Travel Guides and Stories

Sponsored by Osprey Extreme House, this was my first journey to the Southern Hemisphere. Over ten days, I traveled with four companions to meet the lovely residents of Tasmania. As a mainlander, my horizons were broadened, and I was deeply moved throughout the journey. Comparing it with foreign lands and reflecting on my own country, I was filled with many thoughts. I've been pondering how to summarize this Australian adventure, and after much consideration, I can only describe it as being a guest. To be a guest is to be a passing traveler in a foreign land. In the wilderness, the flora and fauna are the true hosts, while we are merely visitors.

Meet the Team:    Ed Lee: British gentleman, PhD in Soviet Contemporary History. Team leader and walking encyclopedia. Fluent in Chinese and loves Sichuan cuisine. Responsible for route planning and videography. Has a passion for communism and is the first and only foreigner to walk the Long March route twice. Co-authored "Two People's Long March" with Yang Xiao. Quote: "The Long March is a magnificent epic, characterized by heroism, sacrifice, and endurance."    Typical conversation:    Me: "Ed, what's this tree called?"    Ed: "It's a, ummm... beech."    Yang Xiao: Chengdu native, gear expert, ultralight enthusiast. Provides equipment technical guidance. In November 2005, he started from Liujiaping, Sangzhi, Hunan, walking the New Long March with Ed Lee, reaching Jiangtaibao, Xiji County, Ningxia in October 2006.    Typical conversation:    Me: "Xiao, can I sit on my backpack during breaks?"    Xiao: "As long as there's nothing fragile inside, you can sit on the sleeping bag compartment of this Osprey Sprite - it won't affect the suspension system."    Wang Zhen: Qingdao native, climbing and outdoor photographer, big eater. Photography advisor. Contributed to "China Outdoor Climbing Guide" in 2009, completing the Qingdao section. Worked with Liu Yongbang, Chris Sharma, Davin Bagdonas and other experts for climbing in Qingdao (2008-2011). Published in various outdoor magazines and is a TNF and BD contracted photographer.    Typical conversation:    On the trail, after I check a photo I just took, Wang Zhen passes by and states firmly: "Overexposed." Continues walking without breaking stride.    Xiao Yao Wu'er (Purple): Xi'an native, multi-talented - writes poetry, plays guitar, makes coffee, and rides horses. Has completed most classic hiking routes in China including Wild Shennongjia, Dulongjiang, and Motuo. Cheerful and strong. Provides morale-boosting "luxury items."    Typical conversation:    Me (grimacing): "I got burned."    Purple (digging through her magic bag): "Here! Mentholatum mint cream. Apply this and have some chocolate to cheer up."    Me: Shanghai girl, full of questions. Responsible for cooking, food distribution, and writing. Spent five years visiting every provincial-level region in China (except Taiwan), including bus rides through Ali and Xinjiang-Tibet routes, hitchhiking on the under-construction Duku Highway, and an unguided heavy-pack trek through Badain Jaran Desert. Loves photography and writing.    Typical conversation:    Me: "Ed, are we taking this side trail? Xiao, how do I use the emergency blanket? Wang Zhen, how should I shoot this scene? Purple, when do the cherries ripen in Wild Shennongjia?"    Everyone patiently explains...    Group photo, from left to right: Purple, Wang Zhen, me, Xiao, Ed.