Another Ride

Here are a few photos from another ride in a easterly direction. Off in that direction at the back end of Imha lake is a place called the Jirye Artists Colony (지례 예술촌). I have only been there in the winter time, but is sure doesn't look like much of a colony, and there isn't much evidence of art. But apparently there is some kind of program in other seasons, and it is open for overnight stays. Perhaps it is more attractive in the summer, but even winter shows a kind of stark beauty.

Apparently the lake is a lot lower than what it has been in the past. But I am pretty sure it has been a long time since it was up to its highest level.




I think this tree fell down into the lake. It certainly didn't look like it was rooted at this spot.


Here is a good shot that shows how naked, and bleak, the mountains can be here in winter. Luckily there are some pine trees, though.


It looks like this boat has been here for a while. I wonder when the last time it was afloat.

Up the hill from the lake are the actual buildings of the village/colony. The terms colony and village are pretty much a bad translation for this place. At the most, there are about 10 buildings here, and only about half of them could be occupied.

Just one of the gates to the compound.


These are some of the jars used to make and store kimchee, bean paste, or any other of the numerous things put in them. These are unused at the moment. In fact they are upside down here.


most of the buildings here are of the traditional style. And in fact several of them are rather old and were moved here when the water in the lake began to rise.


Here is another gate but this time from inside the compound looking back down to the lake. Trust me, it is down there. It is just a bit hard to see.


This is probably the largest building in the compound. Supposedly 100 people can stay at the "colony" but you will certainly be sharing some close floor space with your roommates.


One of the smaller buildings. I think this resident was enjoying the sunny day.


Just a shot of a pine tree in the compound.


I am not sure what this building is used for. It is actually pretty small. I thought it had a nice line to it, so I took the photo.


A shot back at Imha lake as I was heading home. Jirye Artist Colony is nice, but the name is a bit of a misrepresentation of what the place really is. It is a bit out of the way and takes a while to get there. I expect some tourists may be a bit upset after they spend the time and money to go visit it, especially if they hadn't planned to stay overnight. And I do have to say, considering the effort it takes to visit on a bike, I am not so sure I will be visiting again anytime soon. The climb back up the hill to the main road is rough.

One last shot before I go. One afternoon as I was heading out and noticed a black, moving, splotch in the sky. After a closer examination, I determined it was a large flock of magpies (I think) swirling, swooping, and flying around like a large bird tornado. It was really interesting. By the time I got my camera out, the tornado had moved away from me and dispersed a bit, but there is this shot.

I haven't seen anything like this happen again.

If you like the photos, feel free to leave a comment. Have a great day.