On Mar 22, 2024 we docked at Magong on the Penghu Islands. The Penghu Islands are in the Taiwan Strait between Taiwan and China. They are about half way up the West coast of Taiwan. They form an archipelago of 90 islands, about 20 of which are inhabited. The population of Magong is approximately 65,000 people. Three of the larger islands are connected by the Penghu Great Bridge.

We took an excursion which took us to a number of different sites. The first was a stop to see the Tongliand Great Banyan. The Great Banyan is located in front of Bao An Temple, and has lived more than 300 years with dozens of branches and lush foliage forming a natural awning covering over 600 sq. ft. There are over 90 natural trailers from the tree that have rooted themselves in the soil to help support the massive tree.

As we left the Great Banyan Tree and proceeded out of town, we stopped at a park marking the start of the Penghu Great Bridge. We then proceeded to Erkan, a small historic village featuring red brick tiles and coral stonewalls, and houses and shops, that looked a hundred years old.

Our next stop was to see the Daguoye Columnar Basalt formations, which provided a dramatic view of step cliffs, basalt formations, coves and headlands.

We then returned to the ship. At the end of the day, the Sojourn Team Members served cullinary items and drinks to everyone, to the sounds of the Sojourn House Band on the pool deck. A nice way to end a long day.