#Tiger Leaping Gorge

[dream-world-universe]

Tiger Leaping Gorge, China: Tiger Leaping Gorge is a scenic canyon on the Jinsha River, a primary tributary of the upper Yangtze River. It is located 60 kilometres north of Lijiang City, Yunnan in southwestern China. It is part of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas World Heritage Site. Legend says the name comes from a hunted tiger escaping by jumping across the river at the narrowest point, using the rock in the middle. Administratively, the river in this area forms the border between Yulong Naxi Autonomous County of Lijiang City and Shangri-La County of Dêqên Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Wikipedia

[adventureswithteddy]

Teddy was walking down a trail on the side of Tiger Leaping Gorge when he saw a stock animal building sitting vacant just off the trail. Not wanting the building to feel it lacked a purpose and being an animal himself he decided to take a break in the open window. He wasn't sure what he liked more about the structure; the beautiful rock work or the roof line. What are your thoughts?

[aventurasdeunatortuga]

Tiger Leaping Gorge

Okay I am almost caught up from the last week. Long post ahead but lets face it all my posts are long. Post 3 of 3.

So the last three days were spent doing something that was either very adventuresome or very stupid. Probably mostly stupid. Hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge alone without a guide.

Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest gorges in the world. It is located in Tibet, about 2 hours from Lijiang. It is a very popular destination in China. Irene hiked it when she studied abroad in China back in 2014, so that’s how I found out about it. It’s called Tiger Leaping Gorge because there is a legend about a hunter who was pursuing a tiger in this gorge and at a narrow point in the gorge with rushing river rapids the tiger escaped by leaping across the gorge.

I was initially planning to go with a group. But since its the off season and since there are almost zero foreigners traveling in China right now there weren’t any tours offered other than private tours, which would have cost me nearly $1,000. So I did a lot of research, mainly using articles from 2019 before the border closed, and thought I could manage it on my own. Which was my first stupid or adventurous decision.

The trek itself is about 20 miles total and generally takes between 2-3 days. There are several inns along the way to stop at over the night. I used a map from 2019 to plan my way and it looked doable.

I took a bus from Lijiang, and arrived at the gorge without a hitch. However, despite the family sitting next to me on the bus translating everything the driver was saying with their phones and trying to help me, I got off the bus at the wrong stop. I got off at the tourist viewpoint which is at the most narrow, lowest part of the canyon directly next to the rushing rapids, where the tiger allegedly made its escape. You have to hike down a ways from the road to get down to the river. Not gonna lie it was truly impressive, the river was absolutely ferocious. I’d never seen rapids like that before. But then I realized that the place I was supposed to start the hike was actually 3 miles in the other direction.

So I hiked back up to the road and tried to figure out what to do. There were tourist buses but they were all for tour groups making stops at the viewpoint, I couldn’t really ask them for a ride. So I thought, its 3 miles, I can handle that. That was the next stupid decision.

One of the lessons I learn the hard way over and over again is “no, actually, you can’t walk that”.

So I walked for about an hour. The road was pretty precarious. It was a highway with a cliff on one side and a dropoff into the canyon on the other side. I never felt like I was in danger, but it was certainly a sight to see. At one point I walked by a policeman and I thought he was going to tell me I couldn’t walk there but he just looked the other way. I met a few people selling things along the side of the road and they all laughed and laughed as I walked by, which, understandable.

After about an hour I still had a mile to go. A car pulled over and the guy told me he could give me a ride the rest of the way, I accepted, also not the smartest choice but it worked out fine. This makes the third time I’ve hitchhiked; I did it before in Mexico and Turkey as well.

He brought me to the ticket office of the park, which I had thought was the entrance to the hike. It turns out in a brilliant stroke of stupidity that the place where the car had picked me up was in fact the entrance to the hike and I hadn’t realized it. There was an enormous sign and an arrow literally painted onto the cliff that I hadn’t noticed. I only realized when I asked at the ticket office where the entrance of the hike was.

So I turned around and walked back the exact way I had come for about 45 minutes along the highway. At one point some kids chased after me going “hello! hello!”.

After about 3 hours total, I finally made it to the entrance of the hike. The map said it would take me about 5 hours to hike 12 kilometers. Which in hindsight was laughable. It took closer to 7 hours. At that point it was 1pm and it was going to get dark at 8pm. I started walking and it was gorgeous but man it was difficult. It was all uphill. I saw absolutely no one, local or hiker, for about 3.5 hours. It was all farms and mountains. It was a bit unnerving being the only person there, but at least I was sure I was going the right way. There were red arrows painted on the ground every few feet which was reassuring.

