China’s National Parks

Well folks, I'm taking a break from my city touring and heading out into the 
countryside. I flew today from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou airport which I think may 
be one of the highest altitude airports in the world (10,000 feet high). For the 
next 3 days I'll be hiking through two of China's National Parks (think Yosemite 
or Yellowstone). The first one today was Huanglong. It was quite the adventure! 
I was supposed to leave Chengdu at 9:30 AM but the flight got delayed for 45 
minutes due to weather at the airport I was going to. They say it's common since 
it's at such a high altitude they often have to close for snow or fog or 
whatever. Two days before the airport and the park I visited were shut down due 
to snow but I got lucky and today was a gorgeous day. While there was snow all 
over the ground, it was sunny and 60 and great for hiking. The pictures really 
don't do it justice. This place was incredible. Great hiking trails throughout 
and all these multi colored ponds everywhere. Just spectacular. But then I had 
to get a cab from Huanglong to Juizhaigou. Well I've been with some crazy cab 
drivers but this guy was insane. Of course we're careening thru these mountain 
highways and he's pretty much taking every corner on two wheels and passing 
people when he can't see what's ahead of him. I seriously wasn't sure I was 
going to make it 
Tomorrow it's on to hiking Jiuzhaigou. I hope the weather continues to 
cooperate. Enjoy your weekend! 
 
Jeff