Hi All,
So here we are blogging from terminal 5 Heathrow, the day has arrived and all we have left to do is meet our fellow trekkers and head in the direction of The Wall.
Thanks to Claire for getting us here safely, we look forward to seeing Claire again with Emmas mum when we are collected.
We are fully loaded up with cheese scones which Sarah has already sampled. So thats it 18 months of hard work and now we finally get to trek The Great Wall of China.
Thank you to everyone for all your support and thank you for your good luck wishes, cards and presents.
Thanks to Anna for being a great motivator during training, Hi Anna keep up the training whilst we are away.
So thats it we sign off our blog untill we return.
chow mein for now
Emma and Sarah
Sarah and Emma say Bring On The Wall !!!! On the 12th may 2012 Sarah and Emma will take on a charity challenge Trekking The Great Wall of China. Sarah and Emma would like to thank you for visiting their blog and hope you pop back often.
Saturday 12 May 2012
Thursday 10 May 2012
Posted by Sarah 10-5-2012
Hi all, well this will be my last post before I head to China on Saturday, my holdall is packed think I have got everything I need. I just have my rucksack to pack and I intend to put in goodies, magazines and as many home comforts as I can fit in!
We fly from Heathrow on Saturday at 4.30pm, we have a 10 hour flight ahead of us and china is 8 hours ahead of the UK. So we arrive Sunday morning after an hour & a half transfer we arrive at our 1st lodge that we will be staying in that night. We have the afternoon to relax and then we receive our briefing for the trek ahead of us.
I would like to thank everybody that has supported us up till this point and the next time you hear from us we hopefully would have completed our trek!
If you would like to follow our itinerary please see below
Day 1: International Departure
Meet at the Airport for your flight to Beijing, China. Our Charity Challenge representative will be there to assist you with the check-in and any last minute questions. You will be passing over the Great Wall before landing at Beijing airport.
Day 2: Beijing to Badaling Area
Upon arrival in Beijing you will be met at the airport by a Charity Challenge local agent who will transfer you to your hotel (approx 1.5 hrs). After check in, you will have the rest of the afternoon to relax and enjoy your surroundings or go for a walk in the surrounding area. In the evening after dinner, you will meet for your
challenge briefing and have the opportunity to ask any questions of your challenge leader. Overnight in lodge.
Day 3: Badaling Great Wall – approx 6kms trek
Today, you will ease yourself into the challenge with a short but demanding day of trekking along the un-renovated section of the Great Wall of China. Starting with a road transfer (approx 30 mins) to get you to the start point, you will commence your climb, first steeply uphill, watchtower after watchtower along a very rough and stony path with uneven steps until gradually, it levels off and begins to descend again. In contrast to the renovated section nearby, this un-renovated part of the Wall is little visited and the other members of your Charity Challenge group may well be the only ones you see. The terrain on this day is quite tough due to parts of the Wall being worn down over the centuries but your efforts will be rewarded with stunning views. Following your descent, you will have lunch in a local farmer’s house - a traditional household where you can get an idea of how the rural population live. After lunch, transfer back to your lodge to rest and reflect on your first day of trekking along the Great Wall.
Please note: in early or late season (early March/end October), if weather conditions are poor, this day may be substituted with a trek of equal length and difficulty on the Badaling and/or Juyonnguan renovated sections of the Wall.
Approx trekking time – 4hrs.
Day 4: Black Dragon Pools - approx 10kms trek
This morning you will transfer to Heilongtan and begin today’s trek in the lush environment of Black Dragon Pools National Park located next to the Great Wall. You will follow a meandering path up a narrow gully by the side of a stream to the top of a watershed. The views here are spectacular today is an excellent opportunity to see a little more of the area’s diverse topography and plant life and escape the heat of the wall. From the watershed, you will descend steeply to what was the most famous waterfall in Beijing county. Passing the Heavenly Gateway, a huge natural arch appears high in the cliffs above you, the remains of what was once a waterfall which has now dried out due to climate change. Overnight in lodge.
Approx trekking time – 5hrs.
