Why the screeching Why the DAM project

The loud screeching, continuous noise woke me up at 2am. Jeanna with the benefit of earplugs
wasn't budging. Went up on deck and realized we were actually crawling our way through the
boat locks, the system of gates to take you from the low level to the high level part of the
river. You are literally kissing the sides of other boats and moving at a snail's pace
through the channel. At 3am, once I knew this was going to go on forever, I though it best
to force myself back to sleep.
645AM - Another early breakfast start. We beat the rush and mauled the buffet table pushing
the occasional fellow passenger aside (When in Rome). Then it was off to our final tour of the mega dam itself. Because it was dry season
no water was being let out and the haze (humidity) was back today making viewing impossible
at best. So it was more about understanding the history and logistics of this massive
structure and appreciating the river behemoth. Along the way there was more Chinese imagination
skills required to picture the Chairman Mao Mountain where he lies on his back in stately manner
(See for yourself).
Back to the ship and now the confusion. Our docking port is not really near anything and
with everyone off and leaving for their designated buses it was confusing how we were
going to find transportation out of here. After some wicked negotiation (and accompanying payment)
we made it out to Yichang city. Once there we proceeded to roam the streets looking homeless
and needy till we found good help at the international hotel to point us in the right direction
to the airport. Along the way we understood why this city had a population of 4 million and
growing. Construction everywhere to support the ever growing bodies that were coming to
work and live.

Packed in as 2am sardines

Chairman Mao Mountain

Now everyone can see it in daylight

THE DAM! No spewing water in low season

Took this just before ducking to avoid the group chasing us for pics

Tributaries

Have figured out that on this "cruise" it's best to position yourself early and strategically
for a plate of food. The mad rush at the small ballroom entrance meant it was arms and
elbows time to get any kind of eating done.
With the Victoria Cruise line boat docked next to us for the morning we had a chance to
peeping tom our way into their cabins and discern the finer side of water travel with hotel
size rooms and flat screen t.v.'s and food for all tastes. Can't complain though, we got what
we paid for which meant it was more about the sights and less about the accommodation.
Transferred to another boat for a tour of one of the tributaries. This was actually better
than expected because the haze (humidity) finally cleared and the bluer skies allowed more
than adequate viewing of the sites. As instructed we had to use our Chinese imagination to
picture some of the more popular rock formations (sleeping beauty, mushroom etc.)
There was also the constant reminder of how many people had to be resettled because of this
Three Gorge Dam project and of the benefits and trials for those forced upstream or up the
mountain.
Later that afternoon back on the big boat we had just as spectacular scenery through another
of the gorges on the sun deck. 5:50pm now, so the rush for 6pm dinner begins. Time to wrestle

Tributary

Gorge

People actually farm up here

Out the other side

back to the main river

Even more impressive 175m ago

Cutting edge

The rivers cut deep

Temple run

Missed breakfast. Always a brilliant start to the day. First tour, that of the ghost city was
an early start at 830.
Finally
an English schedule was posted which confirmed I would be hungry for a while.
We made it up all the steps to the temple, along the way greeting some of the many taoist
gods. A special stop along the way to pay homage to the god of wealth and opposite, the
god of health. They go hand in hand apparently. Then off to the depictions of hell and
torture captured in claymation used to encourage good behavour in the quest for salvation.
Back down the hill to some lunch and an afternoon of not much else. Key lesson for today
was that all the constant haze that was obstructing our view of the temples was actually
due to the high humidity and not any kind of pollution...Tell tourists anything!!!

God of health

God of wealth. Hand in hand

Can't see through the humidity today!

Things are clearer up close

Yangtze Downstream

On the waterfront

Made it to Chongqing without issue. Didn't realize just how huge this city was until you start
driving through it. The pollution wasn't too unexpected though. It's called fog city but smog
city is entirely more appropriate. Can't know which census to believe but there were
34 million inhabitants here in 2007. Wild estimates and projections make a figure today
unreliable but you get the idea of BIG.
Had some snacks and took some pics before we set off at 9pm. Rooms are a tight fit but
comfortable. We came a bit early so they were still doing turnover. Maybe we'll see the
English printed schedule later on...Maybe not.

You can make out the bridge somewhat

Actually not a bad waterfront site