East Dam to Long Ke Wan
Written and illustrated by Hayley, Yanisha, Katherine & Karen
History
In 1976, Sir Murray MacLehose launched a country park development program to kickstart a new era and heal social divisions that festered years after the communist-inspired violence.
Before it became the MacLehose Trail, the footpath served as the second line of defense for the British garrison against any intrusion from the mainland. The first line was Shenzhen river. Looking closely you can see the ancient Maritime Silk Road revisited. Surprisingly, the staggered hexagonal rock formation, formed about 140 million years ago. The volcanic rock with columnar joints found in the High Island region is a type of acidic rhyolite ¾ dacite porphyroclastic lava. These grotesque volcanic rock columns stand as high as 30 metres. |
Things to do and see
On a day trip to Long Ke Wan, you can enjoy one of the best beaches in Hong Kong! It’s soft white sands, crystal clear blue water and backdrop of pine trees, matching with it’s stunning view between hills and caps. Sometimes you might see little fishes by the shore too! Long Ke Wan is an exceptionally peaceful spot for hikers also a playground for kids. For those of you are spending your weekend here, remember to stock up before you go! There will be no any supplies you can buy there, even water!
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Activities & Challenges
FIND THE SHAPE
Materials: Paper and pen Each Group will be given a piece of paper with different shapes on it, The groups will take a look at their surroundings and collect plants and flowers which are shaped like the shapes on the paper. The first group to fill in all the shapes on the paper wins. FEEL A LEAVE
Materials: blindfold Collect about 5 to 6 leaves and lay them out, blindfold one person and let them feel one of the leaves and put it back. Then feel all of the leaves and see if they can identify the leaf they felt at the start. |
Island Flora
Island Bird life
Scientific Name: Pica pica
Common Name: Eurasian Magpie Characteristics: Eurasian Magpie is a large crow that can easily be recognised by its black and white feathers and the characteristic long tail. Eurasian Magpie is a symbol of happiness and luck in Chinese culture. Its figure frequently appears in local artworks as well as traditional festivals. |
Island Mammals
Cows
When farming in Sai Kung died out in the 1970s, the livestock was simply abandoned. As more and more land was swallowed up for property development, the cows were evicted from their home. There are currently around 1,300 feral cows in Hong Kong, of which about 500 are in Sai Kung and neighbouring Ma On Shan. With the winding roads and inevitable dangerous driving that goes with it, the animals are often in danger.
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Getting there
The most convenient way to get to East Dam is probably taking the MTR then the taxi. This is how you get there from Central.
Take the red line to Mong Kok, change to the green line to Kowloon Tong and then change to the light blue line to get to University. When you get to University take a taxi to ‘East Dam’ of High Island Reservoir (30 minutes ~$150) |
Equipment
Water bottle 1.5 L
Snacks
Camera
Suitable hiking shoes
Snacks
Camera
Suitable hiking shoes
Risk Assessment
HAZARDS |
RISKS |
CONTROL MEASURE |
ENMERGENCY ACTION PLAN |
Falling rocks, Deep water, Slippery Trail |
Slipping on rocks~scraped knees, injured back, cuts etc. |
Be alert of your surroundings and do not go to places in the water where you know you can’t go. |
Make sure you always bring a first aid kit with you. If someone is seriously injured, contact a parent or use a phone to call 999. |