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Day 1: Jugongguan Pass Wall |
We commence the week at Juyongguann Pass about 70 kms north west of the capital. Due to its proximity to Beijing, it's the most visited part - highly developed for tourists (some of the "attractions" of somewhat dubious appeal?!).
Fairly tough, steep gradients and an overall rating as "difficult". Only 'serious' walkers venture more than a hundred or so metres up. Handrails in the steepest parts are useful if you don't have walking sticks. The toughest part is going up the steps of unequal height. It's actually easier if they're all steep rather than many smaller ones interspersed - you can get into a better rhythm. Certainly lots of "ouch" on the legs! The descents naturally easier but still one must be careful about impact on the knees.
All 21 walkers went along at different paces, some racing on ahead, others stopping to film and savour the spectacular sights.
I think we've all seen amazing photos of "The Wall" so won't go into too much description here.
All-up, I felt it was a unique experience and somewhat contradictory because you're steeped in this extrordinary and epic history of going back to 200 b.c. But on the other hand the hordes of peopole going up certain sections of the wall just led to a bizarre contrast.
From a life experience point of view, being up there was something I'll hold onto for a very long time, one of those things you just photograph with your mind. Special.
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