After a while, I was at the point where I had calculated that I had 25,000 steps to take still and was counting all of my steps individually because I was so tired. Then I saw a lady waving at me. She asked if I wanted to ride a horse part of the way, in my obvious exhaustion I agreed but in hindsight I should have been more prepared and asked for more details about what this would entail. It was 100% my fault. I spent about 40 minutes on the horse going up the steepest part of the trail called the 28 Bends, which, self-explanatory name. The trail was very difficult, I felt bad being on the horse while the lady was walking behind me, I had thought she would be on a horse as well. She also insisted on carrying my backpack even though I kept saying I could carry it.

We made it up, and then she informed me that I was halfway there. When we had been negotiating a price earlier I had thought she had said 40 yuan, I had 200 yuan in cash so I had agreed. Everyone in China also uses a digital payment system called Alipay and another called Weixin Pay. I have Alipay because for Weixin Pay I couldn’t figure out how to set it up without a Chinese bank account. So we’re at the top of this mountain and this lady informs me that I had misunderstood and the price was actually 400, not 40 yuan. Which, I mean, considering the difficulty of the trail was a fair price but I hadn’t expected it. I showed her my cash and asked if I could pay her digitally, she said yes. She only had weixin pay though, and alipay and weixin pay don’t work together. So we were stuck. I didnt have any way to pay her. We sat there for probably 45 minutes trying to figure out what to do. It was 100% my fault for not understanding and not being more prepared. I hadn’t come across this issue the whole time I had been in China, everyone I’d met before accepted Alipay and I’d never had anything cost more than 200 yuan cash. I tried everything, even tried setting up a weixin pay account but i couldn’t do it without a chinese bank account. Then she told me the price had increased to 600 yuan. I was like I’m not sure what to do here. I called Irene desperately and somehow miraculously had service and she was miraculously able to send the lady money from 3,000km away. I will be forever grateful for friends like her saving my skin.

The lady then told me to be careful and rode away. It was 5:30pm then somehow, and there was still 2 hours left until the inn I was staying at. I also had had to use the bathroom for about 2 hours at that point and between the precarious horse ride up the steep mountain and the fiasco with the lady, hadn’t had a chance. Also 0/10 would not recommend riding a horse while having to pee. I was literally on the edge of a cliff with not even a path into the bushes, but there was at least not a single person around. I hid behind a tree and did what I had to do way too uncomfortably close to the edge of the cliff, thinking “well its already been a wild day, this may as well happen”.

Then I calculated that there were 13,300 steps left until my hotel. I didnt see a single person that entire time. My brain wasn’t capable of doing anything at that point other than putting one foot in front of the other and counting. Finally, in the pouring rain just before dark I made it 7 hours and 13.5 miles total after starting the hike, to my hotel for the night. I have done more physically difficult things in my life, but never for such an extended amount of time and never completely alone and with such uncertainty. The whole way I was thinking through all the decisions I had made today and regretting every single one of them. The views were spectacular though.

I made it to my room completely out of cash at that point and collapsed on the bed. I made it to dinner at the hotel and then came across the same exact issue I had encountered earlier with money. No one accepted Alipay connected to international credit cards, only alipay connected to Chinese credit cards, weixin pay or cash. After being in China for 3 weeks I had never encountered this problem before, everyone accepted Alipay and I had very very rarely had to use cash, people prefer not to use cash most times. So I couldn’t pay for my meal. Irene saved me again, and ended up doing so three more times over the course of this trek. I have learned yet another lesson the hard way, always bring more than enough cash and have a payment backup plan, especially in rural areas, and I am very grateful to have a friend like her to save me from my own stupidity.

I spent the evening trying to figure out a way to set up weixin pay and found an extremely complex way to do it which involved an hour long phone call with my parents and then at the end of the whole process was informed it would take 3 business days to verify my identity and activate my account, which was useless. I could only laugh at the absurdity of the situation and go to sleep.

The next day I felt more at ease because there were other hikers. Apparently what people do nowadays which is way smarter, is to take a car from the beginning of the trail to the first hotel because there is apparently a back road. They stay at the hotel for the night, send a car with their bags ahead to the end of the trail through the back roads and along the highway, then they walk the second leg of the trail with no bags. This would have been the ideal way to do it, but alas, here I was without money and with my heavy bag already at the top of the mountain. Oh well. Today was only a 10k hike to the end of the trail, and there were other hikers which made it a lot less unnerving.

I even met two foreigners, I hadn’t met any foreigners in quite a while. They were teachers in Shanghai, one from New York and the other from London. They’d been living in China since 2018. They were very surprised I was traveling around and wasn’t living in China, they said China really isn’t set up for people to just travel around. Its very difficult if you don’t have a Chinese bank account or speak Chinese, and theres almost no up to date information out there since the border reopened in January 2023. I was like…yup..tell me about it….

They talked about what it was like to go through covid in Shanghai, which other than Wuhan, was the most heavily impacted place in China. They had the strictest lockdown in the world. They literally could not leave their apartments for any reason for a total of 86 days straight. Some people were even literally sealed inside their apartments. They had to rely on food rations from the government being delivered and they weren’t always consistent. Lockdown was rough for everyone but this was another level.

