So we cajoled the guide and driver into taking us to two parts of the Wall and into picking us up at 7:30. We scavenged for breakfast since it wasn't included in our Marriott points. We ended up with awful coffee and a chocolate croissant for John and a half an egg and ham sandwich for Cheri. Breakfast of Champions...hee hee.
It was a beautiful Saturday and everyone seemed go be out enjoying it so the traffic was heavy. We didn't mind though as we watched the scenery go by. We arrived at JuYong Pass and it took our breath away...literally as we hiked and figuratively as we saw it for the first time!
Being us, there was no way we'd do it part way. As we began to ascend the first section, with all of humanity, thoughts of safety ran through Cheri's mind. Crowed, uneven, multilevel steps....straight up. All it would take was one mis-step by anyone and curtains! I quickly put that out of my head and concentrated on breathing. We made the first gate and turned to see the landscape below. Before we would finish we'd be nearly alone and up some 880 meters! We kept climbing and looking all around to see the scenery. Many images were made! The leaves were turning so there as some color in the trees.
Our guide climbs the wall 3times a week. He was fit as a fiddle and scampered easily up the steps. Of all the guests he sees, we were one of only two guests who ever hiked to the top of that section!
You could really imagine what it must have been like to guard a lonely section of the wall; some 7000 km long. We enjoyed every minute, even the painful ones. Who thought coming down would cause issues? Try doing the stair master for three hours and you'll see! We climbed back down about 11:30 thinking there would be lunch on offer and we were hungry! No such luck. Lunch wouldn't come for 2.5 more hours!
That was part one, now we were off across a mountain road to the next part of the wall; Mutianyu. About halfway there we stopped at Sacred Way. This was where the emperor's came to be buried. Then it was off to Mutianyu. We finally got lunch. Nothing memorable, but filling!
We arrived at the next section of the wall knowing we were going by cable car, and thankful for it. The last climb had sapped most of our strength. Alas, the traffic was heavy so we got pitched out to hike straight up for about half a mile before reaching the cable car! Yikes! And of course, there was a gauntlet of shops selling all kinds of junk. The vendors would call out...$1, $1. Come you look! Cheri bargained and bought a T-Shirt for $5.
The sun was cracking out as we ascended the middle section by cable car. We took more photos and enjoyed the day. After an hour and a half we came down for the long ride back to Beijing.
Being creatures of habit, we decided to head back to the same place for dinner; it was clear Beijing food was just OK, but nothing special. So for 100RMB or a out $16 US. We had two beers and dinner. It was time to get cleaned up! There was a marvelous tub in the room and Cheri decided sore muscles needed a good soak!
Enjoy!
Cheri and John
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