Welcome to the trip log. This page presents information we collect on a more or less regular basis to track our progress – distance traveled, elevation gained and lost, etc. All distances are in kilometres, elevations are in metres, and temperatures are in degrees Celsius.
Like our regular posts, the trip log should be read from bottom to top. To see the information for our first day on the wall scroll down to the bottom; to see information for the most recent day we’ve posted start at the top. We realise this is a bit counterintuitive, but the alternative is to have you scroll to the bottom each time you want to see current information.
We imagine that much of the other information below is of limited interest to all but serious hikers or gearheads. If you happen to fall into one of those categories (or if you’re inclined to take numbers just a little too seriously), please scroll to the bottom of the page for extensive notes on the gear we use to compile the information and its relative accuracy.
Umm, a note for the handful of people who have been waiting for coordinates for the last two months of our trip. We do have them, and we intend to publish them here. Somehow, some way, we ran out of steam for trawling through all the GPS data and posting toward the end of our hike, and still haven’t managed to find the time since we’ve been home. But we will. Eventually.
Day 227, April 27
Houcheng to Baihe Reservoir
Location at day’s beginning: 40° 41’ 27.85” N, 116° 03’ 48.44” E
Location at day’s end: 40° 38’ 23.99” N, 116° 10’ 56.39” E
Kilometres walked: 22.102
Kilometres walked to date: 2949.087
Kilometres walked on wall: 0
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1791.965
Kilometres walked off wall: 22.102
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1162.122
Elevation at day’s beginning: 635
Elevation at day’s end: 650
Maximum elevation: 654
Minimum elevation: 610
Total ascent for the day: 493
Total ascent to date: 84,603
Total descent for the day: 472
Total descent to date: 85,360
Sunrise: 5:21
Sunset: 7:06
Temperature at 8 am: 16°
Temperature at 3 pm: 28°
Day 226, April 26
Diaoyicun to Houcheng
Location at day’s beginning: 40° 43’ 25.94” N, 115° 49’ 11.04” E
Location at day’s end: 40° 41’ 27.85” N, 116° 03’ 48.44” E
Kilometres walked: 30.302
Kilometres walked to date: 2926.985
Kilometres walked on wall: 0
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1791.965
Kilometres walked off wall: 30.302
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1140.020
Elevation at day’s beginning: 838
Elevation at day’s end: 635
Maximum elevation: 838
Minimum elevation: 634
Total ascent for the day: 477
Total ascent to date: 84,110
Total descent for the day: 680
Total descent to date: 84,888
Sunrise: 5:23
Sunset: 7:06
Temperature at 9 am: 13°
Temperature at 3 pm: 26°
Temperature at 8 pm: 14°
Day 225, April 25
Qiansuo to Diaoyicun
Location at day’s beginning: 40° 47’ 56.93” N, 115° 32’ 43.14” E
Location at day’s end: 40° 43’ 25.94” N, 115° 49’ 11.04” E
Kilometres walked: 28.805
Kilometres walked to date: 2896.683
Kilometres walked on wall: 24.562
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 11791.965
Kilometres walked off wall: 4.243
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1109.718
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1149
Elevation at day’s end: 838
Maximum elevation: 1155
Minimum elevation: 836
Total ascent for the day: 1612
Total ascent to date: 83,633
Total descent for the day: 929
Total descent to date: 84,208
Sunrise: 5:25
Sunset: 7:06
Temperature at 3 pm: 22°
Temperature at 8 pm: 14°
Days 423-424, April 23-24
Rest days in Longguan
Day 222, April 22
Xitaizui to Qiansuo
Location at day’s beginning: 40° 47’ 33.54” N, 115° 18’ 58.62” E
Location at day’s end: 40° 47’ 56.93” N, 115° 32’ 43.14” E
Kilometres walked: 27.457
Kilometres walked to date: 2867.878
Kilometres walked on wall: 27.457
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1767.403
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1100.475
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1669
Elevation at day’s end: 1149
Maximum elevation: 1946
Minimum elevation: 1148
Total ascent for the day: 1563
Total ascent to date: 83,021
Total descent for the day: 2080
Total descent to date: 83,279
Sunrise: 5:31
Sunset: 7:04
Temperature at 7 am: -3°
Temperature at 2 pm: 11°
Day 221, April 21
Xitaigou to Xitaizui
Location at day’s beginning: 40° 48’ 25.78” N, 115° 09’ 03.74” E
Location at day’s end: 40° 47’ 33.54” N, 115° 18’ 58.62” E
Kilometres walked: 21.623
