Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
We came back to the hotel for lunch after our visit to Purple Heaven Temple. After lunch we left on the bus to make our way to the cable car to start our journey to the Golden Summit.
The cable car journey was staggering. So so steep but oh what a view. Wudang mountain is not just one mountain. It is a range of mountains that go on for as far as the eyes can see and beyond. The trees are something else and the rock formations were works of art as we were to find out on the way down.
Once off the cable cars we split ourselves into two groups. Those who wanted to carry on to the top and those who were going to wait for the intrepid explorers to climb and come back down to the cable cars. I was one who wanted to get to the top and we set off with our guide. The area at the top wasn't very big and was crowded. Also unfortunately it was pretty misty that far up but it made for quite an atmospheric scene.
We only stayed up there 10 minutes or so. Most of that time was being chased by a Chinese photographer who wanted us to stand in strange poses. In the end Rhonda grabbed Gail and I and made a dash for it.
On our way down we visited the Good Luck Hall. This was a small room with an altar in so a mini temple really. The ritual was to walk between the altar and the wall from one side to the other. Four of us did it together holding on to each other for grim death. There was just enough room to squeeze between the wall and the altar and most of it was in complete darkness but we did it. Not sure how much good luck we are going to have now!
When we got down to the platform and joined back up with the others, we then split into those who were taking the cable car back down and those who were going to walk down. I opted for the walk down. Hopefully once the photos are uploaded you may get some idea of the scale of our task and also a little taste of the breathtaking scenery.
It took us just under two and half hours to complete. And not only were we going down steps we also had to climb them as well. Apparently in total there were 9000 steps! My calves may argue there were more although a few of us cheated in that on the up steps we took them two at a time and running where possible to get them over with quicker.
I actually thought we were walking down to get the bus back to the hotel but no. We actually walked all the way back to the hotel. We only arrived half an hour after the group who took the cable car and bus.
It was a staggering journey with loads of photos taken. We all helped each other and everyone we met on the way was very friendly. There are plenty of little cafes and shops en route (toilets too) and also if we really wanted to cheat there are men who carry you on a sedan chair up or down the mountain. That was incredible although they got a bit annoying at one point because as we passed them waiting for custom, they would badger us to have a go. Needless to say we declined their offer.
Although tired after all that I was elated at the achievement and so thrilled to have completed it. It was a very special few hours.
- comments
Barbara Well done ! the descent is perhaps harder than going up, I remember that burning in my calves, but well worth it to be in such an amazing place. Have a good journey to Guilin !