Hin's 3rd C.O.U.N.T 1,000,000 steps (Sep 19TH – Oct 12th 2011)​

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5: Last Tiger Killed Pass

Thean Hin Ooi <ooithin@gmail.com>  Sun, Oct 2, 2011 at 11:00 PM

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Hi, hi,

Staying in a bigger town such as Datong does make it easier to gain access to the Internet.

After yesterday's hiatus, both of us were charged up and made 35.6km - record to date.

And to think that China is on a holiday week is lost on the farmers. They were already in the fields by 5:30am, harvesting the last few crops and preparing the land for next year. The harvest is not good due to lack of rain, many crops didn't get the chance to mature and were dried up.

I "met" the usual crop friends - sunflowers, corns, millets, buck weed, tomatoes, potatoes, pumpkins, soya beans, peas, shallots, and would you believe it - "naked" oat. Many of these would be turned into noodles for daily consumption.

As it turns out, "naked" oat noodle is served in honeycombs steamed on a bamboo basket, with savoury sliced vegetables of cucumber and carrots.

It looks exactly like white padi without the husk - now you get the drift? - no husk = "naked", in raw, taste soft and chewy.

Sep26. Day8: 06:00-16:08. Huangcaoliang – Shahukou. (26 km).

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Bid an early farewell to Mr & Mrs. Wang. Took a fond photo of the kind couple, and off to catch up with CH coming up the mountains. Lit fire with the pocket stoves, had instant noodles and coffee for breakfast by the roadside.

Gave a curious villager a packet of "Aik Cheong" coffee, which he has never tasted in his life - this must have made his day - hopefully he doesn't tear the bag, as instructed. We made 28.9km, ascended 1161m, crossing a number of treacherous ravines. Ended the day at Shahukou - the Pass where the last Tiger was killed. Well, of course, "Tiger" here could mean bandits during those times.

Shahukou is a very important pass where many fierce battles were fought through the Qin, Han, Song, Tang, Ming as well as the uprising during the Qing dynasty.

From there we headed back to the fortified city of Youyu for the night. CH took us to the same good eatery for VFM (value for money) food.

Sep27. Day9: 08:01-17:14. Shahukou - 40°17'47.88"N 112°26'10.37"E (near Shiwugou).  (21 km).

Had hot soybean milk with "Yew Tiao" for breakfast before heading to Shahukou to resume the walk with a difference. We did a portion (5.71km) of the Qin wall before I continue on the Ming wall whilst AL went looking for his Sui wall.

Qin (1st Emperor) dynasty lasted only 12 years but what great achievements were attained. A quantum leap in philosophy, where Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism were allowed to flourish. He introduced meritocracy, where caste were set aside - anyone with brain, bravery and brawn were encouraged to sit the imperial exams and qualified candidates were given the opportunity to serve the state.

AL and I went our separate ways, I, the Ming and he, the Sui wall. I went through the widest ravine thus far, all by myself. and managed 16.6km. For the day, I did 22.3km in total, ascending 1,034m ending in a village called the 15 Ditch(?). Picked up by CH and headed back to Youyu.

Poor AL didn't quite find strong enough evidence of the Sui wall, only a prominent mould line that stretches. What would you expect, it is recorded that the 200km wall was built in 10 days - imagine the quality.

Time again to get ready for tomorrow.

All the very best. Good night.

Rgds,
Hin