THE ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY - HONG KONG

presents

Boat Field trip to Nine Pin Islands, Tung Lung Pirate Fort            

Saturday, 17 October 2009

Leaders: Professor Bernie Owen and Dr Raynor Shaw

We are delighted to welcome Professor Bernie Owen and Dr Raynor Shaw to lead another boat excursion to the beautiful and inaccessible Nine Pin Islands.  This is to be followed by a visit to the Ming dynasty Tung Lung Fort, designed to defend the coast from pirate attacks, then optional swimming in a remote bay.

The Nine Pin Islands are probably the most spectacular development of columnar hexagonal jointing in tuffs in the world, and are reminiscent of the world heritage site of Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland.

The tuffs of the islands were erupted about 140 million years ago, a time when dinosaurs roamed the world.  It is estimated that approximately 70 cubic kms of rubble were erupted during the single event which formed the tuffs.  This compares with only 2 cubic kms for the Mt. St. Helens eruption and 12 cubic kms for the Krakatau eruption of 1883, which dispersed haze all over the world.

The boat trip, through attractive scenery and then open seas to the islands, takes about one hour.  First we plan to visit the North Nine Pin Island to see and walk over the beautifully developed hexagonal columns, some of which have toppled over above a large rock slide.  The second stop will be on the South Nine Pin Island at a sea arch developed along a fault.  The trip also includes a circumnavigation of the islands to view the spectacular cliff scenery.

This is to be followed by a visit to the Ming dynasty Tung Lung Fort, designed to defend the coast from pirate attacks, which is set is spectacular scenery.  On the return journey, a stop is planned at a remote beach for relaxation.  A full lunch is also to be served aboard the boat.
 

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Timings:          Meet at Pier 9, Central    9.45 am    Return to Pier 9, Central     6.00 pm
 
Please bring:  Water bottle, walking shoes and appropriate clothing for being outdoors.

Cost:                HK$300 for Members and $350 for Members’ guests, including sea transport on a cruiser and a buffet lunch. Members may bring guests on this trip, subject to availability.

I understand that I am joining the above mentioned trip entirely at my own risk and that the Royal Geographical Society – Hong Kong, having arranged the trip as an agent for its members, cannot be held responsible for any accidents or claims that may arise no matter how they occur.


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Please mail this form with your cheque payable to “Royal Geographical Society – Hong Kong

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GPO Box 6681, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2583 9700
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Email: events@rgshk.org.hk
Website: www.rgshk.org.hk