Beishan Mountain Hike

Now that Spring has arrived in earnest, we used the opportunity to hike over the mountain on foot, down to West Lake.

Sometimes, Sophie forged on ahead.  Other times, she had other ideas and would pout until one of us carried her.  This is her typical pouting stance. OK, I guess it's back on the shoulders!


When she pouts, I feel like I should use a sword like this guy's, and prod her along.  However, he was in the middle of doing some beautiful Tai Chi, so I didn't think I should ask him.
 

She did find a spot of water though where she could go "fishing", so she was instantly back to her happy self!


Peter takes a breather on the way up...


A nice flowery meadow interspersed with bamboo...


Peter borrowed the camera to take a picture of Mom and Dad.

Aah, finally near the top, and looking out over a portion of West Lake...

Peter and Jack, enjoying the view.


At the top!  Taking a break with the kids...


Looking back at the big city, the way we came.  It's so nice to have all of this nature around a bustling city!


Up on the hill, we came across a beautiful monastery.  Forty yuan later, and we were IN!


An urn to burn incense...


Very clean, beautifully decorated!
 



The staff took an instant liking to Sophie and showed her the local wildlife, including this dog, a talking Mynah bird and some caged rabbits.




A warm, sunny courtyard overlooking the lake and the city.


Definitely a dragon motif at this monastery!  On the roofs! 


... the door panels...


... and even the edges of the buildings!


The boys enjoyed exploring some of the monastery's passage-ways, and then descending the other side of the mountain.
 

Our hike finally dropped us down onto Beishan Lu, and we walked along the promenade on the north side of West Lake.  When walking along the lake, cotton candy is required nourishment!


Sophie LOVES being carried by her big brother!


The Bei Causeway was jam-packed with tourists and city-folk on this beautiful (Easter) Sunday!


The boys found some willow vines and made crowns for themselves.


I caught these two girls taking pictures of us, the funny looking Westerners, so I took one of them in return which made them laugh.


Some of the gorgeous blossoms that are blooming everywhere.


The wind was whipping up, so all of the willows new growth waved in the strong breeze off the water.


The waves from West Lake were washing over the pagoda's floor, so we all went out there to get our feet wet, and be photographed by hundreds of Chinese.


More beautiful flowering trees at the Xihu Tiandi.


Though a little hazy, the sun felt so good - about 72 degrees with a strong breeze today!


A silhouette of the Xihu Tiandi bridge in the late afternoon sun...


I don't often see people with Sophie's level of energy, but this girl was one of them!  She ran around and around and AROUND playing with this kite.

Here she goes, on the maiden voyage!


Meanwhile, Peter and Jack took to the fun game of whipping each other with willow switches.  Peter's finally found purchase on Jack's flesh, so here's Peter apologizing.  They were whipping each other again 30 seconds later.


Here's a little girl that Sophie met.  Notice the buns hanging out of the back of the pants, for the sake of convenience. Also notice that she is wearing what is akin to a snowsuit on a day that's in the low 70's.  So Chinese!


Looking back across the lake towards the western part of the city where we live.  Did we walk all that way?  Whew!
 

More willow trees along the promenade, being pulled by the wind.


The windblown willows, as they reflect the light of the setting sun.


And finally, an end to a wonderful, sunny day in China!