The Wild Great Wall

1 July

Over the past weekend a small group from LTL went to the Xiangshuihu section of the Great Wall. It is not an overly long stretch, and most of it has not be refurbished, making it a less traveled to site. We were definitely the only non-Chinese people there; however, the inn keeper and his family are used to foreigners since LTL makes the journey out there about once every four to five weeks.

The drive out takes about two and a half hours by private car. Our driver was fantastic, and undeniably knew where he was going which is the trick since the back roads are not well marked or mapped out. The inn was clean, and well kept with unbeatable view of the mountains shrouded in mist. The food was fabulous, all local and made to order. The fish was the specialty of the inn, and kept fresh in the backyard.

 

   

From net to plate in 30 minutes flat, great work team!

Hiking took up all of Saturday afternoon, and left us exhausted. After having our bellies filled, there wasn't that much more to do but trundle off to sleep. The section we saw Saturday had been restored, but was still a tough hike - up and down - with steps the height of your knees, and steps that went up so high they disappeared into the mist. Yes, the mist. The weather was not super fabulous for our hike with humidity hanging damp around us, and the clouds so low they obscured much of the views. I was able to get a few decent shots though.

 

Yes, the step is up to my knee

Reduced to crawling up the big steps

Un-restored Great Wall

Group Photo

Restored section from a distance

Watchtower

Buddha with a waterfall background

Not so restored, it kind of ends over that hump

The next morning we set out for another section of the Great Wall. As you can see, not in the best of conditions. Quite a bit like the second piece we saw the day before, but unlike that section there were no new steps to help you you. I did not try and scale the thing since the weather sucked and the soil was damp. I am not be a good hiker, but I do know when I value my life more than a picture opportunity ... well most of the time.

Crumbling watchtower

Definitely missing a few bricks

Finally back to the hotel, and just in time for the rain to start spitting out of the sky. A great trip all the way around. I got to exercise, act like a fool, catch a fish, and see a remote section of the Great Wall. Yes, the weather sucked, but if the sun had been out, I would probably resemble a lobster right about now.

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