Today was a drive this morning of over 200 kms and then visit the 3 Gorges dam.  As we drove into the area we had to receive special permits to take the cars into  the area. This took some time and with our drivers licences and Chinese plates we were able to obtain these.

It was interesting to see the area. Like all the roadways, viaducts and many kilometres of tunnels we have driven through today we never ceased to be amazed at the engineering and talent involved in creating them.  Today we drove through many kilometres of tunnels and unfortunately we didn’t take an accurate account. At one stage we commented that we had spent more driving time underground than above ground so would have been in excess of 50 kms.

The Three Gorges Dam with its massive wall, locks and boats lifts is a feat of of modern engineering.

Dinner tonight was just 4 of us. Paula and Peter joined us for Chinese at a local restaurant that was bustling with people and with notes that Green had translated we were able to order non spicy food. A lovely meal and very tasty.

Tomorrow is a long driving day. An early start of 7am and almost 700 kms should see us at Jingdezhen.

Today we were able to sleep in and instead of waking and being ready to leave at 8am we were able to leisurely go down to breakfast at 8.15. Was lovely!

Wushan is on the Yangzi River so the obvious thing to do today was a cruise on the river. We boarded the boat and went upstream on a tributary of the Yangzi through beautiful gorges leaving the dock about 10am. What lovely steep cliffs and hills. This was called the Lesser Three Gorges…an apt translation. For a small fee we had plastic stool sand bottomless cups of green tea as we viewed the scenery.

After about 2 hours we boarded a smaller boat that took us further up the river. (for about 40 mins)

On the return aboard the larger boat I stood on the bow and enjoyed the quiet. Yes the microphone for the Chinese passengers even ceased and for maybe half an hour there was silence. How divine. I could hear the birds and the monkeys. I even saw two sets of monkeys scampering on the bank. It was heaven for that short time!

On return to the dock and then the hotel we had lunch and spent about an hour sorting the car. Each time we get a little more organised and teven manage to throw something else out!

Off to a Chinese restaurant for dinner…we will see how clever we are at ordering for ourselves. We have before done a chicken dance to get chicken…will see what happens tonight. It is all part of the adventure!

Today was a driving day . The morning was wet and this made for less than desirable driving conditions. We drove along the motorway and had morning tea at a service area. Lunch was fantastic as we drove off the motorway to the town Wanzhou and had lunch on the side of the Yangzi River.  A lovely picturesque town with an old bell tower.

Arrived in Wushan late afternoon and had wonderful local barbecued fish for dinner (the local specialty) We have two nights in Wushan at a lovely hotel. Time to clean clothes and have a sleep in.. Tomorrow we are taking a river cruise on the Yangzi River. .

It has been hard to log on to the internet since being in China and although I posted blog most days was unable to add photos. Here are some from the Botanic Gardens, The Waterfall and the visit to the limestone caves. What amazing sights China has to offer!

Waterfall and environs

Botanic Gardens

Limestone Caves