Anyway, I got to talk to them for a while but then they moved along. Then I met another guy who was hiking alone. He spoke to me enthusiastically in Chinese and didn’t seem to be impeded by the fact that I could not understand anything he was saying. I think what I gathered after a while was that he thought since we were both hiking alone we should take photos of each other. He had me take photos of him and then he took photos of me, insisting that I hold his hiking poles. He did this a few times in increasingly precarious photo locations and then I was like ok this has gone too far. We kept walking for a while, almost an hour, and I was kind of ready for him to stop talking to me. I started walking really really slow to try and get him to go ahead but he kept stopping and waiting for me and telling me to hurry up. I can never tell when people are being friendly or being creepy. I always feel uncomfortable with people talking to me so its hard to trust my gut. There was also the language barrier and cultural differences to consider. I think he thought he was being friendly and looking out for me as women traveling and hiking alone is an oddity, not to mention being a foreigner.

After over an hour I think he finally got the hint so he said ‘bye bye’ and went ahead. I met one more group of hikers along the way, a group of 4 friends who greeted me by going “Hello! Fuck! Hi!” which was pretty funny actually. Lots of people yell hello at me on the street when I go by which I think they find funny because they always laugh afterwards and I never know how to respond. This was a new one though. This group talked to me for a little bit and then went ahead.

The path was extremely precarious at this point, but the views were absolutely breathtaking. It was an incredible hike. Finally, after 6 hours because of how slow I walk, I made it to the hotel at the end of the trail. 2 days, 20+ miles, 12+ hours of hiking, and many stupid decisions later I had made it one way or another. There were many times throughout I thought that I truly couldn’t do this and I should give up, but giving up wasn’t really an option, I had to push myself to keep going, and I eventually one way or another made it.

The only room the hotel had was an 8 bed dorm which I shared with a group of bikers who were thoroughly confused by me but were very polite and respectful. They all went out of the room and talked animatedly amongst themselves for a while after I went in the room and looked things up on a translator. I only understood 哪国人 (foreigner) 一个人 (alone) 为什么(why) and 中文 (Chinese). Then they asked me using the translator if I spoke Chinese, where I was from, and after much furious whispering, ‘how do you communicate with people here’. I just laughed and said “不知道，我用我的手机。” I don’t know. I use my phone. They thought everything about me was quite befuddling.

The next day the bikers checked in on me to make sure I knew how to get to my next stop, which was nice of them. I was able to get a bus directly from the hotel back to Lijiang, it ended up taking the entire day because there was only one bus but it was pretty seamless. I very much enjoyed the scenery of the wilderness but am very glad to be back in town where there are atms and people accept my bank card and I more or less know how to get around.

There were a lot of poor decisions made the last few days, but thanks to the kindness of friends and strangers it all worked out. I would do things differently knowing what I know now, but I am glad I did this in the end. It was an amazing experience.

I’ll be back in Lijiang for the next few days, before heading to my next stop. I’m writing this post now in a beautiful park by a lake in Lijiang while eating spicy noodles. I’ll try to update again before I leave to avoid a backlog again.

[ziseviolet]

This is at Tiger Leaping Gorge, a scenic canyon on the Jinsha River, a primary tributary of the upper Yangtze River. It is located 60 kilometres (37 mi) north of Lijiang City, Yunnan in southwestern China. 

no swimming sign at 虎跳峡hutiaoxia by 如果我叫桥子

[mothmiso]

雲南遊 2023 / Yunnan tour (2) (3) (4) by Celesta Kong

Via Flickr:

(1) Valley of Blue Moon (3) Jinsha River (4) Tiger Leaping Gorge     

[teratocrat]

when Theria, the Bestial Moon, illuminates the night sky, cries go up everywhere, from every animal reminded of its wildness, driven to fevered frenzy. roving packs of wolves and wild dogs follow her wherever she goes, as do her favored children, the golden furred serpents with pelts of tiger's eye whose greatest love is to harry the holdings of humanity. her moonlight, the color of peaches and roses, is accompanied by the overpowering smell of wet fur and sour breath, by great humid fogbanks and by the omnipresent sounds of sniffing that stir the trees and threaten to erupt into hurricanes that carry people away by the dozens or hundreds, to live new lives red in tooth and claw on her surface. sometimes those she abducts are returned to Earth at the edges of clearings stained with her colors, mutated towards the animalistic or warped painlessly along improbable axes. on rare occasion she sets her sights on a single individual, no more than a slivered crescent of her shining in the night to yank the unlucky mortal upwards into her custody through whatever architectural or natural obstacles might lie between him and her, but such singular focus is atypical of the Bestial Moon. her captured moonlet-souls orbit around her, irregular forests of teeth or talons or iron-hard quills that suddenly sprout up from the earth or invert to dizzyingly descend from the sky like stalactites or columns, combs that rake through the world. but the greatest Therian calamity is when she unfolds into the tip of the snout of some infinitely immense monster from outside the universe, with a maw full of tusks and fangs like assembled ranks of ivory soldiers, and she feasts upon worldstuff, drinking lakes, licking salt mines down to bedrock, gnawing off hunks of cities. in this moment she is the anteater, the aardwolf, the pangolin and the bear, gorging herself on the Hundred Thousand Honeys of Humanity. her tidal forces topple walls and watchtowers, stretch shadows into a false sunset, and stir up fallen leaves and debris as living whirlwinds that leap into the darkness with a hunter's singleminded purpose

