Back on July 24, Amanda and I visited the nearby city Miryang with Kang and family. Miryang is famous for it's "Ice Valleys", which are areas in the mountain valleys that produce extremely cool temperatures and even ice, only in the middle of summer. Apparently scientists of have studied the area but I haven't found any conclusive reason for why ice forms in the rocks during summer, beyond possible cold drafts that rise out of the ground. It was quite fascinating to see ice up in the valleys in the middle of summer, because summers here are extremely hot and humid compared to back home. Temperatures are almost always in the high 80's, with humidity and dew points usually over the 70 mark as well, which makes for a very uncomfortable combination.
After we hiked up to "The Freezing Place" we descended the mountain and found a nice spot next to a small river where we set out a blanket and made dinner using a small portable propane stove. However, the bit of wind was too much for the little stove so it took a really long time to heat up rice. It was after about 40 minutes of trying to heat rice that Kang said: "I don't like camping." But, we soon devised a wind-block and the cooking improved.
The water in the river was so clean and so clear; it was really refreshing to see. Here are a few photos, but be sure to check out my set on flickr
here.
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| A fearless chipmunk. |
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| Behind us to the left, in the rocks, is ice. |
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| William had a great time playing in the cold water; then he realized he was cold. |
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