Monday 16 December 2019

Stamps with Rock Dust - Update

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Subcategory - Stamps with Rock Dust/Stamps with Holes/Design Perforations/Cut Outs

Hong Kong 2019 Hiking Trails Series No.2: MacLehose Trail




Issue date 24 October 2019

Hong Kong Post has issued a special stamp issue of “Hong Kong Hiking Trails Series No. 2” themed on the MacLehose Trail which was opened on 26 October 1979. The 100-kilometre MacLehose Trail is divided into ten sections that stretch across eight country parks from east to west, starting from Pak Tam Chung in the east of Sai Kung and ending in Tuen Mun. A set of ten $2 stamps displays  the ten scenic sections of the trail, showcasing the countryside and magnificent coasts.

Section 1 – Pak Tam Chung to Long Ke

The section begins at Pak Tam Chung and skirts along the south bank of High Island Reservoir, passing through the West Dam and East Dam. From the latter, hikers can have the view of Po Pin Chau as illustrated on the upper left corner of the stamp. The trail continues over the mountain before reaching Long Ke Wan with its clear waves and silvery sand.

Section 2 – Long Ke to Pak Tam Au

The route takes a steep ascent from the beach of Long Ke Wan to Sai Wan Shan , where the two scenic spots shown on the stamp come into sight, with Ham Tin Wan on the lower side and Sharp Peak on the upper left corner. Turning west after passing Ham Tin Wan, it follows the path of Chek Keng and leads to Pak Tam Au.

Section 3 – Pak Tam Au to Kei Ling Ha

Situated on the uplands of Sai Kung West Country Park, this section requires some strenuous climbs across four mountains between Pak Tam Au and Kei Ling Ha Hoi, namely, Ngam Tau Shan, Wa Mei Shan, Lui Ta Shek and Kai Kung Shan. Up on the heights, one can enjoy unobstructed views with stunning scenery stretching to the horizon. The stamp shows Sai Kung Hoi, Kau Sai Chau and Sharp Island as viewed from the south of Kai Kung Shan.

Section 4 – Kei Ling Ha to Tate’s Cairn

Going southwest from Kei Ling Ha, the trail bypasses the summit of Ma On Shan and passes through Ma On Shan Country Park. The stamp illustrates the breathtaking view of Pyramid Hill when looking to the north from Ngong Ping Plateau. Hikers can follow the village boulder pathways past Buffalo Hill to reach Tate’s Cairn.

Section 5 – Tate’s Cairn to Tai Po Road

Setting off to the west from Tate’s Cairn near Fei Ngo Shan Road, the route lies through Lion Rock Country Park. Along the way, hikers can enjoy the view of bustling Kowloon below Lion Rock as captured on the stamp. Descending along the trail in the woods after traversing Lion Rock and Beacon Hill, the section ends at Tai Po Road near Kowloon Reservoir.

Section 6 – Tai Po Road to Shing Mun

This is the shortest section along the trail. Beginning at Tai Po Road, hikers go beyond the Kowloon Reservoir dam and have a sight of the lovely reservoir scene featured on the stamp. Heading north and winding through Kam Shan Country Park, the trail passes the war relics of Gin Drinkers Line before ending at Shing Mun Reservoir.

Section 7 – Shing Mun to Lead Mine Pass

Set in Shing Mun Country Park, the trail starts from the main dam of Shing Mun Reservoir. On Needle Hill, it looks over Shing Mun Reservoir, the scenic view of which is portrayed on the stamp. The route continues along the forest track to Grassy Hill in the north with a spectacular panorama of both the natural and urban landscapes. It then descends from the hill to Lead Mine Pass.

Section 8 – Lead Mine Pass to Route Twisk

The route heads west from Lead Mine Pass and cuts across Tai Mo Shan Country Park. Climbing up to the peak of Tai Mo Shan, the highest point in Hong Kong, it offers a striking outlook over the whole city before winding down to Route Twisk. As the landmark of this section, the magnificent Tai Mo Shan Weather Radar Station under the star trails in the night sky is depicted on the stamp.

Section 9 – Route Twisk to Tin Fu Tsai

Starting at Route Twisk, this section runs west along the line of hills and dense woodlands in Tai Lam Country Park before reaching Tin Fu Tsai. The stamp illustrates the impressive distant view of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island to the south of the Tai Lam Forest Track.

Section 10 – Tin Fu Tsai to Tuen Mun

This section, the longest of all along the trail, heads west from Tin Fu Tsai to the north bank of Tai Lam Chung Reservoir and leads along a catchwater and pathways on the hillside towards Tuen Mun, the trail’s destination. The stamp showcases the captivating vista of the Sweet Gum Woods on Tai Lam Forest Track when leaves turn red during the fall and winter seasons.

This set of special stamps on which soil from the trail is silk screened as a special touch.




The stamps also has special perforations designs.




To view other stamps in this category click on the following link - 
Stamps with Rock Dust 
Stamps with Holes/Design Perforations/Cut Outs

Disclaimer - Information about the stamp issues on this page has been taken from the net and are for informational purposes only. No copyright claim is made for the above mentioned information/pictures. The pictures have been scanned from my collection.



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