[ko-existing]

https://www.tumblr.com/dream-world-universe/763973892754767872?source=share

If this wasn't created by artificial intelligence, I'm amazed at the courage of people

Because I would run away from there immediately

It's real, very cool

[viagginterstellari]

Tiger Leaping Gorge, 2019

[chinaknowitall]

The most popular hiking route in China? - Tiger Leaping Gorge

Sitting in any inn in Tiger Leaping Gorge, you can see backpackers from different countries drinking coffee, with English, Korean, and Japanese coming and going in your ears. The innkeeper switches languages ​​according to the skin color to communicate without discrimination. Such an environment may be very common in coffee shops on the streets of Hong Kong, but it is definitely the first in the…

[adventureswithteddy]

Teddy went down to the waters edge in the bottom of Tiger Leaping Gorge to feel the cool air as it mixed with the torrent rushing past. A gentle mist beguiled the fury of the churning waters, though he was happy to view it he was even more happy that he was on dry land to do so.

[aventurasdeunatortuga]

Lijiang Part 2

Alright I think with this post I am pretty much caught up.

After coming back from Tiger Leaping Gorge on Friday I made my way back to Lijiang where I’ve been for the last 3 days. Friday evening was nice and quiet. I stayed in my hotel. Every night all the staff in the hotel have homemade dinner together and invite any guests that want to join them which is really cool, and it happened to me one of the staff’s birthday. I had just finished eating dinner and they went “好的！ 蛋糕！” ok, cake! And at the door was a cake delivery of two giant cakes. I was so surprised, but given that I can’t understand the majority of what people’s conversations are I guess it shouldn’t be that surprising. We celebrated the staff member’s birthday which was super cute.

On Saturday I had a rest day. In the afternoon I went over to Black Dragon Pool Park, one of the bigger city parks here. I walked around for a while and got noodles and bubble tea from a food stand and sat by the pond while catching up on writing and listening to a busker play. It was very nice.

On Sunday I ventured out of town to the nearby mountain, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Weirdly I was able to take the regular city bus there even though it was like 30 km outside of town. It was very seamless once I found the right bus.

As generally tends to happen on the tail end of long trips I’ve been pretty tired the last few days so I wasn’t really up to pushing myself to leave really early in the morning to go visit the mountain or spend the whole day doing things. But as a result when I got there it was very crowded and due to how big the crowds were I couldn’t see much before closing time, which, honestly I’m fine with.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain’s peak has significant elevation, I’m not sure what the elevation actually was or what it was at the base of the mountain but people were extremely prepared for it. I’d never seen this before, but everyone had small individual canned oxygen tanks they just took some breaths from every now and again to avoid altitude sickness. It was pretty cool and helped a lot with the altitude. Definitely could’ve used that for the 13,000+ ft elevation in Peru.

I had arrived too late in the day to visit the peak of the mountain, but I had some lunch at the base and saw a cultural performance which was pretty cool. They had over 100 performers from a variety of different ethnic groups in Yunnan and Tibet and they performed traditional dances. The stage was really cool set up against the mountains and the performance even had horses at one point.

I don’t know if this is a cultural thing or just this particular crowd of tourists thing or a me being cranky and sick of people thing but I got pretty annoyed at the people in the audience. People were just shoving and pushing left and right with very little regard for or awareness of personal space, talking loudly on the phone all throughout, and just getting up in the middle and walking around in front of the stage. So between all that it was kind of hard to see everything but it was still pretty cool. I’ve noticed a lot of shoving and pushing and lack of personal space especially while waiting in lines here and I feel like its just normal here and I just need to get used to it.

Anyway after that I got on a bus to go visit a really cool lake at the base of the mountain called Blue Moon Bay. The water was so turquoise and clear it was very otherworldly. There were also these natural pools that reminded me a lot of the travertines in Pamukkale, Turkey. There were literally dozens of people taking their wedding photos and there were a lot of other people so it was pretty crowded but it was still cool to see.

The sun was really really bright up by the mountain due to the elevation. Here in China people are very very conscientious about sun protection, but instead of using sunscreen they use UV protectant clothing. Usually this involves a long jacket that zips up to cover your nose and mouth, arm coverings, gloves, a large brimmed hat, sunglasses and an umbrella. Some people even have full face masks (forehead to chin) with eye holes. This is rooted in colorism unfortunately as having paper white skin is seen as highly regarded here, people go to great lengths to avoid any amount of sun exposure and use skin whitening creams in addition to this.

