The Great Wall

After over two years of waiting, Collin and Brennen FINALLY got to hike the Great Wall! We couldn't have asked for a better day. It was sunny, in the low 70s and the beginning of fall color made the view even more breath taking.

Our tour guide, Mr. Lei, took us to a remote part of the Great Wall. It was perfect...no tourists, no vendors, just us. We had to walk 1,100 steps to get to the Wall. Once we got to the Wall, it was very rugged hiking, and there were parts that had little to no sides of the Wall left! As a mother of three young children, it was a little nerve wracking! However, the boys did very well, and Maeve sat safely on Dave's shoulders.

Once you are on the Great Wall, it is even more difficult to imagine that it stretches for 4,000 miles! The part we walked on had original bricks with limestone and rice mortar, dating back 700 years! Some parts were so steep, that we literally had to climb straight up. It was quite the adventure, and we can't wait to go back some day, exploring yet another area.