Uphill all the way-Yunnan Escapades

We woke up at 7 am to get ready for our 8:30 start. Unfortunately, our guides didn't wake up until about 9, so we didn't get the early start we intended. By the time we ate and got rolling it was pushing 10 am. Well, A Luo never guaranteed responsible guides. So off we headed.








(Above the clouds)










About 2 hours into our climb, our main guide Jason warned us of the leech factor. He recommended we not stop for any resting, but keep moving, so as to keep the little bloodsuckers from feeding on us.

We stopped at one point where Evan found a leech on his shoe trying to squeeze in through a shoelace hole. He knocked it off and then more or less proceeded to run the rest of the way up the hill.

Finally, we reached a rocky meadow, clear of leeches. We ripped off our shoes and socks and searched thoroughly. No leeches today.



















It was cool to watch the clouds just roll by so quickly














This doesn't look that steep, but its about a 70 degree incline. Our guide was gathering flowers to make a hat.




We just kept marching up the hill. It got to a point where I was just counting 200 steps and then stop for a few minutes. Then another 200 steps, and then stop again. We gained some serious altitude, especially for a Florida boy like me.



This was our last major obstacle before the peak. Evan and I just stood there staring at them, and they back at us. I suggested we go slowly and see what they do. Well, if any one of them charged me, I'd have shit me pants, but luckily they jumped off the path and we continued up to the peak.