Qutang and Wu Gorges, Shennong Stream

Coal transfer facility and coal barge on the river.

Our ship continues down the Yangtze River today passing through beautiful gorges, farming country, small river towns and under soaring bridges.  There was some river trafffic of barges (mostly coal) and commercial boats, very few fishing vessels and no small pleasure craft. 

The level of the river has been lowered in anticipation of the rainy season starting next month leaving a white "ring" devoid of vegetation. 

We saw the sun today for the first time since arriving in China five days ago.  You could see the brown cloud up ahead as we got near a city and then the air would clear in less populated areas.  There were ship building facilities, coal transfer stations, gravel pits and a few docks, but most access to the river was from long flights of steps. 

It was lovely to see the terraced fields.  The fields were all worked by hand since the terrain was too steep for automation.

 

We docked in BaDong and took a small ferry upstream where we got in traditional pea pod boats and were rowed upstream.

We passed fishermen and shephards.

Local custom have burial sites in caves high above the water. Some have been flooded or are close to the water now that the water has risen.

 Reggie, Leslie, Lynn, Don and Derwin share this boat.

A local girl told us of the life in the area, and sang beautiful songs.  The oarsmen worked hard and then jumped out and pulled the boats along a path as they did in ancient times when the water levels were low.

Sandi and Cyndi enjoy the ride.

Being towed from the path as they did through shallow water.

Interesting plate dispensing.  Her legs must have been killing her after kneeling for 45 minutes.

Derwin enjoyed himself dancing with the entertainers back aboard ship.