Kilometres walked to date: 2840.421
Kilometres walked on wall: 21.623
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1739.946
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1100.475
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1335
Elevation at day’s end: 1669
Maximum elevation: 1485
Minimum elevation: 1043
Total ascent for the day: 2284
Total ascent to date: 81,458
Total descent for the day: 1949
Total descent to date: 81,199
Sunrise: 5:31
Sunset: 7:04
Temperature at 7 am: 4°, light snow
Temperature at 3 pm: 8°, windy
Temperature at 8 pm: 3°, windy
Day 220, April 20
Rentoushan to Xitaigou
Location at day’s beginning: 40° 49’ 09.29” N, 115° 00’ 46.19” E
Location at day’s end: 40° 48’ 25.78” N, 115° 09’ 03.74” E
Kilometres walked: 18.021
Kilometres walked to date: 2818.798
Kilometres walked on wall: 18.021
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1718.323
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1100.475
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1476
Elevation at day’s end: 1335
Maximum elevation: 1806
Minimum elevation: 1165
Total ascent for the day: 1935
Total ascent to date: 79,174
Total descent for the day: 2067
Total descent to date: 79,250
Sunrise: 5:35
Sunset: 7:03
Temperature at 7 am: 12°
Temperature at 9 am: 6°, 30 km/hr wind
Temperature at 2 pm: 18°
Temperature at 7 pm: 6.5°
Day 219, April 19
Zhangjiakou to Rentoushan
Location at day’s beginning: 40° 50’ 41.60” N, 114° 53’ 09.03” E
Location at day’s end: 40° 49’ 09.29” N, 115° 00’ 46.19” E
Kilometres walked: 24.910
Kilometres walked to date: 2800.777
Kilometres walked on wall: 24.910
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1700.302
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1100.475
Elevation at day’s beginning: 798
Elevation at day’s end: 1476
Maximum elevation: 1568
Minimum elevation: 782
Total ascent for the day: 1889
Total ascent to date: 77,239
Total descent for the day: 1209
Total descent to date: 77,183
Sunrise: 5:37
Sunset: 7:03
Temperature at 2 pm: 25°
Temperature at 8 pm: 11°, overnight sandstorm, very windy
Day 218, April 18
Tujingzi to Zhangjiakou
Location at day’s beginning: 40° 55’ 01.21” N, 114° 47’ 28.66” E
Location at day’s end: 40° 50’ 41.60” N, 114° 53’ 09.03” E
Kilometres walked: 17.847
Kilometres walked to date: 2775.867
Kilometres walked on wall: 17.847
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1675.392
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1100.475
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1266
Elevation at day’s end: 798
Maximum elevation: 1358
Minimum elevation: 796
Total ascent for the day: 1369
Total ascent to date: 75,350
Total descent for the day: 1836
Total descent to date: 75,974
Sunrise: 5:39
Sunset: 7:02
Temperature at 1 pm: 24°
Temperature at 6 pm: 19°
Day 217, April 17
Rest day in Zhanjiakou
Day 216, April 16
Dashanping to Tujingzi
Location at ay’s beginning: 41° 00’ 18.87” N, 114° 37’ 42.37” E
Location at day’s end: 40° 55’ 01.21” N, 114° 47’ 28.66” E
Kilometres walked: 29.911
Kilometres walked to date: 2758.010
Kilometres walked on wall: 29.911
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1657.535
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1100.475
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1572
Elevation at day’s end: 1266
Maximum elevation: 1684
Minimum elevation: 1254
Total ascent for the day: 1206
Total ascent to date: 73,981
Total descent for the day: 1512
Total descent to date: 74,138
Sunrise: 5:42
Sunset: 7:01
Temperature at 7 am: -5°
Temperature at 2 pm: 11° (wind chill 5°)
Day 215, April 15
Hulun to Dashanping
Location at day’s beginning: 40° 54’ 58.51” N, 114° 25’ 30.73” E
Location at day’s end: 41° 00’ 18.87” N, 114° 37’ 42.37” E
Kilometres walked: 26.193
Kilometres walked to date: 2728.099
Kilometres walked on wall: 26.193
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1627.624
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1100.475
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1335
Elevation at day’s end: 1572
Maximum elevation: 1866
Minimum elevation: 1335
Total ascent for the day: 1687
Total ascent to date: 72,775
Total descent for the day: 1451
Total descent to date: 72,626
Sunrise: 5:45
Sunset: 7:00
Temperature at 7 am: 2°
Temperature at 10 am: -8°, 25 km/hr wind, light snow
Temperature at 3 pm: 5°
Day 214, April 14
5 kilometres west of Ximalin to Hulun
Location at day’s beginning: 40° 47’ 51.32” N, 114° 22’ 54.71” E
Location at day’s end: 40° 54’ 58.51” N, 114° 25’ 30.73” E
Kilometres walked: 23.740
