After the cable car ride, I start on a trail which quickly becomes a steep climb ( by my humble standards). Fortunately, I'm wearing the right shoes this time and my walking stick is proving an indispensable companion. Reach Wonjokam ( Woljeogam) with an unexpectedly large but gaudy gold-flaked Buddha at the back of this hermitage.
credit: victorwkf
What really catches my eye is a stunning maple next to it.
The trail leads me next to Pyokyoam and here I spend a fair bit of time just soaking in the great views from the pavilion here. One side faces the peak and pavilion which I visited earlier in the morning by cable car. Another view presents the opportunity to admire at leisure its shades of red, gold, russet and green. Beyond that, there is a deep pond witha striking stone screen island. As one faces the main temple, the view beyond it is quite inspiring - a thin bamboo grove with granite stone screens of three peaks that resemble some Oriental screen.
Credit: victorwkf
On the left side of the hermitage, a stone staircase leading to goodness knows where is flanked by other pretty maples. The temple grounds also house a stupa with four lions ( relatively new-looking) and a stone lantern that reminds me of Hwaeomsa. I sit on a bamboo bed and keep altering my position so that I can enjoy the four contrasting views.
Others stop by to stretch their legs or lie down for 40 winks. At one point it gets quite crowded in the pavilion: a grand total of ten people including yours truly. But they speak in low tones so the peace is maintained. Very Zen-like. A dwarfish gentleman offers me half a zucchini which I save for a picnic lunch later. I leave this spot most reluctantly.
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