Since I’d gotten sunburned at least 3 times already this trip I finally caved and got a UV jacket to go to the mountain and it actually worked really well. The only part of me that got burned was my nose and chin because I didn’t zip it up all the way. When I went to buy it it was a weird interaction at the shop. It was supposed to be about 80 yuan, the old man at the shop I guess recognized me or something? I’d been in the shop a couple of times already and talked a little bit to him before. He only charged me 50 yuan for the jacket and a bottle of water, but then after I paid him digitally he got all worked up and started waving his hands all over the place. Then he took 40 yuan from the register and put it in my hand and shooed me away, so he essentially gave me the jacket for free. I was so confused and hope I didn’t misunderstand what was happening but I think he was just being really nice.

So anyway, shout out to that old man for helping me avoid getting burned yet again.

Anyway, sorry for the tangent, the sun was super super bright and intense at the mountain so it was a weird combination of being cold and hot at the same time. I started making my way back to town which involved a truly enormous claustrophobic line to get on the bus back down the mountain and then another to get back to town.

Back in town I wandered around the ancient town one more time and bought some dried tea to take home. It was a huge production involving everyone in the shop and a little kid running to get his mom who spoke English. The lady in the shop ended up giving me a rose cake for free which was nice. Yunnan specializes in a lot of foods one of which is flower cakes, little warm cakes with a flower infused filling.

I walked around the snack market which had a lot of interesting local foods. I tried a “milk fan” which is essentially fried milk on a stick. They take the milk and separate it out through a very complex process until it is semi-solid and then fry it. It was very interesting, it tasted like yoghurt or cheese but was chewy and crunchy.

Back at my hotel the owner had made homemade mushroom soup for dinner, which Yunnan also specializes in. It was very yummy. I was also very surprised because there was a French person staying at my hotel and the owner of the hotel asked me to go translate what he wanted to say to the French person and I was able to translate a whole interaction. My Chinese is so so so basic I was very surprised I was able to sort of do that.

At dinner we were able to actually hold somewhat of a conversation this time which was nice. I really do want to get to know and talk to people here but the language barrier has been so intense its been hard to have anything more than very basic communications.

One thing that I am starting to admire about China is how fiercely independent and for lack of a better word, self-sufficient, it is. I feel like a lot of the rest of the world has been impacted a lot by globalization and homogenization. You can go almost anywhere in the world and hear the same popular music playing, see the same exact brands of shops, and see the same 5 chain restaurants and use the same apps and speak English and be understood. But that is absolutely not the case in China. There are a few global brands like KFC and Starbucks that have managed to establish themselves here but it is rare. Other than that, China does absolutely everything on its own terms and you really can’t get around just relying on English. China does just about everything without relying on outside influences and in many cases are way ahead of the curve compared to the rest of the world. China forces you to make a genuine effort to engage in their culture rather than adapting itself to suit foreigners, which I think is kind of cool and I haven’t seen that really anywhere else I’ve traveled.

There is of course a flip side to that. A big part of the reason China has their own version of everything is partially to avoid undue influence from the west and partly because the Chinese government has a very specific narrative it wants to push and so anything alternative to that is simply not allowed. There is no access to a lot of information online, media is heavily censored, and it is very very difficult for foreigners to get a visa to enter China. This results in a lot of people truly just not being aware of some alternative perspectives and ways of thinking and its hard for intercultural exchange to happen. Not saying it doesn’t happen, there are lots of students and teachers who go abroad or come from abroad and plenty of intergenerational immigrant families. But I can definitely see how one could go their whole life here without being exposed to a lot of people who are different from them and then you get situations of discrimination, racism, and even ethnic cleansing like what is happening in Xinjiang and no one talks about it or is aware of it. Protesting is illegal here.

Not saying the US is any better, we have a lot of problems as well and certainly don’t have clean hands either. There is a lot of censorship and discrimination and racism in the US as well. I don’t know where I’m going with this other than there is a lot of rhetoric in both the US and China that tends to demonize the other country and it sounds naïve but when you get down to it and are able to have an actual conversation with someone and have that person to person cultural exchange, we have a lot in common. The US and China both have a lot of very serious issues but its also not fair to conflate people with their governments, especially when they as individuals can do very little to impact what their government does. I guess it just reiterates for me how important education and cultural exchange are.

Anyway I don’t know where I was going with any of that word vomit, but I am currently en route to my final stop in China (but not of this trip): Xi’an. Will try to update before I leave in about 3 days.

[rk099]

Canyon Chronicles: Exploring the Depths of Earth

Canyons, those majestic geological formations carved by the patient hands of nature, are like windows into the Earth's history. Each canyon tells a unique story of time, erosion, and the relentless forces that shape our planet. In this blog, we embark on a journey through the Canyon Chronicles, delving into some of the most awe-inspiring canyons around the world.

