(Again, with apologies to Robert Frost)
As I mentioned in the last post, I chose to climb the steeper, less crowded route at Badaling. Climbing was hard work; it was very steep. I would have quit, but my partner and his brother were ahead of me and I wanted them to know I had gone back. And, I’m competitive. So I kept trekking.
When I reached the tower from which this photo is taken, someone told me they had seen Frank and John at the end of the route.
So I ventured on.

The structure on top of the wall (a fort? a barracks?) was the only one like it in this part of the trek.
And on.

Folks from Sinorama Bus #1, the French bus, heading back to ground level after having gone as far as they could.
And on – until it seemed foolish not to go to the end, since I was so close.
And when I got to the end, Frank and John were not there. We must have crossed paths inside one of the buildings while I was taking photos out of a back window.
So I headed back, and back generally meant down.
Saved the best photo for last.
Next post: details from the Great Wall trip.
This blog is a lot of work, but it is wonderful to see. Can’t say I am sorry I missed the WALL.!!
I am truly enjoy your blog and your photos as well. I t keeps the adventure fresh in my memory bank. Carry on sharing
nice series – gives a good impression of the wall & the work that went into it.