| Emei Shan Highlights |
July 22, 2005 11:47pm
I SURVIVED EMEI SHAN!
I gave myself a little over 24 hours to regroup and get some things done before I update this journal, but Emei Shan, like so many
things here in China was unbelievable. I'd post the journal I wrote while up there, but I figured a 7 page ramble on scenic views,
amazing plants, and treacherous and tiring steps would be a little overkill since I write so much on here already. In brief, here are
some highlights:
*This was the most exhausting and gruelling hike I've ever endured being out of shape and hampered by a heavy pack and torrential
rains that slowed us down.
*Views were stunning despite the poor weather.
*Monkeys are cute and aggressive little bastards who took my FELCO pruners!
*Heavy mists and fog create a almost dream like quality as you rise in elevation.
*Temples and monasteries are packed with people and tourists.
*Accomodations were alright despite having forgotten essentials such as a flashligt, my toothbrush and soap!
I SURVIVED EMEI SHAN!
I gave myself a little over 24 hours to regroup and get some things done before I update this journal, but Emei Shan, like so many
things here in China was unbelievable. I'd post the journal I wrote while up there, but I figured a 7 page ramble on scenic views,
amazing plants, and treacherous and tiring steps would be a little overkill since I write so much on here already. In brief, here are
some highlights:
*This was the most exhausting and gruelling hike I've ever endured being out of shape and hampered by a heavy pack and torrential
rains that slowed us down.
*Views were stunning despite the poor weather.
*Monkeys are cute and aggressive little bastards who took my FELCO pruners!
*Heavy mists and fog create a almost dream like quality as you rise in elevation.
*Temples and monasteries are packed with people and tourists.
*Accomodations were alright despite having forgotten essentials such as a flashligt, my toothbrush and soap!
Mt. Emei is about 3 hours from Chengdu and is easily accessible by bus.
TEAM EMEI
| The first of the seemingly endless steps with our packs and Peter carrying the Plant Press! |
| Zhang Yaofu (Peter), me, and Zheng Xiaohao (Sam aka "Piggy", don't ask) |
THE STRUGGLES
THE SCENIC VIEWS
THE ACCOMODATIONS
THE PLANTS
PLANTS, PEOPLES AND........MONKIES
We arrived in Chengdu the evening of the 20th and I walked in lab to see David (Chavid), Song, and Yilin look in horror
as I walked in exhausted, wreaking with the stench of wet clothes, and my boots and pants caked in mud carrying my
backpack, the press (which was NEVER used during the trip as the papers were completely soaked), and my black
plastic bag full of plants and seeds. "So Riz, when do we go to Wolong?" David asked chuckling. I gave him a dirty look
for asking such an innapropriate question at the time and slammed the press down on the floor and sat down. Hehehe
as I walked in exhausted, wreaking with the stench of wet clothes, and my boots and pants caked in mud carrying my
backpack, the press (which was NEVER used during the trip as the papers were completely soaked), and my black
plastic bag full of plants and seeds. "So Riz, when do we go to Wolong?" David asked chuckling. I gave him a dirty look
for asking such an innapropriate question at the time and slammed the press down on the floor and sat down. Hehehe
Overall the trip went fairly well. I managed to get some great plants and I had another great crew that was patient,
extremely helpful and very cooperative despite some unforseen events that I wasn't prepared for. Peter and Sam were
great sports despite me being so slow and whiney at times, but we got along well and it's great I got to know them a little
more as we all anticipate their arrival in Seattle this fall.
So, yeah....that was my Emei experience. If you want to read the entire "novel"...hit me up and I'll send you the unedited
word document filled with latin plant names and cuss words. Hehe.
Riz
extremely helpful and very cooperative despite some unforseen events that I wasn't prepared for. Peter and Sam were
great sports despite me being so slow and whiney at times, but we got along well and it's great I got to know them a little
more as we all anticipate their arrival in Seattle this fall.
So, yeah....that was my Emei experience. If you want to read the entire "novel"...hit me up and I'll send you the unedited
word document filled with latin plant names and cuss words. Hehe.
Riz
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