The local countryside is defined by a mixture of half artificially built and the other half naturally occurring reservoirs. As the main source of fresh water supply, they can be found along many footpaths. Section Nine starts at the dam of Shek Pik Reservoir. Completed in 1963, the reservoir has the third largest storage capacity after High Island Reservoir and Plover Cove Reservoir, and is surrounded by mountains – Kau Nga Ling in the east, Muk Yue Shan and Sze Tse Tau Shan north, and Keung Shan west. It submerges the valley, which used to be inhabited by villagers of Shek Pik Tai Tseun, Fan Pui Tsuen, Kong Pui Tsuen, and Hang Tsai Tseun. In the east of the dam stands an observation platform, which commands sweeping views of the reservoir, its flood-relief channel with a 24-metre diameter, and the summits. Since it is located on the right side of the flat road that leads from the main dam to Tai O, it is easily accessible to drivers. The 3000-year-old Shek Pik Rock Carving is in the vicinity, witnessing human evolution and coastal development for three millennia. To the south of the coast are the most southwesterly group of islands in Hong Kong, Soko Islands, which consist of more than ten islands of different sizes, including A Chau, Siu A Chau, Ma Chau, and Yuen Chau. Since archaeological traces that date back to the Stone Age were discovered in these far-off islands, one cannot help but wonder whether inhabitants in the prehistoric period also enjoyed the very same scenery.