Day 5: Gubeikou Gateway – 12kms
The day starts with a drive (approx 1.5 hrs) to a village where your trek begins. There used to be three passageways between Northeast China, the Mongolian Highlands, Beijing and the central plains. These were Shanhai Pass, Juyong Pass and Gubeikou Gateway, the latter lying between the two passes and being located in today's Miyun County, northeast of the city of Beijing. Gubeikou was the site of incessant warfare and was heavily guarded by the armies of various dynasties from 7th-13th century. In particular, the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644AD) added many defence installations and increased the strength of the garrison. Nowadays, the main castle no longer exists and much of the Wall has collapsed. Only the Jinshanling section and Simatai section 6km to the east (currently closed to the public) remain in fairly good shape. The great variety of defence structures here are good examples for studying the architecture of the Great Wall. Overnight in lodge.
Approx trekking time – 5hrs.
Day 6: Jinshanling Loop – 10kms
After an early breakfast, you will start today’s trek straight from the lodge. The walk from Jinshanling towards Simatai is a spectacular one that is partly on original unreconstructed Wall and partly on renovated sections, with many steep, crumbling staircases and ruined watchtowers along the way. Unfortunately, it is no longer possible as of mid 2010 to trek all the way to Simitai as the authorities have closed the area. You will walk 7kms along quite a demanding and steep path followed by a 3km walk along a pathway back to the lodge. Again, any pain will be eased by the amazing panoramic views with mountains stretching all around you with the wall snaking its way along the tops of them as far as the eye can see. This is especially so on a clear day when you look out over the best part of eighty miles of mountains, with Mongolia on one side and China on the other. There are relatively few visitors here and so the sense of solitude and peace is wonderful. It does not take much for your imagination to take you back several centuries to when the wall was the frontline defence of Imperial China. Today's trek will involve climbing and descending many steps! You will transfer approx. 2hrs to the next lodge located en route back to the city of Beijing. Overnight in lodge.
Approx trekking time 5/6hrs.
Day 7: Mutianyu Section – 10kms
The reconstructed section of the Mutianyu Great Wall is where visiting heads of state are usually brought. Today will commence with a steep but paved walk up through lush woodland to join the Wall. From here the trek will follow this spectacular section where the original battlements and drainage systems have been carefully restored. The highlight of the day is the steep ascent up the Heavenly Stairway to a high viewing platform; this is perhaps the hardest ascent you will complete all week. On a clear day the Wall is visible on the mountains all around, a fitting end to your trekking challenge. After lunch, you will drive and visit a silk factory before arriving at your hotel in downtown Beijing.
Important note: in Mutianyu there are various ways of descending to your start point including a toboggan run. Charity Challenge advises all its participants not to take the toboggan. If you do choose to take it, you do so on the understanding that it is at your own risk and you may not be covered by your insurance policy should you be injured.
Overnight hotel, Beijing.
Approx trekking time - 4hrs.
Day 8: Full Day City Tour of Beijing
As a reward for all your hard work, a day of leisure follows with a guided tour of the many attractions of China's capital city, including the Old Imperial Palace known as the Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square followed by a walk in Jingshan Park previously known as ‘coal hill’ behind the Forbidden City. Coal Hill used to be the highest point in the imperial city of Beijing, from where you can get great views of the Forbidden City. After lunch you will visit the Temple of Heaven where the emperors worshipped god and prayed for good harvests.
Later you will be dropped off at the market to shop for souvenirs. Your celebratory dinner will be the Peking Duck Banquet. Overnight hotel, Beijing.
Day 9: Arrive Home
After breakfast, you will have a few hours to explore, before being transferred to Beijing airport for the return to London Heathrow.
We fly from Heathrow on Saturday at 4.30pm, we have a 10 hour flight ahead of us and china is 8 hours ahead of the UK. So we arrive Sunday morning after an hour & a half transfer we arrive at our 1st lodge that we will be staying in that night. We have the afternoon to relax and then we receive our briefing for the trek ahead of us.
I would like to thank everybody that has supported us up till this point and the next time you hear from us we hopefully would have completed our trek!
If you would like to follow our itinerary please see below
Day 1: International Departure
Meet at the Airport for your flight to Beijing, China. Our Charity Challenge representative will be there to assist you with the check-in and any last minute questions. You will be passing over the Great Wall before landing at Beijing airport.
