The Li River

I have looked at my pictures from today. I took more than 50. None of them… not a single one… do justice to the majesty of the limestone formations on the Li River. Art of the problem is that I am a very mediocre photographer using a decidedly basic camera. But most of the problem is that it is just really tough for a digital image to capture the awe-inspiring scope of these inexplicable outcroppings from the Earth. They are like Mother Nature’s fingers extending from the river banks into the sky.

 

 

We all gathered on top of the boat to get the best view we could and to snap as many photos as possible. I am hoping that Gary Weiner, who has a camera to die for, got some pictures that really do it justice. Of course, part of the problem was getting a good angle for a shot. There were other tourists on the boat and only so much room at the very front where the best views could be found. There was a German guy who staked out a position against the rail with a video camera who refused to move for hours on end. It was a bright beautiful day… I hope he got sunburned.

 

Here is a shot of Kathy, Ann, Art, and Skip along the side of the boat, probably waiting their turn to get up front and get a better view of the upcoming  mountains. As you can tell, the side views weren’t too bad either ;)

 

 

In addition to the limestone outcroppings, the Li river cruise was fabulous because it gave us a peek at real life along the riverbanks in China. We saw plenty of what can only be described as Chinese peasants working in and around the river, in much the same way they have for generations.

 

 

We also saw their livestock, just cooling off in the river because it was a warm day (sunny with temps in the low-80s).

 

 

The Li River cruise takes about 4 hours and we probably could have done without the last hour or so of it. There is only so many times you can ooh and aaah at limestone outcroppings, you know?

 

Many of us eventually left the observation deck to hang out inside. It was another chance to relax and play a little bit of cards. Several folks on the trip play bridge – all of them are waay better than Kathy and I – and we have had a few fun games. Art, Pam, and Carol play most of the time. I think Elizabeth and Betty play a bit too. Kathy and I have been mediocre at best… I think we get a tad intimidated when playing with these life master folks ;)