The Grand Canyon: A Geological Symphony

Our expedition begins with the Grand Canyon, an iconic masterpiece in the heart of Arizona, USA. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, the Grand Canyon unveils layers of rock that whisper tales of ancient landscapes. Standing on its rim, one can witness the intricate dance of sunlight, casting shadows that reveal the canyon's geological symphony.

Antelope Canyon: Nature's Sculpture Studio

Venturing into the slot canyons of Antelope Canyon, located in Navajo land, is like stepping into a surrealist painting. The narrow sandstone corridors, sculpted by wind and water, create a magical interplay of light and shadow. Visitors are treated to a visual feast as sunlight filters through the narrow openings above, illuminating the vibrant hues of the canyon walls.

Colca Canyon: The Kingdom of the Andean Condor

Our exploration takes us to Colca Canyon in Peru, one of the world's deepest canyons. Beyond its geological marvels, Colca Canyon is also a haven for wildlife, notably the Andean condor. Standing on the canyon's rim, spectators are rewarded with breathtaking aerial displays as these majestic birds soar on thermal updrafts, a sight that epitomizes the harmonious coexistence of nature and its inhabitants.

The Slot Canyons of Utah: Nature's Labyrinths

Utah's slot canyons, such as Buckskin Gulch and The Wave, present a captivating network of narrow passages and towering walls. Carved by flash floods and wind, these natural labyrinths offer a playground for adventurers and photographers alike. The ever-changing interplay of light and shadow reveals intricate patterns etched into the canyon walls, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle.

Tiger Leaping Gorge: A Canyon of Legends

Crossing continents, our journey takes us to Tiger Leaping Gorge in China. Carved by the Jinsha River, this deep and narrow canyon is shrouded in local legends. One such tale involves a tiger leaping across the gorge to escape a hunter, leaving its mark on the rocks. The dramatic landscapes and cultural richness of Tiger Leaping Gorge make it a must-visit destination for those seeking both natural beauty and folklore.

Conclusion: Chronicles etched in Stone

As we conclude our exploration of the Canyon Chronicles, we are reminded that these geological wonders are not just landscapes but living records of Earth's history. From the grandeur of the Grand Canyon to the ethereal beauty of Antelope Canyon and the cultural richness of Tiger Leaping Gorge, canyons stand as testament to the enduring forces that shape our planet. Whether seeking adventure, inspiration, or a deeper connection with nature, canyons offer a gateway to the Earth's mesmerizing depths. So, pack your curiosity and embark on your own Canyon Chronicles, for there are stories etched in stone waiting to be discovered.

[schizoidnightmares]

The Gorge, VI: In Hospitality

A.I. placeholder artwork generated using NightCafe Stable Diffusion XL v1.0 — CC0 1.0

146th of First, 1100 A.W. — Four days now in these caverns. We could have never prepared ourselves for what we would find. There are others here, a whole new people. They look similar to us, but they are smaller, ubiquitously hairless, and have darker skin, like a sappy brown. These people have carved out structures in the caves and the walls of the canyons. While not appearing as sophisticated as us, they still exhibit impressive craftsmanship and metallurgy. If only we spoke the same language, maybe all the bloodshed could have been avoided.

Last night, one of our crew died in his sleep. Fog Eyes believes the cause was a scorpion sting. Leaping Tiger remained vigilant throughout the night and saw Many Eyes for the first time. The sight of it shook his spirit. He saw it crawl over the body of the deceased, showing no interest before retreating back into a tunnel. Immediately after, he awoke the whole camp. He then decided to move our position.

Around midday, deeper into the caves, we came into first contact with these new people. Two women and a man stood before us, barely wearing anything. When one of us tried to approach them, they ran off. More of their men came after, a lot more. These men wore bronze breastplates and lush, feathery helmets with vivid orange felt and decorative ribbons.

At first, they hesitated and looked shocked to see us. They then came at us ferociously with torches and curved bronze blades. Very few of the crew had any weapons. The captain, Leaping Tiger, drew his sword. He was struck down almost instantly. Many others fell in the brief skirmish — maybe over a dozen, with many more injured. We had no choice but to surrender.

They stripped everyone except me of all their belongings, including their clothes. The others became chained and marched away. Those too injured to stand were slaughtered on the spot. The strange men, who initially inspected my scroll cases, escorted me through a different series of tunnels. They’ve placed me in confinement, ironically a lot more comfortable than my previous conditions, either in camp, on the island, or the airsail.

It’s actually quite pleasant. I’m confined to a spacious cavern with most of the basic amenities I’m accustomed to at home in the sanctuary. I have a proper bed, a desk and chair carved out from the rock, a wash basin, and even my own garderobe. There are few bugs inside here, although I do get the occasional spider. A thick metal door locks me inside. My captors have fed me well so far. I’ve had fish, some sort of fruit, and seeds. They’re attentive with water and even have cleaned my quarters for the night. They’ve allowed me to keep all my belongings, including all my scrolls.

