Posing on the cobblestone streets of the old town.
The main streets of Lijiang Old town were riddled with tourists, even more so than Dali. We managed to find some quiet spots.
We talked another Lauber into liking temples.
I guess someone thought this was a good idea.
We made the short walk from Old Town Lijiang, past Mao, to Heilongtan Pool, also known as Black Dragon Pool. The pool is located in Jade Spring Park, known for Heilongtan Pool and ancient monuments that surround it. It was built in 1737 during the Qing dynasty and offers a beautiful view of the region's tallest mountain, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
We took a break from the intermittent rain for some afternoon tea.
Just over the marble bridge is Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Even in China, people were surprised to hear that we were both named Rachel.
The entire park was incredibly photogenic. Our resident shutterbug captured some beautiful shots.
Then, Andrew really wanted to go "just a little ways" up a nearby trail in hopes of a better view.
A great view! Maybe we'll turn around now, I thought.
Just a few more stairs? Well, okay.
Mine is the face of someone who realizes that we're just going to continue until we reach the top. Rach was a better sport.
But we made it! Andrew was right, it was worth the climb.
Looking over Lijiang.
Our sherpa.
Back in the old town, we weren't going to miss our chance for a picture with the llama.
I still wonder about this lama. It obviously belonged to someone, but that person was never seen.
The tourists towns often had cafeteria-like eateries. We enjoyed several different dishes from various stalls here. Not pictured: all of the yelling.
The next morning, we bused from Lijiang to Qiaotou, where we'd drop two of our heavy bags and begin our hike through Tiger Leaping Gorge. Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest river canyons in the world with a maximum depth of approximately 3,790 meters (12,434 feet) from river to mountain peak.
On this particular day, the weather was ideal. Had this not been the case, we would not have been able to hike TLG due to the danger that it would present. Most of the TLG trail is at and elevation of 2,700 meters (8,800 feet). The air was thin, but it was difficult to pinpoint the cause for each discomfort along the way.
Tiger Leaping Gorge was majestic. Most often, pictures do not do an experience justice, and that was certainly the case for TLG. Tiger Leaping Gorge was amazing. So amazing that I try to use that word less often now to describe things like chicken salad or pumpkin spice lattes (which I'm so badly craving).
A before selfie for the moms and dads.
10:30 a.m. The start of the trail. From here, we had 22km (13.6 miles) of strenuous hiking ahead.
Rach led us most of the way on the steep and winding trail.
Andrew did the majority of the work with the big backpack. We each placed a change of clothes in his pack, then situated food and water in the two smaller packs.
Red arrows marked the path that we followed.
Sharp peaks across the gorge.
There are a number of guest houses along the trail for those who wish to take a break. Most of them have small restaurants where hikers can grab a snack or meal on the go. One could also choose to complete the hike in two days, thanks to several places that offer a place to sleep.
To the left of the gorge, you'll see a windy road. We took this road on the way out the next day, and it was every bit as terrifying as it looks from above. China doesn't really do guard rails. The area surrounding TLG is known for frequent landslides, which we saw evidence of in the road. In places that are prone to slides, the driver will look up to make sure that nothing is falling and then step on the gas to get past the area. It's nice being on this end of that trip.
A few times, we had to step aside to let the goats pass. Occasionally, they returned the favor.
Our "This is the coolest place we've ever been!" picture.
So many Christmas card options.
From afar, I couldn't tell if we'd be required to step into the waterfall in order to get across it. The center of the picture is where you can see the trail.
Realizing we did, we began the careful navigation between the waterfall and the cliff.
A game of "Who posed best?"
Finally, the end was in sight.
7:00 p.m. We made it. The sense of accomplishment and relief were heavily felt by all.
Our guest house, The Bridge.
An after selfie, of course.
After nice long, hot showers, we stumbled our way to the dining room for some much needed sustenance.
I don't exactly remember what these dishes were, but I do remember that they were meaty, greasy, and every bit fulfilling.
I can't think of any better travel partners than the two Laubers. We make a good team.
The next morning's wake up call was a gorgeous one.
That day, we left for Shangri-la, giving thanks for creation.
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