Looking for a Crowd

What a wonderful few days with one of our precious daughters.Not only did we sightsee a little of Shenzhen but we had the opportunity to explore a little more of Hong Kong.

Not our daughter, just an old friend.

Rubics crythasiums 

How cute :-)  

Have wings, will fly.

Jodie forgot to bring the Aussie sun with her.

Pretending to be a Dragon Dentist; just avoid the bad breath.

On our way to Hong Kong.

I'll have a double, skinny tram please, no sugar thanks.

Look out, give way to the girls.

Stop; look both ways before crossing the "path"

Three  wise ladies, bearing gifts.

Tian Tan Buddha. 

Commands attention.

Long way to the top!

Po Lin Monastery

A more impressive view.

More modern sights.

Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car  Ride - 5.7 kms long!!!!!!!

Not everyone is impressed!!!

Glad we didn't have to hold our ski gear for the 25 minute ride. 

Twin Peak!

Very handy doggy stop

and now for the steepest tram ride n the world.

All downhill from here.

Farewell concrete ally; until next time.

Teaching young Dragons to sea.

Sai Kung Country Park in the New Territories was the setting for a weekend of hiking and camping with a group of our students (Shenzhen College of International Education; SCIE). The 14 -16 year olds are completing their "Bronze" International Award (The Duke of Edinburgh award in Commonwealth terms) and had to demonstrate navigational, leadership and survival  skills,  in addition to a reasonable level of fitness and endurance. 
The fitness and endurance was certainly tested with wind, rain, cool temperatures  and plenty of ups and downs over the three days. Despite all the hardships a spirited, friendly and enjoyable time was experienced. 
We are looking forward to our next "IA" (International Award) silver trip in January.

Relaxing at school before the 'great weekend hike'.

38 students, 7 staff - all waiting for the number 7a bus.

and finally it arrives. Thankfully it is a double decker.

Pak Tam Au Camp site - Friday evening.

A bridge to cross and mountain to climb.

At least this section was flat.

Part of Sai Kung Country Park

Looking North; very picturesque, a pity there was not a little more sun. 

Track to the highest point of the day - Sai Wan Shan (314 meters) 

A view down to our next camp site - Long Ke Wan.

A wonderful spot amongst the trees and close to the beach. 

Our campsite from the opposite hill.

Searching for the students - they were here a moment ago??

We made it - still not sure where the students have gone!!

Shaoguan - more eyefuls.

We were very fortunate to have the opportunity of visiting Shaoguan - about 450 kilometers Northwest of Shenzhen. Taking the fast train on Friday evening we were able to send two full days exploring the picturesque region.

The Ruyuan Grand Canyon and Danxia mountains offered stunning scenery. Waterfalls,  gorges, karst mountains and rather interesting shaped landforms, along with wonderful company provided a memorable weekend.

Ruyuan Grand Canyon.

Tenglong Great Fall - an apt description.

Looking west from the waterfall.

Just a few more steps to the canyon floor.

Happy weekend explorers.

A long way up from the Canyon floor

Yes, this is the number of steps
Hanneke counted them.

The beauty of Ruyuan Grand Canyon. 

200 meter drop.

Chinese Redstone Park.

I hoped you noticed the temple on top of the mountain!!!

Even the weather couldn't dampen our admiration for the scenery. 

Southern valley of the Danxia Mountains - Xianlong Lake.

Paddling up the Jin river.

One of the many gorges in the mountain range. 

Homeward bound - Shaoguan train station.