10/09/07-Yangtze River Cruise (Three Gorges Dam,Xiling Gorge)

Prior to breakfast, the ship ran upstream for an hour, we then we were bussed to visit the Construction Site of the Three Gorges Dam. Here we were met by a young lady who was our guide who called herself the “Dam” guide. Dave told her she should change her nickname to the “Gorges” guide. She smiled. She was excellent (informative and pleasant). We came in at the dam level, shot some pictures and continued up to an overlook plaza which included a building containing a large diorama of the dam. From there we could also climb some stairs to attain a great panoramic view of the dam and its locks. The day was slightly overcast, making photos taken appear on the grey side, and the temperature was in the low 60's. Everyone enjoyed this morning.

After lunch, the ship continued farther upstream toward the locks. Dave went up to the observation deck to get an appreciation of the ship's entry into our lock. It was just wide enough for two ships our size and long enough for two ships our size. After our ship was crammed in, they closed the gate behind us, allowed water to flow into the lock, and when we had reached the appropriate level, opened the gate before us. We had to repeat this process 5 times until the ship attained the level of the upstream river. This took 3 hours to complete.

Now, the ship was in the deeper section of the river and headed for the spectacular Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Gorges. It is almost impossible to express the beauty of this world. I will just say that the river is surrounded by numerous tall and jagged mountains, interspersed between with rolling hills, little villages, and an occasional larger town. The weather was warm but there was a persistent haze which did not allow long distance shots to adequately bring out the magnificent beauty of the gorge. For pictures of the this day, see 3 Gorges Dam.

In the late afternoon the ship docked and we attended the Captain's Banquet. The captain offered a rice wine toast and gave a little speech that was translated for us. The meal was again delicious and the quantities generous. We went back to our cabins full as usual.