Sitou Experimental Forest III

One down. Three to go.

That was my mindset as we left the building today to finish our research. 

The method of our plotting changed, because yesterday took too long. Instead, I would walk out into the middle of the forest, taking two 70 m lines along with. From me (aka the center point), my group members would fan out towards each direction, line in hand. Forming an X was not only fun, but I think it was more accurate. When they couldn't find me, I sometimes had to raise and wave my umbrella over my head. New umbrella-best-friend, I might add. When they reached the center I gave my group members a cracker. Good job. It felt good to work together quickly and smoothly and soon we finished. 

Sorry poisonous plant, I hacked you down for fun.
It looks like Taro plant, but you don't want to eat this one.

The sunny, dry day gave us energy to continue. Even when plotting our line involved climbing over boulders or through vines. Thanks to Jimmy for catching me when I carelessly climbed up into some thorny vines. 

The Typhoon's wind is coming from the NW.

We believe that plot 1 will have the highest number of damaged trees, 

followed by plot 2, plot 3, and plot 4 consecutively.

Even with a full day of work, we still have enough spirit and energy to hike up to the Giant Tree. Why not? The trail we were on for the past couple of days is called Giant Tree Trail. Man, was it giant, logging in at a height of 46 m (props to you if you caught my pun). Sorry for not having a shot of it. Unlike my group members, my camera battery became exhausted around noon. Believe me that it was a sight to behold. Maybe we can go back to Taiwan together to see it?

Jimmy longed to see the Giant Rock, but with the advice of our favorite student-volunteer/helpful equipment-holder during our experiment, Jean, we didn't go past the trail whose signs stated "Don't cross, Danger." Something along those lines...I didn't bother to try and read the Chinese.

We did get to see a Giant Dog named Lucky. Jiling's many attempts to take a picture with him looked more like her chasing him around. I say giant because even though Labrador Retrievers are common in America, here in Taiwan large dogs are more rare. This one had all of its hair too.

Even more rare of a specimen! I must study it for my next research project. Along with reading every one's mind. Thanks to all on the trip who perpetuated this hilarious stereotype of Psychology majors.

Then for some reason we decided to stay up until 1 am, even with the knowledge that we'd be leaving Sitou bright and early at 7:30 am. I think we were cherishing our last night where we'd all be staying together. Cozying up in one bed, we settled in for another scary film. This one was real. Nicole Kidman played a mother of...well, you can just watch it for yourself.

Then for some reason we decided to stay up until 1 am, even with the knowledge that we'd be leaving Sitou bright and early at 7:30 am. I think we were cherishing our last night where we'd all be staying together. Cozying up in one bed, we settled in for another scary film. This one was real. Nicole Kidman played a mother of...well, you can just watch it for yourself.