I don’t understand why they spared me but not the others. Perhaps they don’t regard scholars as combatants. Then again, Fog Eyes and the cook, Leap Frog, did not fight in the skirmish. A few others also did not participate. Maybe they spared me because they want to learn more about us, regarding me as the most knowledgeable of the crew. That would explain the hospitable treatment. I admit I am terrified of the other possibilities. There is no good in thinking too much of it. I distract myself by documenting all that has happened. Fulfilling my purpose shall keep me sane.

Thank you for reading

This story is the sixth scene of “The Gorge,” the third short story in Schizoid Nightmares Anthology I. The previous scene is available here. The next scene is available here.

[traveladventuresinnepal]

Nepal: The Best Destination for Adventure Sports

A country with diverse landscapes, climate and geography, Nepal is considered one of the best destinations for adventure sports. This unique nation is appealing to thrill seekers thanks to its affordability and a wide range of options available. Why should adventure enthusiasts visit Nepal?

Here are 11 adventure sports you can experience in Nepal.

White Water Rafting and Kayaking

Thanks to the tall mountains of Nepal and its glaciers, Nepal is blessed with numerous rivers flowing down from the Himalayas towards the southern part of the country. These whitewater rivers give the perfect opportunity for whitewater rafting on raging rapids. The rugged terrain provides excellent setting for an adventurous and challenging rafting and kayaking experience.

There are many rivers where whitewater rafting is popular and is performed as an extreme sport. Both in groups or for individual thrill seekers. Some of the best rivers for whitewater rafting are Trishuli, Seti, Bhote Koshi and Sun Koshi.

Mountaineering

Nepal is home to eight of the 14 highest mountains in the world including the tallest one, Mount Everest. Every year, thousands of tourists visit Nepal to attempt summitting these mountains with many of them eyeing their prize at the top of Everest. Nepal is indeed a mecca for mountaineers as it offers a plethora of peaks for climbers. There are many peaks ranging from dangerous ones to those for beginner mountain climbers.

Trekking and Hiking

For those who want to try a far less difficult sport, Nepal is home to many trekking destinations. The dramatic Himalayan landscape provides a stunning backdrop for various adventure activities such as trekking and hiking. The trekking routes of Nepal are an extensive network of trails ranging from easy to challenging.

There are many popular treks such as Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, and Langtang Valley to Mustang, Lo Manthang and Gosaikunda. Each trekking destination offers a unique experience and stunning views of the Himalayas as well as pass through lush green forests and remote villages. Trekking in Nepal is indeed a unique experience, one which leaves a sense of fulfillment in the trekkers.

Paragliding

Soaring high in the sky and getting a bird’s eye view of the land below must be a dream for many. And this can be achieved through paragliding. Thanks to Nepal’s diverse topography and favorable weather conditions makes Nepal an ideal destination for paragliding and other aviation related sports.

The best paragliding experience can be achieved from Sarangkot hill in Pokhara. On a perfect day, paragliding in Pokhara will offer up beautiful views of the Himalayas and picturesque landscapes down below. The feeling of soaring in the sky is an unmatched adventure experience you can get in Nepal.

Bungee Jumping and Zip Lining

Home to some of the world’s highest and most scary bungy jumps, adventure lovers can experience freefall up to 160 meters from suspension bridges over a gorge in Nepal. Bungee Jumping is certainly not for the faint hearted and requires strong willpower to take the leap. The best bungee jumping sites include the Last Resort, over the Bhote Koshi river and Kushma Bungee Jumping located at Kushma.

Wildlife and Nature Exploration

Nepal has many national parks and conservation areas that are home to different endangered species such as the Bengal tiger. National parks such as Chitwan and Bardiya national park are home to big animals like the Bengal tiger, Asian elephants, one horned rhinoceros, and various bird species.

To nature lovers, wildlife photographers and bird watchers, it is the perfect destination for jungle safaris and wildlife spotting. The diverse range of flora and fauna adds another layer of adventure to the country's offerings.

Cheap holiday packages Nepal

Wildlife Hunting

For those seeking the thrill of wildlife hunting, Nepal also offers legal hunting at Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. Contrary to popular belief, hunting can actually control the population of certain animal species in the region if done under supervision. Supervised wildlife hunting can take place during hunting season at Dhorpatan where the popular game animal is the blue sheep.

The ethical hunting tactics are applied such that hunters can only shoot the designated animals which may be injured, old or sick. Thus, preserving the natural population in the area.

ATV Riding

The diverse terrains of Nepal create a perfect setup for ATV enthusiasts. These All-Terrain Vehicles provide a thrilling adventure where riders can traverse through muddy and dusty terrain to get a sense of raw adventure. From rugged trails to open fields, riders can explore the countryside, forests, and even some off-the-beaten-path areas on these powerful machines. Some ATV service providers in Nepal can be found in Pokhara, Hemja and Chitlang.

