Hiking photos - The Quarrymen’s Trail to the Ming Tombs, 2011/06/04

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We had a nice—but hot—day for our hike along the quarrymen’s trail to the Ming tombs. We started out in a heavily forested valley and early in the hike passed the home of a couple in their 80’s who live in a stone hut in the woods. The path gradually made its way up to a clear high point, from where we could see the nearest peaks and the valley that we started the hike in. Along the trail, we saw butterflies, flowers in bloom, and apricots that hadn’t yet ripened.

After reaching the first high point, the trail descended into another valley, and we had lunch in the shade there along the side of a dirt road. This gave us energy to continue with the second uphill section of the hike. The high point here gave us views of the hills that lie in the direction of the Ming Tombs. From this scenic high point, we started our descent toward the area of the tombs, passing several of them. This gave us the chance to admire some of the stonemasonry of the Ming dynasty close up before finishing the hike, after which we had some snacks to refresh ourselves with before continuing to the city.

A peaceful, easy stroll, Beijing Hikers The Quarrymen’s Trail to the Ming Tombs, June 04, 2011

A peaceful, easy stroll through the valley.

Some of the delicate little flowers, Beijing Hikers The Quarrymen’s Trail to the Ming Tombs, June 04, 2011

Some of the delicate little flowers in bloom along the trail were exquisite in their beauty.

Our lunch break, Beijing Hikers The Quarrymen’s Trail to the Ming Tombs, June 04, 2011

Our lunch break in the valley–a rest between ascents to 2 scenic high points. Take your pick, sun or shade.

Hikers relax, Beijing Hikers The Quarrymen’s Trail to the Ming Tombs, June 04, 2011

Hikers relax while the local guide, seated at right, tries to lure a dog concealed in the foliage out to play.

The foliage in the hills was very luxuriant, Beijing Hikers The Quarrymen’s Trail to the Ming Tombs, June 04, 2011

In spite of the dry winter and spring, the foliage in the hills was very luxuriant.

A view of the peaks, Beijing Hikers The Quarrymen’s Trail to the Ming Tombs, June 04, 2011

A view of the peaks and valleys from one of our high viewpoints.

Well deserved refreshments to replenish, Beijing Hikers The Quarrymen’s Trail to the Ming Tombs, June 04, 2011

Well deserved refreshments to replenish salt, sugar, and fluid after the hike.