Miramsmeanderings: Huashan Mountains

We met Puma at 7.45am and went by car to Huashan Mountains, about a 2 hour drive. Three tickets were needed, 1st for a bus ride of 40 minutes in a shuttle bus to a Cable Car, 2nd to go into the park, and the 3rd for the Cable car. There were many many steps to get from where the bus dropped us off to the Cable Car entrance. Then even more steps to get to where we boarded the Cable Car. The Cable Car is absolutely amazing and stunning. It travels 4 kms in a W Shape up vertical rock faces and over humungous ravines, and through a tunnel. We reached the top at 12pm and had our snacks then started walking. Well formed tracks high in the mountains. Lovely forest and, surprisingly, several varieties of lovely little birds. At the East Peak I waited while the others climbed up the very steep uneven steps to the next lookout. Then we continued to the North Peak. People have placed red ribbons and padlocks in vast numbers on the trees and barriers. These signify "love forever". Puma then tried to take us to the West Peak but we rebelled after climbing endless steps and not getting close. Turned round and walked down all those steps, then up another lot which were better spread out but still an awful lot of them. Impressive views from the lookouts out over mountain peaks and valleys. Really a very lovely area. Eventually got back to the Cable Car and down the mountain by bus back to the car. By then it was 3.30pm so we had a very late lunch in a restaurant where we were the only patrons. The toilet was appalling and the handle came off in my hand but the food wasn't too bad. Back to Xian about 6.15pm after a very worthwhile side trip to an area few people see. The Cable Car was only recently opened and the road up to it is another engineering marvel. We were met by Frank who said we could have dessert in the hotel restaurant in lieu of dinner.

Bill in the Cable Car