So we have been sent home early as we weren't needed for the 2day hike around the rice terraces of Longji. But we're super glad to come home for some R and R after 3 intense days of whitewater. We had 19 students and 2 teachers spread out between 11 infaltable kayaks. The first day was easy as it was mostly flat water with the odd rapid spaced out over 17km's. Long long day though!!! AND the hardest part of all was carrying the kayaks up 500m of pure uphill steeps! nearly killed us!!!!!
The 2nd day was all whitewater rafting. The rafts weren't exactly what we'd call good rafts as the twarts weren't attached and it was a bucket boat so filled up with water and then you had to bail it out when you could. So anyways we were left to guide the kids down, was awesome. some bits were more exciting than expected but all in all a great day. Another long day as well as the 2nd half after lunch we hadn't done before so we were just cruising. Quite a few little drops along the way and rather a narrow gorge but very fun! The best part about the end of the day meant we were off to the hot pools! Oh my these were the most amazing hot pools we have ever been too. So pristine and so many little pools to chose from, the worst part was they were all super hot - between 36 and 43 degrees! It was all worth it though! Unfortunately one of the girls got stung by a centipede on our walk home. Her foot swelled up and she was in some major pain. She had to sit out the next few days and wait for the swelling to go down.
The last day was another day kayaking on a grade 2 river. It was awesome as well and the kids loved it. they werent too good at listening to us so got into a little bit of trouble but no major damage.... luckily.
So by the end of 3 days the kids were pretty unburnt, tired and very happy with themselves. Now they are out using their legs for the hike around Longji rice terraces. We had to drive half way up there yesterday to deliver their lunch, but sadly it was very hazy so couldn't get any amazing photos. The locals have all harvested their rice so its a beautiful golden colour. The 1st of Oct is the start of golden week and also National day is that week too. So there are preparations going on everywhere in every town. Apparetnly it is the week where all the Chinese travel and go on holiday so i hear Yangshuo is crazy!!!
So for now i think we have a few days off so will try and get out and explore the area some more. maybe a few days climbing maybe a few days of doing nothing! Will wait and see what the days bring us. :)
