Rock Climbing: No ropes or safety 80 metres above the Great Arch China

ninjalord (54)in #travel • 8 years ago

Hey Steem,

Today's post features a Geruo from the Guizhou region of China and the natural wonder of Getu. These cliffs compose the largest and most spectacular natural limestone archways in the world. From the river to the top is more than 200 metres tall. The upper arch is large enough for small planes to fly through.

'Geruo' is a generation old word unique to the Guizhou region of China and roughly translates to 'rock climber'. Every day the people of Getu would climb the cliffs to harvest the local birds nest for human consumption. Bird's nest soup is considered a delicacy by the Chinese and is among one of the most expensive animal products consumed by humans.

The age old tradition of harvesting the birds nest is no longer allowed in Getu since the area was deemed a national park under protection by the government. This lady is the last of the Geruo and has a special exemption to climb as a tourist attraction to display the old Getu cluture.

At the top here you can see a small red flag, this is where she climbs to everyday over 80 metres above the river! A fall from here would almost certainly mean death. Once she reaches the top she plays a small set of bongo drums for a while before graciously climbing back down.

These shoes look like dunlop volleys from the 90's patched up and sewn together she trusts her life with these old shoes while climbing the arch. What an awesome lady.