Kilometres walked to date: 2701.906
Kilometres walked on wall: 23.740
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1601.431
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1100.475
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1387
Elevation at day’s end: 1335
Maximum elevation: 1588
Minimum elevation: 1112
Total ascent for the day: 1467
Total ascent to date: 71,088
Total descent for the day: 1516
Total descent to date: 71,175
Sunrise: 5:46
Sunset: 7:00
Temperature at 7 am: 4°, windy
Temperature at 3 pm: 16°, calm
Temperature at 8 pm: 6°
Day 213, April 13
5 kilometres north of Huai’an to 5 kilometres west of Ximalin
Location at day’s beginning: 40° 42’ 29.63” N, 114° 20’ 53.53” E
Location at day’s end: 40° 47’ 51.32” N, 114° 22’ 54.71” E
Kilometres walked: 18.726
Kilometres walked to date: 2678.166
Kilometres walked on wall: 4.206
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1577.691
Kilometres walked off wall: 14.528
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1100.475
Elevation at day’s beginning: 850
Elevation at day’s end: 1387
Maximum elevation: 1399
Minimum elevation: 850
Total ascent for the day: 1416
Total ascent to date: 68,621
Total descent for the day: 879
Total descent to date: 69,659
Sunrise: 5:48
Sunset: 6:59
Temperature at 3 pm: 18°, 20 km/hr wind
Temperature at 8 pm: 6°, partly cloudy, windy
Day 212, April 12
Xianglushan to 5 kilometres north of Huai’an
Location at day’s beginning: 40° 45’ 07.43” N, 114° 13’ 23.95” E
Location at day’s end: 40° 42’ 29.63” N, 114° 20’ 53.53” E
Kilometres walked: 17.358
Kilometres walked to date: 2659.440
Kilometres walked on wall: 13.087
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1573.485
Kilometres walked off wall: 4.271
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1085.955
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1680
Elevation at day’s end: 850
Maximum elevation: 1769
Minimum elevation: 850
Total ascent for the day: 1215
Total ascent to date: 68,205
Total descent for the day: 2207
Total descent to date: 68,780
Sunrise: 5:50
Sunset: 6:58
Temperature at 8 am: 3°
Temperature at 2 pm: 10°, windy, partly cloudy
Day 211, April 11
Shanxi/Hebei border to Xianglushan
Location at day’s beginning: 40° 42’ 31.73” N, 114° 09’ 40.16” E
Location at day’s end: 40° 45’ 07.43” N, 114° 13’ 23.95” E
Kilometres walked: 20.304
Kilometres walked to date: 2642.082
Kilometres walked on wall: 11.445
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1560.398
Kilometres walked off wall: 8.859
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1081.684
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1097
Elevation at day’s end: 1680
Maximum elevation: 1713
Minimum elevation: 1097
Total ascent for the day: 1498
Total ascent to date: 66,838
Total descent for the day: 915
Total descent to date: 66,573
Sunrise: 5:52
Sunset: 6:58
Temperature at 2 pm: 11.5°, cloudy
Temperature at 8 pm: 6°, light rain
Day 210, April 10
Rest day in Huai’an
Day 209, April 9
Xinpingbao to Shanxi/Hebei border
Location at day’s beginning: 40° 39’ 33.90” N, 114° 04’ 26.40” E
Location at day’s end: 40° 42’ 31.73” N, 114° 09’ 40.16” E
Kilometres walked: 12.241
Kilometres walked to date: 2621.778
Kilometres walked on wall: 12.241
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1548.953
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1072.825
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1078
Elevation at day’s end: 1097
Maximum elevation: 1122
Minimum elevation: 1069
Total ascent for the day: 292
Total ascent to date: 65,340
Total descent for the day: 271
Total descent to date: 65,658
Sunrise: 5:56
Sunset: 6:56
Temperature at 10 am: 12°
Day 208, April 8
Sanxuedun to Xinpingbao
Location at day’s beginning: 40° 31’ 17.98” N, 114° 05’ 24.26” E
Location at day’s end: 40° 39’ 33.90” N, 114° 04’ 26.40” E
Kilometres walked: 22.989
Kilometres walked to date: 1755.163
Kilometres walked on wall: 2609.537
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1536.712
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1072.825
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1174
Elevation at day’s end: 1078
Maximum elevation: 1827
Minimum elevation: 1078
Total ascent for the day: 1634
Total ascent to date: 65,048
Total descent for the day: 1713
Total descent to date: 65,387
Sunrise: 5:57
Sunset: 6:55
Temperature at 7 am: 4°
Temperature at 3 pm: 12°, sunny
Day 207, April 7
Chenjiabao to Sanxuedun
Location at day’s beginning: 40° 27’ 03.10” N, 113° 52’ 27.86” E
