DAY 104 - 12 DAYS TO GO!!!!

It means "Panic"

Oh my, I can't take it, every time I think of China I can feel my blood pressure rising, my chest tighten and my heart miss a beat!  How I am going to achieve this I just can't fathom!  I walked the other day for 10 miles and moaned most of the way (sorry Ruth), my feet were aching, I had a blister, my back was straining and my poor hips were wondering what the heck was going on..... hot bath, loads of bubbles and felt a bit better.  However, on the Great Wall there will be no such thing as a "Hot Bath", our cleaning material is a bucket and a bar of soap and our toilet facilities are much to be desired - you have to walk a very long way to find the hole in the ground, then, burn your toilet paper! Nice!
My friend who went for a day trip to the Great Wall said that by the time they actually "got" to the wall, they were knackered!!!

Final preparations are underway, I have yet to buy my supply of cotton undies, knee straps, heat & cold spray for aches and pains etc.,  my medical kit far supersedes that of my entire clothing allowance!  I have stuff for diarrhea, stuff for constipation, headache, backache, leg ache, knee ache, blood pressure, protein bars, antibiotics, blister stuff, the list is endless....

  

Final Itinerary

September 17th Day 1 - Depart London Heathrow BA0039 at 16:45

September 18th - Day 2 Arrive Beijing, transfer to the Hotel

On arrival in Beijing at 09.30 you will be me at the airport and transferred by mini bus to the group hotel.  The afternoon is free for sightseeing in the central city district.  Perhaps barter for a bargain in the colorful silk markets.  This evening we'll enjoy our first meal together.

September 19th - Day 3 - Transfer to the Great Wall at Gubeikou, Camp (3 hrs trekking)

This morning we depart Beijing and travel by bus for around two hours to the Great Wall at Gubeikou.  The Great Wall is one of mankind's most extensive structures stretching in various sections 5000km from the Eastern coast of China to Xinjiang Province.  We'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before joining the trail to ascent a spectacular section of the Great wall on a high ridge.  We will walk at a leisurely pace with plenty of time to stop and take photos of this majestic structure.  Following our 3 hour walk, we'll settle in for our first night of camping at our campsite at Gubeikou. CAMP 1

September 20th - Day 4 - Trek near Gubeikou (about 6kms steep terrain: 8 hours trekking)

From our campsite we will ascent and explore a spectacular section of the wall above the Gubeikou valley.  Distant 2000m mountains frame the walk along this little visited section of the Ming Dynasty wall.  We will explore the terrain and descent by a local trail to our camp, where our crew will be waiting to welcome us.  Like all nights our local crew prepares a delicious meal of fresh local dishes for us to enjoy at the Gubeikou campsite. CAMP 2

September 21st - Day 5 - Trek from Gubeikou to Jinshanling (8 hours trekking)

Today we set off early to trek through cornfields and farm land for a true taste of rural China, before exploring this classic section of the wall.  the Chinese are known for their poetic way of observing the world so it is only natural that this section of the wall is known affectionately as, "dragon standing on the beautiful golden mountain".  With broad sweeping views, it is easy to see how the wall resembles a dragon's back weaving its way across this beautiful golden land.  This evening we will camp near a local village at Jinshanling.  CAMP 3.

September 22 - Day 6 - Walk from Jinshanling towards Simatai (7 hours Trekking)

Breaking camp we climb on to the Great Wall and begin a morning's walk towards Simatai, passing through Jinshanling, a restored section.  This section of the wall was built in the 15th Century. There is time on the walk, as elsewhere, to explore and photograph this section of the original wall.  We will note the wall's intriguing design features that gave the defenders a military advantage against the nomads.  We descent on a winding trail into the Miyun county of Beijing to a campsite at the village of Daweihao.  CAMP 4

September 23td - Day 7 - Transfer to Simatai, walk near Mt Simatai (5 hours)

After a breakfast prepared by our local crew, we set off for a walk towards Ms Simatai.  We head off around 8am for a half-day walk near Mt Simatai, in a circuit that takes in two villages.  Our efforts are well worth it as we are rewarded with stunning vistas and views.  The Great Wall was built by mainly soldiers, conscripts and artisans.  Numerous workers are believed to have died in the process.  Today as we trek in the hinterland of this ancient section of wall, we can imagine the hard work and structural genius that went into creating what is now a national treasure in modern China.  Unlike other sections of the wall that have been reconstructed, this section has seen little restorative attention.  This section of the wall has been included in the UNESCO list of World cultural Heritage sites and labeled as "Primitive Great Wall".  After the walk we meet again with our vehicle and return to Beijing.

September 24 - Day 8 - Sightseeing in Beijing

Today we have a full day in Beijing which allows us time to visit Tiananmen Square and the Imperial Palace ("Forbidden City").  One of the world's most imposing edifices.  We take a full tour of this marvellous building, inspecting the massive courtyards.  After the tour we will go by bus to an old region of Beijing, the hutong (alleyways) district.  There is an opportunity for a rickshaw ride through this old district.  After lunch there is a chance to do some shopping and you will be taken to areas where there is a wide range of bargains - artwork, clothing, silk, porcelain to name just a few of the things available.  In the evening a farewell dinner will be held at a local restaurant.

September 25th - Day 9 - Trip concludes in Beijing

After breakfast at the hotel the trip concludes with a transfer to the airport.  Depart Beijing on BA0038 at 11:15, to arrive at London Heathrow at 15:00.

CAKE!!! (Must learn)