Ed's Great Wall of China

My buddy 'Ed' has taken a 20yr. lease on a hutong, located in the mountain region north of Beijing. It's about a one hour drive from downtown - via sidecar of course! Big remodel and construction plans are ready to bring it up to standard.
Anyway, the best part of his place is that a very secluded part of the Great Wall backs up to his property! Actually three of the walls come together in this area.


It was a misty overcast day. View of and from one of guard stations. Ed calls this his office with a view!




The season is changing quickly in the mountain region. Harvest in full swing, a special feeling in the air.

Friends for Life!

Our final pictures with Tsering before he heads off to prepare for his next tour group (12 people from Europe).

Special bond and friendships fostered during this trip - to me it was and is the best part of the entire experience. So much so, that we are already planning our next trip....
New Zealand, February 2010.

parting shots....

our fearless leader


sutterbug - two cameras going all the time


on 'beaver' patrol


keeping us on schedule


hey - I'm just along for the ride....

on the road again....

Our Driver! Little man with the Big Smile. 35+ hours on the road - he got us there and back safely.
Today's drive will be 8-9 hours. 4 on rough winding mountain roads, the rest on pavement.


Our van! For reference, if you plan a Tibetan road trip, opt for the Land Cruiser. They gave us a van to accommodate 6 people (4 of us + driver & guide). It would have been a much more enjoyable ride in a jeep type vehicle! The roads are sometimes very rough, with many unexpected pot holes along the way. Too much wear and tear from a light duty passenger van - our left front brake went out on the return leg.


On the way back, we stopped to help this Land Cruiser change a flat tire. Between the two vehicles, we found enough tools and expertise to get the job done.




Our van gets a needed wash job - one small bucket, a rag and water from a stream does the trick.

Thanks....

to the sisters that provided our excellent accommodations and meals during our visit to Everest Base Camp!

personal hygiene....very important

Dee - ready for action - toothbrush, bottled water and TP in the pocket!


Bec shows us the finer art of brushing teeth at Base Camp.

more of 'life in the tent'....

door covering - to the small kitchen area.


home sweet home!


stoking the fire!


Dee and Bec resting. Dee was probably most effected by the high altitude. When she looked at her watch - she was not able to tell what time it was!?!?! Her brain was shutting down due to limited oxygen. Tough camper - she never complained.

more Mt. Everest - early morning

sun rising on Mt. Everest

sun setting on Mt. Everest

Cloud cover final began to break toward late afternoon - giving us a spectaculer view!

hard to breathe....

Bec resting. A little trouble catching her breath in the thin air.

Again - cold wind. But GREAT!

the 'tease'

This is the best view we could manage during the afternoon that we arrived. Clouds keep moving in and out.

Mt Qomolangma (Everest)

From 'Tent City' - it is about seven miles to the actual site of Base Camp. Then another 7-8 miles to where the hikers camp and start their climb to the Summit.


The surrounding rock formations were Great!


Very cold and windy!