Jul 17 2009

At the end in the middle

P1030958At Tina’s I reach the end of the official TLG trail and here it’s possible to leave bags and take a hike – down deep into the gorge itself to see the Tiger Leaping Stone (allegedly a tiger once lept across the gorge hence the name). This is a great chance to see first hand the thunderous power of the Yangtze as it is forced through this the Middle Rapid. There are two paths to go down, the ladder path and the wending path. I choose the ladder path for descent and the wending path to come back up again. The paths have been built through the rock by the villagers and they ask you to pay Y10 to go in each direction. Fair enough. It is a long way down and the home made handrails and precipitous rocky steps are not for the faint hearted – this is much more challenging than anything up above on the main trail, but it is fun. At one point there is a sign with two options, labelled: “Dangerous Ladder” and “Safe Path” – it tickles me. Down below and health and safety haven’t even got a look-in, just a roughly made stick-and-pole barrier between me and the raging river. It is quite refreshing to be forced to take extra care where you step! Anyhow, apart from the masses who have heaved their way down for a look too, it is an awesome spectacle of raging exploding water. The pictures here only capture a fraction of the drama, there will be video once I am better connected. This is a fitting end to an amazing place. Time now to move on. (TLG Middle Rapid 14 July)

Rough Edge, Adventure, Logistics, mountain, navigation training,  worldwide, trekking. Breathtaking. Wales.P1030941

DofE Gold, Expedition,


Jul 6 2009

Easy but stunning

More about Cloud Pass. The path is beautifully kept, there are even picnic areas! The views and the air and the clouds above and around are simply stunning. Half way there is a small settlement – I finished my water and bought more, I was invited to sit down and rest, but I wanted to head on. At times there was the unmistakeable scent of ginger in the air, I saw a magnificent shining bird, like a kingfisher, but smaller and gold and red in colour – it was too fast to photograph. Great day. (Cloud Pass 3 July)

Rough Edge, Adventure, Logistics, mountain, navigation training, worldwide, trekking, Scotland,

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