Travel Guides and Stories

Sponsored by Osprey Extreme House, this was my first overseas journey to the Southern Hemisphere. Over ten days, I traveled with four companions to visit the lovely residents of Tasmania. As a first-timer, I was constantly amazed. Comparing it with overseas experiences and reflecting on my own country, I had many thoughts.

I've been pondering how to summarize this Australian journey, and after much thought, I can only think of the phrase "being a guest." A guest is a traveler in a foreign land. In the wilderness, the flora and fauna are the true hosts, while we are all merely passing visitors.

Cast Introduction:
   Ed Lee, British gentleman, Soviet contemporary history PhD, team leader and walking encyclopedia. Fluent in Chinese, loves Sichuan cuisine, responsible for route planning and videography, referred to as Ed. Passionate about communism, he's the first and only foreigner to walk the Long March route twice. Co-authored "Two People's Long March" with Yang Xiao; "The Long March is a magnificent epic, with heroism, sacrifice, and endurance running through its main theme."
   Typical conversation:
   Me: Ed, what's this tree called?
   Ed: It's a, ummm... beech.
   Yang Xiao, Chengdu man, Gear Guy equipment expert, ultralight enthusiast, responsible for equipment technical guidance, referred to as Brother Xiao. On November 19, 2005, he set out from Liujiaping, Sangzhi, Hunan with Ed Lee to walk the New Long March, arriving at Jiangtaibao, Xiji County, Ningxia on October 22, 2006.
   Typical conversation:
   Me: Brother Xiao, can I sit on my backpack during breaks?
   Brother 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 carrying system.
   Wang Zhen, Qingdao strongman, rock climbing outdoor photographer, big eater, photography mentor. Contributed to "China Outdoor Climbing Guide" in 2009, independently completing the Qingdao section. From 2008-2011, climbed in Qingdao with Liu Yongbang, Chris Sharma, Davin Bagdonas and other experts. Published multiple articles in "Mountain and Wild", "Outdoor Adventure", "Outdoor". TNF and BD contracted photographer.
   Typical conversation:
   On the trail, after I took a photo and checked the display, Wang Zhen passed by, stating coldly and firmly: "Overexposed." His walking rhythm unchanged, he strode past me.
   Little Fairy Dancer, Xi'an girl, multi-talented - writing poetry, playing guitar, making coffee, horseback riding. Has completed most classic hiking routes in China including Wild Shennongjia, Dulongjiang, Motuo. Cheerful, strong carrier, responsible for providing uplifting "luxury items", referred to as Zimo. Motto: "Eat less, carry more, represent for the girls!"
   Typical conversation:
   Me (frowning): I got burned.
   Zimo (digging through her magical bag): Here! Mentholatum mint cream, apply this and have some chocolate to cheer up.
   Me, Shanghai girl, full of questions, responsible for cooking, serving food and written documentation. Spent five years visiting every provincial-level region in China except Taiwan while working, including taking buses through Ali and the Xinjiang-Tibet highway, hitchhiking on the under-construction Duku highway, and trekking the Badain Jaran Desert without guides. Love photography and writing.
   Typical conversation:
   Me: Ed, are we taking this side trail? Brother Xiao, how do you use the emergency blanket? Wang Zhen, how should I shoot this scene? Zimo, when do the cherries ripen in Wild Shennongjia?
   Everyone patiently explains...
   Family photo, from left to right: Zimo, Wang Zhen, me, Brother Xiao, Ed.