Day 2: Beijing to Badaling Area
Upon arrival in Beijing you will be met at the airport by a Charity Challenge local agent who will transfer you to your hotel (approx 1.5 hrs). After check in, you will have the rest of the afternoon to relax and enjoy your surroundings or go for a walk in the surrounding area. In the evening after dinner, you will meet for your
challenge briefing and have the opportunity to ask any questions of your challenge leader. Overnight in lodge.
Day 3: Badaling Great Wall – approx 6kms trek
Today, you will ease yourself into the challenge with a short but demanding day of trekking along the un-renovated section of the Great Wall of China. Starting with a road transfer (approx 30 mins) to get you to the start point, you will commence your climb, first steeply uphill, watchtower after watchtower along a very rough and stony path with uneven steps until gradually, it levels off and begins to descend again. In contrast to the renovated section nearby, this un-renovated part of the Wall is little visited and the other members of your Charity Challenge group may well be the only ones you see. The terrain on this day is quite tough due to parts of the Wall being worn down over the centuries but your efforts will be rewarded with stunning views. Following your descent, you will have lunch in a local farmer’s house - a traditional household where you can get an idea of how the rural population live. After lunch, transfer back to your lodge to rest and reflect on your first day of trekking along the Great Wall.
Please note: in early or late season (early March/end October), if weather conditions are poor, this day may be substituted with a trek of equal length and difficulty on the Badaling and/or Juyonnguan renovated sections of the Wall.
Approx trekking time – 4hrs.
Day 4: Black Dragon Pools - approx 10kms trek
This morning you will transfer to Heilongtan and begin today’s trek in the lush environment of Black Dragon Pools National Park located next to the Great Wall. You will follow a meandering path up a narrow gully by the side of a stream to the top of a watershed. The views here are spectacular today is an excellent opportunity to see a little more of the area’s diverse topography and plant life and escape the heat of the wall. From the watershed, you will descend steeply to what was the most famous waterfall in Beijing county. Passing the Heavenly Gateway, a huge natural arch appears high in the cliffs above you, the remains of what was once a waterfall which has now dried out due to climate change. Overnight in lodge.
Approx trekking time – 5hrs.
Day 5: Gubeikou Gateway – 12kms
The day starts with a drive (approx 1.5 hrs) to a village where your trek begins. There used to be three passageways between Northeast China, the Mongolian Highlands, Beijing and the central plains. These were Shanhai Pass, Juyong Pass and Gubeikou Gateway, the latter lying between the two passes and being located in today's Miyun County, northeast of the city of Beijing. Gubeikou was the site of incessant warfare and was heavily guarded by the armies of various dynasties from 7th-13th century. In particular, the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644AD) added many defence installations and increased the strength of the garrison. Nowadays, the main castle no longer exists and much of the Wall has collapsed. Only the Jinshanling section and Simatai section 6km to the east (currently closed to the public) remain in fairly good shape. The great variety of defence structures here are good examples for studying the architecture of the Great Wall. Overnight in lodge.
Approx trekking time – 5hrs.
Day 6: Jinshanling Loop – 10kms
After an early breakfast, you will start today’s trek straight from the lodge. The walk from Jinshanling towards Simatai is a spectacular one that is partly on original unreconstructed Wall and partly on renovated sections, with many steep, crumbling staircases and ruined watchtowers along the way. Unfortunately, it is no longer possible as of mid 2010 to trek all the way to Simitai as the authorities have closed the area. You will walk 7kms along quite a demanding and steep path followed by a 3km walk along a pathway back to the lodge. Again, any pain will be eased by the amazing panoramic views with mountains stretching all around you with the wall snaking its way along the tops of them as far as the eye can see. This is especially so on a clear day when you look out over the best part of eighty miles of mountains, with Mongolia on one side and China on the other. There are relatively few visitors here and so the sense of solitude and peace is wonderful. It does not take much for your imagination to take you back several centuries to when the wall was the frontline defence of Imperial China. Today's trek will involve climbing and descending many steps! You will transfer approx. 2hrs to the next lodge located en route back to the city of Beijing. Overnight in lodge.
Approx trekking time 5/6hrs.
