As I mentioned in yesterday's post it was rather strange that the ship didn't sail last night, but at least we managed a good night's sleep.
Today we spent the morning onboard just kicking our heels. The weather hadn't improved but on the basis we’re only here once I continued to take photos. We're on the outside of the ship so have a view directly across the lake (instead of the very boring bank).
Using my long lens I could peer into one of the ships moored next to us.
The dam, still shrouded in mist but quite atmospheric I think.
There were several birds of prey circling around, but they never came close enough for a proper ident.
Before we came away Ian was chatting to one of his golfing pals who said his abiding memory of his Yangtze cruise was the number of flip flops floating along.
Unfortunately the boat moored alongside us is full of Chinese who like to congregate at the back and chatter loudly whilst shelling monkey nuts and peeling oranges - I thought I'd taken a photo of them all, but this is the only one I can find.
Lunch in our dining room was very nice indeed, only half of the tables were in use and the crew were very professional and friendly. The other guests were a mix of nationalities and everyone was very courteous and behaved appropriately around the buffet area. I think the chef must have been pre-warned about me and, although there was plenty of choice on the buffet, he had cooked me a delicious starter of tempura vegetables.
Unfortunately the weather hadn't improved at all and it was raining steadily by the time we headed out for our included visit to the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydro-electric dam in the world. We could have paid extra and done a more extensive tour including actually going on the dam's ship lift but we're not overly interested in the engineering side of things and the poor weather decided us against it. When you disembark you're given a lanyard to wear and you're not allowed back on the boat unless you hand it back - so loose it at your peril!
Unsurprisingly, as this ship hadn't moved yet, we took the same walk and funicular up to catch the coach.
Work on the dam commenced in 1994 and was completed in 2009, it is 2,335m long, 185m high, 18m wide at the top and 130m wide at the bottom. The dam has raised the river to 175m above sea level, creating a 600m long reservoir. The main purposes of the dam were flood control, electricity generation, navigation and irrigation and, controversially, involved the displacement of 1.3m people and the destruction of natural features and countless rare architectural and archaeological sites.
These are vessels waiting to go through the locks.
A model of the dam which gives a good idea of its size.
We then got on an outdoor escalator for an overview of the area.
Before climbing up to the top of Jar Hill Observation Platform.
I've no idea why I decided to take this at an angle.
Ah, that's better.
At first I was drawn by the blob of mud on her ankle but quickly realised it was a tattoo. But just look at her overshoes, aren't they fantastic?
There isn't really much I can say about these photos, they're the best I could get on a dreadful day and I'm not entirely sure the place ever looks that wonderful anyway - it's all a bit industrial.
I have scoured the internet to find out what this book is all about but without any luck whatsoever.
We've seen so very few birds I get overly excited when I do see one, especially when it has such a wonderful tail - this is a Red-billed Blue Magpie. Prior to the sighting I'd been chatting to a very nice chap from another Wendy Wu group who I would guess either had Cerebral Palsy or had suffered a stroke and he was interested in my mirrorless cameras - what better demonstration of their capabilities than this.
I love the planting in the middle, such a contrast to the dirty grey concrete walls.
I'm not entirely sure why anyone doing a visit to the dam would suddenly have an overwhelming urge for something to eat but, should it happen, then this lady has kindly cooked an awful lot of food. And so it would seem have the people in the 3-4 adjacent booths.
I know this as Rudbekia fulgida but I believe Black Eyed Susan is sometimes used as the common name.
Down at lock level the weather had cleared just enough for a couple of photos.
We've realised that it's absolutely no good waiting for a people free shot; the Chinese are so used to sharing their space (and everything else) that no one thinks twice = if there's a gap - fill it!
Back on the coach and heading back to the hotel. At least we can say we've seen it, albeit through mist, rain and low cloud most of the time.
Back on board we had time for a shower and change of clothes before heading to the bar for Happy Hour which is also included in our Amenities Package and is timed at 1 hour before dinner. Having read a few reviews I was expecting the wine to be pretty revolting but in actual fact it was rather nice and very free-flowing.
Our table is known as Raymond's family and the staff really do look after us very well. Their English is great, they enjoy chatting and they certainly aren't stingy with the wine - hic!
And most definitely worth the extra £££ to be in a calm, quiet environment!