Tyger Tyger burning bright

Barney and Fred
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Unfortunately my trip to Tiger Leaping Gorge turned out more like Donkey Hopping Gorge. About an hour and a half into the 4 hour hike I managed to twist my ankle - not too severely, but enough to not be able to carry on. My own fault for wearing 3 quid cheap Chinese shoes I suppose :)

Consequently I had to get a donkey to take me to the next guesthouse on the trail. After seeing the trek part of me was really glad I was carried - the 28 bend hike up to the peak would have been particularly gruelling - but I still felt pathetic and incredibly embarrassed everytime we passed other walkers.I called my guide Fred and the donkey Barney (after a good ten minutes of asking I couldn't establish his real name eventhough I was asking in bad Chinese - that's Fred not Barney I was speaking to by the way before you all come back with the sarcastic comments). And poor Barney - letting him carry me verged on animal cruelty. He was only used to carrying bags and now he had my fat arse on his back - I suppose that's why they're known as beasts of burden.

me and Fred
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Being carried up the mountain however, I did get to enjoy the scenery more - not constantly having to look at your feet and watch where you're stepping. It was really beautiful.

Love to you all, and in the words of Pink Floyd...