April 27, 2013 – Shibaozhai Pagoda

April 27, 2013. Shibaozhai Pagoda
 
Today we disembark for a walk to the Shibaozhai Pagoda.We run the usually hawker gauntlet almost the entire mile to the rickety bridge that crosses to the temple.  There are a lot of people here and it is hot.  The weather is getting warmer daily.

Jimmy group is leaving the boat for the shore excursion
Jimmy group is leaving the boat for the shore excursion

Shibaozhai Pagoda in the distance
Shibaozhai Pagoda in the distance

Mary by gate into town
Mary by gate into town

 
The bridge is a wood planked pedestrian suspension bridge. It rocks and undulates underfoot.  It is difficult to keep one’s balance.  We walk around the temple grounds. The pagoda itself is merely a staircase up to the mountain.  Although originally constructed during the Ming Dynasty, the current pagoda has been reconstructed due to having been hit by lightning.  We decide to pass up the nine story climb to the top and stroll around the quieter and shadier grounds.
John by the pagoda
John by the pagoda

A handmade broom on the pagoda grounds and John
A handmade broom on the pagoda grounds and John

People washing their clothes in the river
People washing their clothes in the river

 
On the way back we are once again assaulted by the souvenir people and do end up buying a picture of three fish.  We are happy to get back to the cool and quiet of the boat.  It seems like a good time for a gin and tonic.  Lunch today is Chinese food! It seems more authentic than most of our other Chinese dinners.
 
In the afternoon we watch some vegetable carving and get our disembarkation instructions.  Then there is dinner and packing. Tomorrow we leave the boat, visit the zoo and then fly to Xian.  

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