Hiking an ancient trade route…the Mei Pass to the next province.

This is the start of a steep mountainous trail.

An ancient bell surrounded by a grove of bamboo.

The Plum blossoms line this trail bloom in December and January.

I believe this sign is saying not to pull the branches down to reach the plums.

The best way to collect the matured plums is to use a long piece of bamboo to shake the branches to let go of the fruit, as this woman is doing in the picture.

The passage way to the next province.

Crossing over to the other side.

Yoneda, Tim, and Liangyou

 I don’t know if I will ever have the chance to pass this way again, so I found myself savoring the experience of hiking this trail on a lovely day.  My favorite part of this trip was spending time with the people, sharing meals, and seeing China from a whole new perspective.

~Molly