Tiger Leaping Gorge Trek

4 hour bus journey (manky public bus) Dodgy lunch stop, arrived at Qiaotou, to start trek at 4pm

Met Lee (Lijiang) our guide for the trek

CJB had burnt legs so had to pull her socks up and what with wearing ¾ length trousers looked at last like a dirty traveler ;-) KT Pinz would have been so proud!

7km trek to Naxi guest house. Very hot and quite rough terrain so it took it out of us a bit. Got there in two hours which apparently was good timing (some took 4!)

Cold beer on arrival was much appreciated.

After a bit of chit chat, a couple of hours later we decided to have a shower. Unfortunately for us, everyone else had appreciated the hot showers a bit too much, and as a result there was none left for us. I didn’t realize that water could get so cold!

The shower did have a superb view though- see pictures.

On the second day the young, fit people took the high road (Terry was allowed to come with the young fit ones as long as he didn’t mention the war or start any sentences with “in my day….” and “kids today don’t know that they are born”). 23km walk.

Walked with day packs (with donkey’s help) and cake bag (much to Terry’s disgust – as he carried his bag the whole way)!!

28 bends uphill very steep (Terry feeling rough due to altitude although was probably more down to his age;-)

Very steep up and down hills. Amazing views. Great people so always someone to chat with.

Stopped for elevenses at Tea Horse GH. Lunch at Half Way House – toilet with a view- see pictures.

Second night at Tina’s (a more modern guest house with hot water)

Brilliant evening- group dinner followed by a bit of a celebration – it was Lee’s birthday the following day so we thought it was time to crack open the bottle of the rice wine we had been carrying for the past week. The taste was just something else- foul! I also donated one of my slightly stale and battered cakes which actually made quite a good birthday cake. The bottle got passed around the table a few times and then Terry, Lee and a random local man finished it off downing it out of bowls (ganbei-ing)- see videos and photos.

Last day 15km walk. Easy until the end.

CJB peeing at side of road made a rather poignant pic and even more interesting video, unfortunately she will not allow it to be added to the blog, can’t understand why - the backdrop was most spectacular!

Very steep walk down to the ‘ferry’ which took us across the river and steep up the other side. Bus to a local guest house for a lunch stop. TJN was challenged to try and make a Barbie doll stand without assistance. Locals were most bemused to see a foreign male playing with a small blonde haired doll that had no underwear and for the record bandy legs!!! He failed his challenge!!! Did remind me of a joke tho about two Australian blondes sitting out one night chatting and looking at the stars. One says to other “what’s farthest London or the moon?” The other replies “Derrrrrrr you can see the moon from here!!!”

Bus to Lijiang. Stopped off at the very clear turquoise lake and saw the Yak.