Day 7: Mutianyu Section – 10kms
The reconstructed section of the Mutianyu Great Wall is where visiting heads of state are usually brought. Today will commence with a steep but paved walk up through lush woodland to join the Wall. From here the trek will follow this spectacular section where the original battlements and drainage systems have been carefully restored. The highlight of the day is the steep ascent up the Heavenly Stairway to a high viewing platform; this is perhaps the hardest ascent you will complete all week. On a clear day the Wall is visible on the mountains all around, a fitting end to your trekking challenge. After lunch, you will drive and visit a silk factory before arriving at your hotel in downtown Beijing.
Important note: in Mutianyu there are various ways of descending to your start point including a toboggan run. Charity Challenge advises all its participants not to take the toboggan. If you do choose to take it, you do so on the understanding that it is at your own risk and you may not be covered by your insurance policy should you be injured.
Overnight hotel, Beijing.
Approx trekking time - 4hrs.
Day 8: Full Day City Tour of Beijing
As a reward for all your hard work, a day of leisure follows with a guided tour of the many attractions of China's capital city, including the Old Imperial Palace known as the Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square followed by a walk in Jingshan Park previously known as ‘coal hill’ behind the Forbidden City. Coal Hill used to be the highest point in the imperial city of Beijing, from where you can get great views of the Forbidden City. After lunch you will visit the Temple of Heaven where the emperors worshipped god and prayed for good harvests.
Later you will be dropped off at the market to shop for souvenirs. Your celebratory dinner will be the Peking Duck Banquet. Overnight hotel, Beijing.
Day 9: Arrive Home
After breakfast, you will have a few hours to explore, before being transferred to Beijing airport for the return to London Heathrow.
Tuesday 8 May 2012
posted by Emma
Hi all,
Excited and in pain best describes me at the moment, are we really going on Saturday ????? little said about Sunday the better. The day started dismal and really it never improved. Conditions on our last training session were terrible as we slipped around bewl water in wet and cold conditions but we did it, Another charity event and another medal to add to our collection.
I have had a niggling calf injury for the last six weeks but thought nothing of it. Big mistake as on Sunday it decided to flare up, its now nicely swollen and in need of a trip to the doctor of A and E. At worse I have a little tear but i hope its just a strain and a complete week of no exercise will see me head to china as fit as i can be. Fingers crossed.
So here we are so near to the start line, I am driving everyone mad at work at the moment with my continued excited outbursts. if they didn't know i was going to China they sure do now.
I am nervous too though as my stomach keeps doing back flips.
well i will blog again before I leave, thanks to Avyona and colin my dear friends who has sponsored me for the trip recently, also emily, diane and my cousin Ian. much appreciated and makes that fundraising pot swell to nearly £6000.
Thanks also to Mark at Ashford print who kindly worked on our trekking clothing, Sarah and I are really pleased with our items which we will wear in china. Its nice that we will wear clothing that states who we are raising money for.
Speak again soon.
Excited and in pain best describes me at the moment, are we really going on Saturday ????? little said about Sunday the better. The day started dismal and really it never improved. Conditions on our last training session were terrible as we slipped around bewl water in wet and cold conditions but we did it, Another charity event and another medal to add to our collection.
I have had a niggling calf injury for the last six weeks but thought nothing of it. Big mistake as on Sunday it decided to flare up, its now nicely swollen and in need of a trip to the doctor of A and E. At worse I have a little tear but i hope its just a strain and a complete week of no exercise will see me head to china as fit as i can be. Fingers crossed.
So here we are so near to the start line, I am driving everyone mad at work at the moment with my continued excited outbursts. if they didn't know i was going to China they sure do now.
I am nervous too though as my stomach keeps doing back flips.
well i will blog again before I leave, thanks to Avyona and colin my dear friends who has sponsored me for the trip recently, also emily, diane and my cousin Ian. much appreciated and makes that fundraising pot swell to nearly £6000.
Thanks also to Mark at Ashford print who kindly worked on our trekking clothing, Sarah and I are really pleased with our items which we will wear in china. Its nice that we will wear clothing that states who we are raising money for.
Speak again soon.
Sunday 6 May 2012
Posted by Sarah 6-5-2012
Last say of training before our trek.............................................
Today saw Emma, Anna and myself head to Bewl Water Reservoir for our last day of training together before we head out to China. The trek was for charity around Bewl Water which was 13 miles organised by The British Heart Foundation.
