Beijing, The Great Wall

From Xian we took an evening flight to Beijing. We had arranged for a trip to the wall the next morning  It was one of those picture perfect days, the air was cool not cold and there wasn't a cloud in the sky, we had lucked out. We drove to Mutianyu one of the less crowded areas outside of Beijing to view the wall. Upon arrival we took a gondola ride from the valley floor to the ridge above. Mutianyu is consider one of the best-preserved parts of the Great wall. This section was first built in the mid-6th century and in 1569 was rebuilt. Using mostly granite, the construction is the best quality among all the sections of the Great Wall. The location was beautiful, with forests on both sides of the ridge. We took a long walk along the wall and then climbed stairs to the midpoint at an observation area. Stopping many times during our walk trying to take it all in, it was like being in the right place at the right time. I think I took over 200 pictures in a matter of several hours. Below is a small sampling of some of those shots. Like most pictures it does not really come close to telling the real store. This was truly a day to remember. 

the gondola lift

at the top of the lift a Chinese class posed for pictures

like most kids from other parts of the world, the boys being boys

first view of the wall

Margot

Margot has a history of taking jumping photos, I have pictures of her jumping all across the world

beautiful autumn day 

click on pic to enlarge

Linda, David, and Margot

stone plaque at the bottom of the gondola