Do you remember your first visit to a country park? For most of us, we might have gone because of a school picnic, extracurricular activity or family gathering. In over a year of the pandemic, many people are returning to nature to enjoy the sunshine and breeze, and be amazed that “Hong Kong is such a beauty”.
Last month, TrailWatch was invited by RTHK to plan a route for Siu Ling, a wheelchair user who has never been to a country park. Siu Ling lives in the Southern District; therefore, we decided to go to Pok Fu Lam Reservoir which is a 15 minute drive from her home.
We arrived early with the film crew that day, the weather was partly cloudy. Siu Ling reached the starting point by bus and drove her electric wheelchair familiarly after getting off the bus. She was diagnosed with polio since a young age and has been relying on a walking stick. Before retiring, she often drove to go around and pass by various country parks, but on the day of our visit to Pok Fu Lam Reservoir, this was the first time ever that she had “stepped” into the countryside.
Rare Sights of a Regular Scene
Walking on the trail, Siu Ling found almost everything new to her. “I really have never seen that before!”, she repeatedly said. and shared that this was a different experience to being in urban parks, which she can more regularly visit. Country parks have a complete ecosystem, the moving air, the moisture, and the boundless sky and sunshine are all something new to Siu Ling. The squirrel, butterflies, waterfall, incense tree and the historical buildings of the reservoir are also something that she has never come across in her life. Siu Ling even got off her wheelchair and used her walking stick for a short walk. The countryside environment made her more willing to try new things.
To those who love nature and enjoy spending their weekends in the countryside, the most regular of paths along the reservoir might not be anything to speak of. But while most people are aiming for faster speed, longer routes, better views or more unique routes, there are many people who have not been to country parks before. How about inviting a friend to go hiking with you next time? You might discover another side of the countryside through their eyes!
One week after the interview was launched, the director informed us that Siu Ling revisited Pok Fu Lam Reservoir with her friend who is also a wheelchair user, together with a puppy.
Further Information:
RTHK TV Programme (Cantonese):
https://www.rthk.hk/tv/dtt31/programme/830_magazine/episode/733496/miniepisode/219