Canyoning

Just like whitewater river rafting, canyoning is another sport that has emerged as a popular activity thanks to the many waterfalls that Nepal has. The tall waterfalls that result from the many rivers flowing through the forests are the perfect place to experience waterfall canyoning. It involves descending down natural waterfalls and canyons with a help of rappelling, jumping and sliding down a waterfall.

Rock Climbing

As a mountainous country, Nepal boasts a range of rock-climbing locations suitable for climbers with various levels of experience. From natural rock faces to purpose-built climbing walls, enthusiasts can challenge themselves and enjoy breathtaking views while scaling the cliffs. Rock climbing can be done at various locations in Kathmandu or Pokhara and tour packages are available which take travelers on a day trip for rock climbing.

Mountain Biking

For those who want both speed and stunning landscapes, mountain biking is the perfect sport. And it goes even better with a country that is known for its mountains. Nepal is a haven for mountain bikers because it has all kinds of terrain. From flat lands to rocky terrain which is difficult to navigate even for seasoned mountain bikers.

There are many mountain biking competitions held with a lot of participation from international riders. Some of the best places for mountain biking are Phaplu, Mustang, the hills of Kathmandu valley and Pokhara.

These adventure activities contribute to Nepal's reputation as a comprehensive adventure sports destination, catering to a wide range of preferences and skill levels.

[allencherer-blog]

Lesser-Known Trails to Hike in Your Lifetime

Lesser-Known Trails to Hike in Your Lifetime https://ift.tt/YPF48Wf The world is brimming with stunning landscapes, high-reaching peaks, and vast forests that appear never to end. Among these breathtaking scenes lie numerous well-trodden hiking trails, each providing unique allure. However, alongside the famous trails that top every hiking enthusiast’s list, there exist lesser-known paths that offer an equally majestic yet peaceful experience.   The Jesus Trail, Israel The Jesus Trail isn’t merely a hiking path; it’s a cultural journey steeped in history and spirituality. This 65-kilometer trail starts from Nazareth and ends in Capernaum, tracing the path Jesus might have walked over 2,000 years ago. It takes you through the stunning landscapes of Galilee, historical sites, bustling markets, and tranquil kibbutzim. It’s a unique blend of past and present, offering a deeper understanding of the region’s cultural and religious significance. Tiger Leaping Gorge, China The Tiger Leaping Gorge, nestled between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain in China’s Yunnan Province, is among the world’s deepest and most dramatic gorges. This trail’s name originates from a local legend about a tiger leaping across the valley at its narrowest point to escape a hunter. The 15-kilometer trek combines challenging heights, terrains, and weather conditions with striking views of the Jinsha River and surrounding peaks. Laugavegur Trail, Iceland The Laugavegur Trail in Iceland is a captivating journey through diverse, otherworldly landscapes. This 55-kilometer trail, stretching from Landmannalaugar to Thórsmörk, offers the opportunity to trek through hot springs, multicolored rhyolite mountains, expansive glaciers, lush valleys, and volcanic landscapes. Though lesser known, this trail requires preparation and respect for rapidly changing weather conditions. Great Baikal Trail, Russia The ongoing project of the Great Baikal Trail in Russia aims to create a system of trails around Lake Baikal, the world’s oldest and deepest freshwater lake. Several sections of this trail network are already completed, offering hikes of varying lengths and difficulties. The most popular path is a six-day trek from Listvyanka to Bolshie Koty. The trail affords magnificent views of the lake, untouched forests, and spectacular wildlife. It’s a rare opportunity to witness the Russian wilderness in its raw form. Overland Track, Australia The Overland Track in Tasmania, Australia, is a lesser-known trail often overshadowed by its famous mainland counterparts. However, this 65-kilometer journey through the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area is as stunning as they come. A six-day trek traverses various landscapes, from verdant rainforests and alpine meadows to jagged peaks and reflective lakes. It’s a tranquil yet demanding trail that rewards with unforgettable sights, including the iconic Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest lake. The post Lesser-Known Trails to Hike in Your Lifetime first appeared on Dr. Allen Cherer |Hiking & Cycling . via Dr. Allen Cherer |Hiking & Cycling https://ift.tt/2zfET1h August 04, 2023 at 10:25AM

[coreofgold]

"At least you'll know for whenever you decide to go." Maybe if Logan does go, he'd get his memories back. "There's Tiger's Leap Gorge on the Yangtze River near the city of Lijiang. The hiking trail there is gorgeous."

"Oh yeah, I'm a big nature guy." James responds with a nod and a bit of a smile. He loved the outdoors and often found it a lot more relaxing than the city. "Yeah, hit me with 'em, kid. Don't know when I'd get there but if I do, I wanna see 'em all."