Now the forecast for today's weather was due to be dry but cold but as I got up this morning it was raining. As always we all hoped it would let up and of course as it was for charity the option of not going was not possible, so we set off with our fingers crossed for the rain to stop!
For those that have followed our blog from the beginning will know that we all completed this route last year in the great time of just under 4 hours. Our aim for this year was to go for this time again or better this year but of course with the lovely British weather we are having things didn't quite go to plan! The paths that we were walking were absolutely horrendous to walk on they were muddy and slippery so we ended up taking it slow and steady. We all ended up covered in mud and it was quite heavy going and to say it annoyed us was an understatement. The only little legs that seem to cope with the situation was Dino, I know you are all thinking poor little boy but apart from him getting extremely dirty he really enjoyed it and he met some other four legged friends on the way!
So regarding our time that had gone out the window with the conditions we were walking in, we come in at 4 hours 40 minuets. We were just happy to get finished to honest, we received our medals and even Dino got one too!
Well we were pleased with ourselves as it did rain most of the way round and off home we went to wash our boots have a bath and have a well earned sleep!
Dino has had his dinner and is in his bed asleep as we speak..... are bless!!!
Today saw Emma, Anna and myself head to Bewl Water Reservoir for our last day of training together before we head out to China. The trek was for charity around Bewl Water which was 13 miles organised by The British Heart Foundation.
Now the forecast for today's weather was due to be dry but cold but as I got up this morning it was raining. As always we all hoped it would let up and of course as it was for charity the option of not going was not possible, so we set off with our fingers crossed for the rain to stop!
For those that have followed our blog from the beginning will know that we all completed this route last year in the great time of just under 4 hours. Our aim for this year was to go for this time again or better this year but of course with the lovely British weather we are having things didn't quite go to plan! The paths that we were walking were absolutely horrendous to walk on they were muddy and slippery so we ended up taking it slow and steady. We all ended up covered in mud and it was quite heavy going and to say it annoyed us was an understatement. The only little legs that seem to cope with the situation was Dino, I know you are all thinking poor little boy but apart from him getting extremely dirty he really enjoyed it and he met some other four legged friends on the way!
So regarding our time that had gone out the window with the conditions we were walking in, we come in at 4 hours 40 minuets. We were just happy to get finished to honest, we received our medals and even Dino got one too!
Well we were pleased with ourselves as it did rain most of the way round and off home we went to wash our boots have a bath and have a well earned sleep!
Dino has had his dinner and is in his bed asleep as we speak..... are bless!!!
 |
| Look how clean we are before we started! |
 |
| Nice & clean before start! |
 |
| Walking conditions! |
 |
| Emma holding on for dear life! |
 |
| Emma's look as we finished! |
Tuesday 1 May 2012
Posted by Sarah 1-5-2012
12 days to go.........................................
The weekend just gone was a wash out for training unless you want to go to the gym which I didn't! So a new week........................................... yesterday morning I went running, walked the dogs then biked to work in the evening Dino and I did a 2 hour walk and got soaked! When we set out it was lovely and sunny I was even wearing my sunglasses then 1 hour in it tipped it down, we soldiered on and made it back home cold and wet :(
This morning I went to the gym and after work Dino and I went for a 4 hour walk! I hadn't done this route before so with map in hand we both set off. With all the rain we have had it was quite wet under foot I managed to slip and fall into some stinging nettles OUCH! Dino also had a casualty he got a thorn stuck in his foot but luckily I managed to find it and pull it out - we are both fine now.
The weekend just gone was a wash out for training unless you want to go to the gym which I didn't! So a new week........................................... yesterday morning I went running, walked the dogs then biked to work in the evening Dino and I did a 2 hour walk and got soaked! When we set out it was lovely and sunny I was even wearing my sunglasses then 1 hour in it tipped it down, we soldiered on and made it back home cold and wet :(
This morning I went to the gym and after work Dino and I went for a 4 hour walk! I hadn't done this route before so with map in hand we both set off. With all the rain we have had it was quite wet under foot I managed to slip and fall into some stinging nettles OUCH! Dino also had a casualty he got a thorn stuck in his foot but luckily I managed to find it and pull it out - we are both fine now.
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