Rockland的部落格

Emelie，今年20歲，是來自瑞典的實習生，就讀研究所二年級，預計在台灣的企業單位實習兩個月之後，再飛往澳洲交換學生半年。

熱愛戶外活動的她走過兩次瑞典Classic國王小徑，並曾經擔任Fjällräven Classic的志工。第一次拜訪台灣的Emelie上週和我們一同前往了福隆雙溪河划獨木舟，初來乍到的她，又有哪些觀察和心得呢？來聽聽她的分享：）

Hey guys,

My name is Emelie and I am Swedish. It is my first visit to Taiwan and last weekend I got the great opportunity to go canoeing with a group of Taiwanese, an event organized by Rockland. We were at Fulong which was a peaceful environment to try the activity out. For many of us it was the first time.

The day began when the instructor gave us an introduction about the canoe of where the weight should be placed, how the steering works as well as how to use the paddle. We were also informed about some essential do’s and don’ts; such as don’t stand up in a rush if you don’t want to get the boat flipped. I think we all remembered that one.

The water was calm which laid out the perfect paddle conditions. We paddled down and up the river and under bridges. Not only were we lucky to see the sand castle exhibition（福隆沙雕藝術季） that was going on from our boats but also the many temples along the rivers hidden in the greenery. We got to know the history about that this was the place where the many ships were passing thorough to do all the trading. The placement of temples was for them to get the luck and safe travel wishes from the ones above.

We stopped for breaks on beaches as well as small games that tested our balancing and singing skills. It seems that none of us escaped getting completely wet. The sun was strong throughout the day and we could all see the marks and burns on our arms and legs. A lesson learnt is wear long sleeved to avoid looking like a shrimp the second day.

The day that we experienced was memorable in many ways. For some it was their first time canoeing, for me it was to know how much the Taiwanese love to take photos and for others how much of an exercise paddling can be especially for the arms and upper body.

What I can’t help to admire is how heart-warming it is to see the power of what nature and activities can bring us, together we supported each other when we were struggling. 5 hours of paddling left no one untouched, for me I was completely exhausted but had the biggest smile on my face.