North Crag and our chosen route for the day named
Silent Prayer, 6a+. As I was trying to clip the third bolt on the opening pitch, my right foot blew off a smear without a real warning and I fell onto an 8 inch, downward sloping ramp before the rope had the chance to decelerate me to any appreciable extent. I initially thought that everything was fine and I would go back up and finish the pitch. However, I got an unpleasant surprise when I tried to stand up and put weight on my feet. At that moment, I was pretty sure that we had just ruined our China trip.
.
The End.
A memorable hike out back to the taxi pick up point followed. We then drove to the Lantau Hospital’s ER where I got the news that both of my heels had in fact been fractured. On the upside, the care I received was outstanding: timely and thorough, including x-rays, long consultations with the doctor, and a hour-long PT session where they taught me how to use my newly acquired plastic boots. And all for about $250 USD.
Photos
Morning commute to the climbing on our day two (May 2025).
Getting dropped off at the end of the paved road on Lantau Island (May 2025).
Starting the longish approach to Temple North crag (May 2025).
On the hike. Karen and her friend (Moscou?) are in the lead (May 2025).
First views of the Temple North crag (May 2025).
Steep-ish approach (May 2025).
Temple North. Our route of choice, Silent Prayer, is on the left buttress (May 2025).
Nearing the base of the crag (May 2025).
At the base of Silent Prayer route on Temple North. Photo by Karen (May 2025).
Starting up pitch 1. I think this is the ledge I’d land on pretty shortly. Photo by Karen (May 2025).
And that’s how our trip ended (May 2025).
Views from our hotel room. Same place we stayed at 9 years ago (May 2025).
Lookee, lookee at what we found right across the street from our hotel (May 2025).
Only noticed after ordering!
Views from our hotel room (May 2025).
Shirley somewhere by our hotel (May 2025).
Looking for some food within a 100 meter radius of the hotel (May 2025).
At least the food reliably kicked ass (May 2025).
Mmmmm – durian!
Exploring the neighborhood in the evening (May 2025).
Go back to China Failure.