Hurrah, we actually moved last night but quite where we are now I have no idea.
And we're not the only boat.
Today's included activity involves transferring to smaller vessels for a "relaxing" excursion through the Shennong Stream gorges which are narrower than the Three Gorges but apparently still very impressive. Unfortunately the weather is rather flat, dull and grey but at least it's not raining.
There are different types of rocks in the area but the narrowest of valleys occur in regions where there is limestone, which is relatively hard and resists erosion. However, water can flow along deep vertical fractures, eroding underneath and as the limestone bed is gradually undercut, parts of it fall into the river along vertical fractures, forming precipitous cliffs. When the river flows through areas of softer sandstone and shale, which have less resistance to erosion, the erosive effect is increased, carving wide valleys.
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I have no idea what this floating platform is all about, maybe it's a water bus stop
These little boats look too heavy to float.
Some of the caves are apparently several 100 meters deep.
One of the numerous bridges which criss cross the river.
This is a posh hotel.
After a very short time the views become rather repetitive but we daren't leave our spot at the front of the ship as we'll never get back.
Our guide had told us about the hanging coffins and this was the first of several we saw.
Ship-shaped coffins put into crevices had been a
unique funeral and burial form for the ancient Ba people, who lived in the
Three Gorges region. Most coffins were
made from one single piece of wood, much like a boat would be. It was said by the local people for
generations that the higher the coffin was put, the more honourable the deceased was
and so most of the coffins contained well respected seniors or brave soldiers.
The hanging coffins had been a mystery
for centuries until 1958 when a farmer found various items - bronze swords,
black lacquer wood comb, etc. Another
discovery was made in a different area when 3 farmers found the remains of the
dead, bronze swords, bronze axe, wood sword container, grass shoes, etc.
Here's another one only this one isn't really hanging, it's more sort of wedged up!
The oldest coffins found so far are around 2,500 years old (700-476 BC) and the most recent ones date back around 400 years.
After an hour or so we simply turned around and headed back to the Victoria Anna
I rather like the reflections
Back on the Victoria Anna and occasionally we'd pass another vessel.
I suppose the banks had to be reinforced in some places before they created the dam.
I'm not sure I'd risk swimming in these waters.
Up top on the Victoria Anna's observation deck - somewhat lacking in seating.
I'm not sure if these are shrines or the stone equivalent of potting sheds.
After about an hour's cruising we were told we were now passing through the Wu and Qutang gorges; the former is known for its quiet beauty, forest-covered mountains and sheer cliffs, whilst the latter is the shortest, narrowest and most dramatic gorge. Ian and I inveigled our way to the front of the boat.
I only took these goats because they reminded me of the Virgin advert and look rather like Richard Branson.
Just occasionally there was a pretty bit.
This is known as the Goddess Peak of Wu Gorge
Just to the right of the tallest stone is a little figure - the Goddess.
I wonder who lived in this cave.
From time to time there appeared to be walkways fixed to the side of the gorge but there was no obvious way to access them.
This is looking back at the Qutang Gorge and the famous scene which features on the 5 Yuan note.
I think this is the city of Fengjie with its pagoda.
As we approached these cruise ships I did wonder if we'd be mooring up against them for the night.
The view wouldn't have been much!
Luckily we just carried on upstream.
There certainly are a lot of vessels here but I think they're freight rather than passenger.
Dinner was again quite lovely and we definitely made the right choice about upgrading the dining, although the person to my right is starting to get quite annoying. We've stuck to the same seats since the start so I can't suddenly move without it being very obvious. Here a couple of photos I took at lunch time.
No comment!
The little swan was made from choux pastry and very cute, although it didn't really go with the watermelon.
