Northward to Datong

We said goodbye to "Oscar" and his cree, exchanged smog for fog, and drove north, up, and out of the Wutai Shan valley. As we crested the summit it was refreshingly cool, foggy, and the outlines of the mountains looked like a Chinese watercolor. We passed through many villages, homes made of stone, and fresh, green fir forests.  

We crossed an agricultural valley and then up into another high mountain range. We could have jumped on the tollway at that point but the lads once again chose the road less traveled :-).

Weaving up and down, over and around, we reached our destination-the Hanging Monastery of Datong. It dates back over 1400 years, beautifully located right on the edge of a cliff. The monastery consists of over 40 different halls and is home to an impressive array of bronze, stone, clay and iron statues. 

We stopped for lunch before visiting the monastery. An assortment of local mushroom and potato dishes. Much better than last night where a lovely BBQ and noodle feast.was accompanied by the local "delicacy."  This time it belonged to a pig. What is this preoccupation with consuming animal sex organs!  :-)

The monastic site was unfortunately closed due to an impending rock slide. We were within 50 miles of the city and the air pollution was intense. So bad,photos were impossible. Google "Datong Hanging Monastery" to see what we did not!

Think thick fog, only it' s 75^. We reached the city of Datong an hour later. The temperature had dropped and It was raining. Ahhh!  Four million people and coal mining is their game. We enjoyed the balance of the afternoon. Tomorrow we visit the grottos. 

Sent from Leopard's iPhone. Read my blog at www.leopard2013.blogspot.com