Walls

We visited two sections of the Great Wall, both very well supplied to assist tourists to further participate in China's economy.




Both days were muggy and misty, though slightly cooler as we went higher. Spare a thought, and some Yuan, for the local people walking with us in the hope that companionship can turn a sale. Those who received postcards can testify that the tactic works, at least sometimes.






You can ponder the extent to which the wall was a unified complete entity, but even if you just consider the sections near Beijing as a defensive barrier, they are extraordinary, running along ridges so steep for so long ...







An amazing demonstration of power, not to mention a massive diversion of resources -- our tour guides spoke of a million people working on the main 'joining up' period of construction.

Some sections of the wall have been less patched up, and some are quite steep and tough, including one that tested Sue's knees, despite the trusty Kathmandu walking stick ... Good practice for later climbs in China.








However, perseverance paid off.







- Posted when wifi permits