Fragrant Hills...which is more mountain than hill

Last week one of the summer staff that was staying a little longer and a new yearlonger and I decided we would go on a trip to the Fragrant Hills Park, which is about an hour away from campus by bus.   This was a former villa getaway for the emperors and once you reach the top incredible views of the city and countryside await.  There are two options for getting to the top, you can hike or you can pay about 30 yuan for a cable car to the top.  We were advised before going to take the cable car up and then hike down, but we were all ready for an adventure and a workout, so we decided to hike it all the way.  After the hike up we could see why this suggestion was made...but also felt that it was so worth it!

half way up we were still excited...that changed the closer we got to the top, and the more tired we got, but we finally made it to the top!

this baby was placed in my lap...only in China :)

All in all it was such a fun day to hang out in Gods creation with some pretty great people.  I'm looking forward to going back in the fall when all of the leaves are changing colors...maybe then I'll ride the cable car up :)