10-11-2005

At dawn we passed through the Xiling dam and were immediately treated to a change of scenery. We had entered gorge territory. The sunrises are very interesting (as are the sunsets). There is so much haze that the sun is but an orange orb for nearly 30 degrees elevation. Perhaps interesting is too nice a way to put it. Seeing this phenomena now and then would be great, but daily it a bit much. There were mountains towering along the shore, but they were only visible in silhouette due to the damnable atmosphere. After a short bit of cruising we docked below the 3 Gorges Dam and bussed there for a tour. We saw the dam from the top and bottom, but again through a haze. Hopefully Photoshop will be able to cut through some it. We learned everything there is to know about the dam, most all of which I've promptly forgotten. Google 3 Gorges Dam if you indeed give a damn :>) We then queued up for what seem like an interminable wait to go through the locks. While traversing them, about 4 hours including the wait, we were told to be sure to see the exit because the scenery was spectacular. I'm sure it was but it was so late that we had the orange orb, haze and, you're right, silhouettes of mountains! Right now we are cruising through spectacular scenery in the dark. They promise us we will have our fill of it tomorrow, but they also have promised clouds and possibly rain. Saw what looked like a dead pig float by.