So Many Stairs, Over 2500 Steps to the Top of Bai Yun Mountain. (白云山丽水) @solarguy Photojournal

This is one of Lishui's local scenic sights on the edge of the city. It’s quite popular with the locals to take the climb but not too busy since it's quite the mission to the top. I’m glad I wasn’t tasked with building the stairs, that would have been a brutal job carrying the rocks up. Though from what I understand they use a lot of materials found on site.

The first 1000 steps were the worst. Non-stop uphill, I could feel my heart beating out of my chest as if it were about to explode. What a way to start a hike. My partner seems to have done this countless times and encouraged me to hurry up because walking down the other side would be easier. She was an interesting lady, older than me and she kept referring to me as ”Lao Wei” which I hate when it’s from someone I know. Lao Wei means ”foreigner” like it’s my only identity to her. She could have called me by my name or in the least she could have said friend. This is why I call her ’ my hiking partner’. She is a sweet lady, even though she didn’t get my sense of humour.

After 1000 steps the signs declaring how many it’s been ceased to appear but it was easily at about the halfway point I’d guess. I’m really glad I went for this hike. It’s a staple must do in this city if you visit. The weather was great, a little cloudy but the air was crisp and cool. I can’t imagine doing it during the hot summer. I was sweating after the first 200 steps; if it had been a hot day I surely would have collapsed.

(Both sides of the mountain)

And then I noticed these contraptions.

I also saw a bunch of these as I crawled my way to the top. At first, I thought they were some sort of bird feeder but after asking my hiking partner she said they were bug traps. I dread to meet such an insect but I know I will eventually.

Walking down the other side was easier.

(a very random spot to have picnic should you decide to)

There were a few pavilions along the way for resting which I took advantage of, even if it was just a brief pause in the trek to the top. Getting to the top took about 45 minutes and we passed several slower people along the way and I wouldn’t let anyone pass me, I would feel bad if I was too slow keeping up with Shirley, my travel partner’s name.

(Waterfalls could be heard, finally I saw one.)
Once at the top there is a long winding road back to the bottom where we started. It was much longer to get back down this way but she insisted ”going down so many stairs is bad for the knees”. Either way, I prefer to see new things rather than trace back my steps seeing the same thing again. Luckily she knew some shortcuts, and I got to feed a deer. I also scouted a few good places to camp overnight when the spring arrives.

(I took a few steps in to the cave but it was water above the shoe line. I decided cave dwelling is not for me)
We’ll see where I end up next weekend. There are so many places for me to explore here and there is no shortage of adventure. Hopefully, I can get further out of the city and really see some of China’s wilderness. This will be my first winter ever where I don’t get snow. I’m told it gets chilly but not cold enough for the snow to stay on the ground, should we get a scattering of flakes from the sky.

*(To the best I could understand from my hiking partner’s explanation; this character means Longevity or have a long life.)

Up next.. Outdoor Archery, LiShui Style.