Sichuan, Day 3, Part 2
Leaving that dam show, our bus took us to a lunch place that was very crowded and clearly designed specifically for large tour groups, of which there were many already there.
We found a couple seats at a table with people we didn’t know from a different tour, and few words were spoken by anyone.
The food was just this side of edible. We had to gobble it down fast (which was probably a good thing) because in a few minutes we were called by our respective tour leaders to get going, so everyone pushed back their rickety stools and left en masse.
Our next stop was Qing Cheng Mountain, a popular tourist destination. As always, there was a long walk just to get to the entrance.
Finally, we got to the entrance gate,…
…walked through, and began the trek up the mountain. It started off nice and easy,…
…but I looked up and saw 3 billion steps.
Still, with the positive attitude for which I’m widely known, I started up.
Occasionally, we’d come across a tree in the middle of the wooden walkway. I hope this one doesn’t plan to put on any weight around its middle.
You may notice from my expression in the photo below that my smile is beginning to fade.
I kept looking around for a bench or anyplace to sit, but in China such places are few and far between, considering the number of people on these treks. Thus all sitting places were occupied.
So, with head hung low, I continued my upward trek.
Then, like magic, an opportunity presented itself – one that for decades I swore I’d never succumb to. (Pardon my preposition.) Yes, I’m ashamed to say that I was so worn out that I let two guys carry me the rest of the way.
Note the returned smile on my face. No smile on this guy’s face.
It may look like this one is smiling, but I think he was screaming in pain.
We finally got to the top (?) where they dropped me off. I can’t remember what it cost but it was worth every yuan.
We found ourselves at the edge of a small lake where we debated taking the ferry across to the other side. (The question on the table was whether we’d get back to the bus before it left.) The ferry arrived back on our side and we hopped on.
On the other side was a cable car station,…
…that took us farther up the mountain.
X23 enjoyed the view.
At the top end of the cable car run we came upon another temple gate…
…beyond which was – can you believe it? – more stairs…
…that led to this relief (oh, joy).
Speaking of relief, that’s what I felt overwhelmingly when we finally got back down.
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