After breakfast -- we arrive at Qutang Gorge and transfer directly from the Viking Emerald to a sightseeing vessel which takes us on a cruise down the Daning River into the Lessor Three Gorges. A series of limestone ridges line the sides of this gorge which provides us with spectacular scenery.
Several villages dot the landscape as we cruise but the Rhesus monkeys which run wild along the ridges are a hightlight -- we see quite a few of them which our local guide tells us is unusual. We are also able to see coffins on a ledge -- apparently not so long ago people lived in the caves that line these gorges and would bury their dead in the caves near to where they lived.
As we cruise our guide directs our attention to the highest point along the river where there is a village with a population of 200 farmers with an average age of 81 years. Their longevity is attributed to: 1) the pure air at the top of the mountain 2) using natural fertilizers to grow their food 3) drinking a local tea which they grow in their chemical-free soil. It is called Longevity Tea and is for sale on the boat -- no surprise here. I decide to take my chances with Lipton.
We return to the Emerald in time for lunch and an afternoon cruising through the Wu (Witches) Gorge. For four hours after dinner the Emerald navigates through the 5-stage lock system at the Three Gorges Dam. We sit on Dave and Tracey's balcony at the front of the boat (they have a suite) for the first of the five locks. But we're all tired and eventually decide we've seen enough.
Today the weather was, again, warm and sunny which made for pleasant cruising through all the gorges and the locks.
Another good day on the river!
Thanks for Reading!
Pat
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