Crossing the Yellow River (more appropriately brown) we entered a tributary canyon and wove through cliffs carved with hundreds of caves used by ancient monks for prayer and solitude. There were numerous graveyards and Buddhist headstones as well. The canyon floor was cultivated with terraces of corn.
It was a cloudy day with scattered sprinkles-helped to clean the dust out of the air and cool things off. We reached the Liujiaxia Reservoir on the Yellow River and checked in to our local hotel. After a quick stroll for lunch we were off the see the caves.
The Bingling Si caves are over 1600 years old, now protected by the lake, UNESCO, and the Chinese government, and accessible only by boats.
We boarded a speed boat that sat ten and headed out across the huge reservoir. Little did we know that it would take 45 minutes to get to the site.
Once landed we walked the paths and catwalks admiring the frescos and carvings. The mountains and the grottos were fantastic with the wind and water carved caves and peaks.
Next we boarded jeeps and drove up into the Yellow River Canyon. We followed the river bed for several miles before reaching a Taoist Temple. There we met the resident monk who gave us a really nice tour. He spoke very good English.
Another terrific ride back, one hour speed boat ride, an amazing shared dinner, and a full night's rest ended this adventure. Whew! Totally blown away!
Sent from Leopard's iPhone. Read my blog at www.leopard2013.blogspot.com
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