Club Cool Memoirs - Chapter 10. Ascent

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28 marzo

Club Cool Memoirs - Chapter 10. Ascent

Ascending a single-lane ice highway, our vehicle spins forward to the summit and enters the naturally fortified gates of Chun-gyo....

Snow Beach Departure

With cool ocean mist and the smell of fresh salt in the air, we load up our car with some dried seafood and hot beverages for the next leg of our journey. Terrain and climate quickly change as we leave the beach and drive towards the famous Sorak mountain tourist area.

Sorak Mountain & Winter Sports

Arriving at Sorak Mountain we ride a tram to the summit for a spectacular winter view. The sharp temperature drop, dry air and high altitudes combine for a breath taking experience. Descending the mountain we find a local restaurant and focus once again on some delicious area specialties. Hot kalbi-tang (beef broth soup) hits the spot and provides the necessary warmth for the return walk to the car.

Noticing several tourists with skis, we discuss the following winter options:

1. Renting equipment for cross-country skiing.

2. Hiking up the mountain, following a marked tourist trail.

3. Visiting a fitness center at a local hotel.

While crossing the street, we notice a small flashing neon sign in the window.

Limited on time, we decide on this new option as a way to spend quality time in a local mountain bar, acknowledging their collection of foreign bottled beverages.

Mirrored Highway Ascent

Deciding to bypass some of the traffic congestion into Seoul, we decide to take a short-cut over a nearby mountain and forge towards mountain village Chon-gyo.

Ascending an icy-single lane highway at night, we spin upwards towards the small fortress town. The sharp reflection of incoming headlights from the road-mirrors on each corner, keep all passengers alert and working as a team:

The Oncoming Traffic Observer watches the beveled mirrors closely to determine the size of the vehicle approaching:

Military transport vehicle – pull off the road as quick as possible making room for the military vehicle

Bus – after having to use reverse around a corner, we decide to classify buses as military vehicles

Auto – variation of “chicken” to determine whether the approaching car or ours pulls to the side of the road

The Cliff Shoulder Controller monitor's the width of the shoulder on the sde of the road to determine whether we need:

Use reverse to back into a prior safe roadside area

Pull forward and to the right to the next safest roadside spot

Take a chance, hoping that the corner has enough room for two vehicles

The Designated Driver is now obligated to get us safely to our destination as there's simply no safe area to come to a complete stop and switch drivers. While coming to a complete stop is sometimes necessary, his job is to ensure that this loss in momentum will allow us to climb the mountain.

Fortifified

Chun-gyo is a beautiful town, naturally fortified by the mountainous terrain and icy conditions. Acknowledging the differences between this mountain village and the seaside towns near Naksan beach, we don't have any troubles finding rooms at a nearby hotel.

Next Chapter...