Can't smell the ocean just yet.

Posted by Mark on Dec 13, 11:49 PM

The snow and ice has made things difficult, especially when going down hill. But at the same time it has made a nice change to the scenery. One thing I can say, I’m a bit reluctant to crawl out of my sleeping bag in the morning. Yesterday it was still only -4C at 10am!

Ahead of me is an obstacle. A bloody big and steep mountain. After a bit of deliberation I decided to detour around the base of the mountain. It would have been extremely challenging to cross in summer conditions. The snow and ice would have made it near suicidal.

Although the detour meant extra walking, it also came with a bonus – a large town. I must admit that the prospect of a warm bed and hot shower put a renewed spring in my step today. I must be getting old since creature comforts are becoming more and more appealing.

I can’t smell the ocean just yet, but it’s not far away now. The wall makes a loop North before heading South for the home run to Shanhaiguan. Best guess at this stage is that I’ll be at the finish line within 6 days.