Heading for the Hills

As my blog-commenting friend mr V is stranded with engine trouble on icy roads in the Lapland wilderness, I prepare to start a three day treck in my own wilderness, the mother of all Yunnan hiking paths, the Tiger Leaping Gorge. Engine trouble is always a distinct possibility with local transport, but at least there shouldn't be wolves howling in the background...

I am currently in Lijiang, an admittedly touristy, but equally admittedly, absolutely lovely Yunnan city of winding cobble stone streets, numerous streams, bridges, red lanterns and blooming rose bushes. An earthquake in 1996 destroyed much of the original, Unesco World Heritage listed old city, but the restoration has been faithfully done and the end result is quite charming. And at the end of the day, cities are constantly being rebuilt throughout history after a) burning down, b) earth quakes & co, c) invasion of barbarian armies or tourists, d) the development of a new, revolutionary, and in hindsight horribly ugly architectural style.

So tomorrow I head for the hills and hope that the fair weather of the last few days continues. Indeed it's good to do this treck now, since Tiger Leaping Gorge is an endangered species of tiger. It is threatened by one of China's many damned dam projects, which, if (as seems likely) completed, will at least partially flood the gorge.

Good night all and I hope the wolves don't get you mr V.