A beautiful Saturday morning in late April marked our return to the familiar paths of Maansan Mountain. As the seventh hike in our 22 Peaks in 22 Weeks Challenge, we chose to revisit Maansan, not just for its exquisite beauty and moderate elevation of 370 feet, but for a very special reason — it’s one of the few dog-friendly trails in Yeangin-myeon, which meant Blizzard and Jada could join us on this adventure.
Setting Off on the Honey Bee Trail
The starting point of the trail greets hikers with the sweet aroma wafting from Cafe Bee & Honey, a quaint establishment sitting at the trailhead, providing a serene atmosphere and the promise of a refreshing reward on our return. Jon affectionately dubbed this outing our “Honey Bee Hike,” a moniker that carried the sweetness of the cafe and the buzz of our excited canine companions eager to embark on the trail.
Trail Features and Delights
This familiar route did not fail to impress even during our repeat visit. The stone marker at the peak greeted us with its steadfast presence, reaffirming the height and name of the mountain as a silent witness to our repeated achievement. As we moved along, the outdoor exercise stations and the Buddhist burial sites we had admired during our previous visit once again captured our attention, adding a rich layer of culture and tradition to the natural beauty surrounding us.
A Canine Adventure
But this hike was distinctly special because of Blizzard and Jada, who brought a fresh burst of energy and joy to the expedition. Their exuberance as they explored the trails with innocent curiosity breathed new life into our adventure. We witnessed them marveling at every new scent, chasing after butterflies, and even taking the lead as if they were seasoned trail guides themselves.
The undulating paths we dubbed “The Roller-Coaster” during our first hike were met with eager paws and wagging tails, as Blizzard and Jada skillfully navigated the ups and downs, lending a playful spirit to our hike. Their presence transformed our journey into a beautiful blend of human and animal spirits harmoniously traversing nature's playground.
Embracing the Lakeside Beauty
As we descended towards Asanho Lake, the vibrant atmosphere of the beaches awaited us. The sight of pristine waters and the tranquil surroundings were a treat to our souls and an exciting novelty for Blizzard and Jada. They splashed in the shallow waters with youthful abandon, their playful antics bringing smiles to our faces and warmth to our hearts. It was a sight to behold, a picture of pure joy, an affirmation of life in its most vibrant form.
A Sweet Ending to a Honey Bee Hike
Our return to the trailhead marked the end of this vibrant journey, but not before fulfilling the promise of a sweet ending. At Cafe Bee & Honey, we indulged in the well-deserved treat of delightful refreshments, including special pup cups for our four-legged family members. Their blissful enjoyment of the treat was a joyous sight, a fitting end to a day filled with laughter, fun, and the simple pleasures of life.
Conclusion
The Maansan “Honey Bee Hike” became a cherished memory in our series of adventures, a journey filled with simple joys, canine companionship, and the sweet aroma of honey. As we look back, it was not just a hike, but a celebration of life, love, and the beauty of shared experiences, which, like honey, only gets sweeter with time. We headed home, our spirits lifted, hearts filled with joy, and minds buzzing with beautiful memories, eagerly looking forward to the next chapter in our 22 peaks story, with Blizzard and Jada as our joyous companions in adventure.
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