14 Aug 2007 Rolling on the River
Three Gorges, Yangtze River
There is no question for me – I can sleep much better on a ship than on a train. I am not sure about the kids – it just seemed better not to ask. The beds are “firm.” Perhaps better to say hard as rocks, but there were no stops and starts all night with train cars coming and going.
Today was the planned traverse of the Three Gorges – reputed to be one of the most scenic areas of the river.
I don’t mind being up to see the sun –
And the canyon walls rising along side the ship prior to 0800 in the morning. The upper passenger lounge had coffee from 0630 on.
With range after range of mountains in the distance – the first gorge took only 20 minutes to traverse.
Noah elected to join the adults on the side trip this morning.
In the area of Daning – the smaller gorges are know for their strange stone formations. This area will change drastically after the new dam goes in downstream and the level of the water is raised to 175 meters. This whole project is not without significant detractors. 17 years under development – perhaps the most difficult part is the forced resettlement of what is turning out to be 1,3M people; most of whom were not exactly anxious to be moved.
But back to the mountain faces –
And the wild monkeys – which were spotted only on the way back from the 60+ km upstream jaunt.
I think that much of the traditional way of life will be irreparably changed. Not that the massive change into the industrial revolution over the last 10 years has not done its damage – but I wonder about the farmers and the fishermen – those who do not wish to leave their current locations and lives.
In the after noon – we went through what is known as the Hexen (woops – Witches Gorge) or Goddess Gorge – depending on which translation you read.
With the small figure in the middle as the goddess who came to earth. Not that small, about 7 meters tall.
Evening entertainment – Going through the locks.
Followed by the talent show.
– Holly
And, just to prove the point that I can occasionally come out from behind the camera!