On the third day, we actually got to use the trad rack that’s been sitting in our packs for nearly two weeks in China. We climbed the enjoyable Witch Woman Of The Rock line on the Brave New World Buttress (well, the last pitch was kind of less enjoyable) after it had gone into the afternoon shade. We had learned our lesson on The Thumb and so when we got to the base of Low Mountain on day four, we opted for the easy and shady L’Echo Des Montagnes route vs. the original, sunny pick. Though the climbing was mostly forgettable, the serene views of the fishermen on the Yu Long River below were a favorite among all the climbs we’ve done in Yangshuo. The descent which involved about 50 meters of spelunking through the formation was also unique.
.
Yangshuo sunrise.
Sadly, we had to say “good-bye” to Ola as our time in China was running out. We cannot say enough good things about her. In addition to being a prodigy (world class climber, perfect English, a masters degree in physics, perfect – as far as we could see – Mandarin, Russian I believe? What have we missed?), she went above and beyond the call of duty babysitting us and provided quite a bit of inspiration for a future return trip to China. We can only hope that she’ll still be there for a few more years…and that she’s willing to put up with our shit once again.
Photos
View of Yangshuo from Ola’s living room window (Sept. 2016).Some minor scooter shenanigans. Ola’s scooter had some starting issues and so we towed it back to town (Sept. 2016).Ola and Shirley and a scooter (Sept. 2016).Shirley on the first pitch of The Witch Woman Of The Rock on the east face of Brave New World formation. One and only trad climb of the trip (Sept. 2016).Leading the fun pitch 2 of The Witch Woman Of The Rock (nice crack system). Photo by Ola – thank you!More pitch 2 action. Click photo for a full resolution version. Photo by Ola (Sept. 2016).Shirley on pitch 2 (Sept. 2016).Shirley topping out on pitch 2 (Sept. 2016).Pitch 3 of The Witch Woman Of The Rock (Sept. 2016).Pitch 4 which we linked with pitch 3 (Sept. 2016).
Starting up the final and crux (by far) pitch 5 of The Witch Woman Of The Rock (Sept. 2016).Shirley above the crux on the crux and final pitch (Sept. 2016).Views from the route: urban development impinging on farmlands (Sept. 2016).Shirley loving another pitch of thuggish climbing in the moist heat of southern China (Sept. 2016).And it’s almost beer time!Some heavy handed Chinese development on display (Sept. 2016).A mini bushwhack on the final rappel. Click the photo for a video of Shirley’s short but poignant commentary (Sept. 2016).Safety first.Morning coffee sesh about to commence (Sept. 2016).A busy gas station (Sept. 2016).Our ride parked at the Low Mountain “trailhead”.Ba Yue (August), Ola, and Shirley hiking up to Low Mountain. Our planned goal for the day was baking in the sun here (Sept. 2016).More shots of the crew and Low Mountain (Sept. 2016).When Ba Yue grabbed a stick …you know, to check for and ward off snakes… I took my cue and moved to the back of the pack (like a good little Taliban). Ba Yue, Ola, and Shirley clearing the path of any potential serpents on approach to L’Echo des Montagnes on Low Mountain (Sept. 2016).Shirley emerging from the foliage on pitch 1 of L’Echo des Montagnes. This is the low angle western arete of Low Mountain (Sept. 2016).A fisherman on the Yu Long River as seen from Low Mountain. Click the photo for a brief video haiku (Sept. 2016).Shirley topping out on pitch 2 L’Echo des Montagnes. Not that memorable climbingwise but the views were some of the best of the whole trip (Sept. 2016).Spectacular views from L’Echo des Montagnes on Low Mountain (Sept. 2016).Starting pitch 3 of L’Echo des Montagnes. What’re you grabbing there champ? Could it be the rope?!Another fisherman on the river below (Sept. 2016).Shirley arriving at the fourth belay on L’Echo des Montagnes (Sept. 2016).Starting the 5th pitch (Sept. 2016).Looking back at Shirley from the 5th lead (Sept. 2016).More fishing action (Sept. 2016).Topping out on the summit ridge of Low Mountain – pitch 6 of L’Echo des Montagnes (Sept. 2016).Shirley on the 50 meter free air rappel (Sept. 2016).Into the cave (Sept. 2016).After the long rappel, you walk through a natural cave from one side of Low Mountain to the other (Sept. 2016).Walk to the light…but not too far or you’ll go for a 30 meter ride down to the ground (Sept. 2016).One final rappel brings you back to the base of Low Mountain (Sept. 2016).Yangshuo views (Sept. 2016).Once at the base of the south face, we used one of the caves to escape the scorching sun while packing up (Sept. 2016).Subtle beauty of the area (Sept. 2016).Packing up (Sept. 2016).Wandering the streets at sunset (Sept. 2016).Pre-dawn rendezvous with Ola to hike up to the top of a karst to catch the sunrise (Sept. 2016).Panorama of Yangshuo town at sunrise (Sept. 2016).Golden hour magic (Sept. 2016).…and a bit more (Sept. 2016).How the magic gets made. Photo by Ola (Sept. 2016).Thank you for the fun-filled two weeks Ola (and this photo)!More views from the top of the karst with the TV antenna on top (Sept. 2016).Don’t know what they’re selling but the labels intrigue me (Sept. 2016).Hong Kong bound via a short hop (Sept. 2016).
