China June 29

Shibaozhai Pagoda

6.29.12 - 6.29.12 90 °F

After a great relaxing morning cruising down the Yangtze, we tied up at Shibaozhai to visit the ancient pagoda and temple. The river was very foggy this morning, but it burned off at the heat built and it was quite nice if not quite hot and humid by the time we moored. The 99 wooden steps to get to the top of the pagoda were worth it, and there were some spectacular views. The Pagoda was added so that the monks could get to the top of the mountain, without having to be hoisted up by chains, which was the norm before its construction. After the hot, sweaty but enjoyable walk, it was back to the ship for a shower, some quite time and our only Chinese dinner of the cruise.