Location at day’s end: 40° 31’ 17.98” N, 114° 05’ 24.26” E
Kilometres walked: 27.136
Kilometres walked to date: 2586.548
Kilometres walked on wall: 27.136
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1513.723
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1072.825
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1172
Elevation at day’s end: 1162
Maximum elevation: 1339
Minimum elevation: 1110
Total ascent for the day: 1170
Total ascent to date: 63,414
Total descent for the day: 1174
Total descent to date: 63,674
Sunrise: 6:00
Sunset: 6:54
Temperature at 7 am: 3°
Temperature at 3 pm: 6° (wind chill 0°)
Temperature at 8 pm: -2°
Day 206, April 6
Shoukoudun to Chenjiabao
Location at day’s beginning: 40° 24’ 39.35” N, 113° 38’ 42.26” E Location at day’s end: 40° 27’ 03.10” N, 113° 52’ 27.86” E
Kilometres walked: 26.282
Kilometres walked to date: 2559.412
Kilometres walked on wall: 26.282
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1486.587
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1072.825
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1448
Elevation at day’s end: 1172
Maximum elevation: 1453
Minimum elevation: 1044
Total ascent for the day: 1024
Total ascent to date: 62,244
Total descent for the day: 1296
Total descent to date: 62,500
Sunrise: 6:02
Sunset: 6:53
Temperature at 8 am: 3°
Temperature at 3 pm: 14°, windy with afternoon rain (wind chill 7°)
Temperature at 8 pm: -2°
Day 205, April 5
Changchengxiang to Shoukoudun
Location at day’s beginning: 40° 21’ 05.16” N, 113° 34’ 27.54” E
Location at day’s end: 40° 24’ 39.35” N, 113° 38’ 42.26” E
Kilometres walked: 18.234
Kilometres walked to date: 2533.13
Kilometres walked on wall: 18.234
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1460.305
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1072.825
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1386
Elevation at day’s end: 1448
Maximum elevation: 1486
Minimum elevation: 1320
Total ascent for the day: 1061
Total ascent to date: 61,220
Total descent for the day: 999
Total descent to date: 61,204
Sunrise: 6:06
Sunset: 6:53
Temperature at 2 pm: 11.5°, partly cloudy
Temperature at 8 pm: 2°
Day 204, April 4
Rest day in Datong
Day 203, April 3
Baoziwanxiang to Changchengxiang
Location at day’s beginning: 40° 20’ 36.37” N, 113° 17’ 40.43” E
Location at day’s end: 40° 21’ 05.16” N, 113° 34’ 27.54” E
Kilometres walked: 31.114
Kilometres walked to date: 2514.897
Kilometres walked on wall: 31.114
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 144.071
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1072.825
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1184
Elevation at day’s end: 1386
Maximum elevation: 1459
Minimum elevation: 1163
Total ascent for the day: 1171
Total ascent to date: 60,196
Total descent for the day: 967
Total descent to date: 60,205
Sunrise: 6:09
Sunset: 6:51
Temperature at 7 am: -7.5°
Temperature at 2 pm: 16°, sunny and nice
Day 202, April 2
Lixinzhuang to Baoziwanxiang
Location at day’s beginning: 40° 22’ 17.93” N, 113° 04’ 55.91” E
Location at day’s end: 40° 20’ 36.37” N, 113° 17’ 40.43” E
Kilometres walked: 26.260
Kilometres walked to date: 2483.782
Kilometres walked on wall: 26.260
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1410.957
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1072.825
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1230
Elevation at day’s end: 1184
Maximum elevation: 1275
Minimum elevation: 1166
Total ascent for the day: 1106
Total ascent to date: 59,025
Total descent for the day: 1151
Total descent to date: 59,238
Sunrise: 6:11
Sunset: 6:52
Temperature at 7:30 am: -3.5°, very windy
Temperature at 3 pm: 3° (wind chill -1°)
Temperature at 7 pm: -4°
Day 201, April 1
Shisanbian to Lixinzhuang
Location at day’s beginning: 40° 19’ 28.08” N, 112° 53’ 40.37” E
Location at day’s end: 40° 22’ 17.93” N, 113° 04’ 55.91” E
Kilometres walked: 19.913
Kilometres walked to date: 2457.522
Kilometres walked on wall: 19.913
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1384.697
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1072.825
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1380
Elevation at day’s end: 1230
Maximum elevation: 1402
Minimum elevation: 1215
Total ascent for the day: 1197
Total ascent to date: 57,919
Total descent for the day: 1349
Total descent to date: 58,087
Sunrise: 6:14
Sunset: 6:51
Temperature at 9:30 am: 2° (wind chill -5°)
Temperature at 2 pm: 4° (winds 30 km/hr, gusts 50 km/hr)
Temperature at 8 pm: -2.5°
Days 192-200, March 23-March 31
Visiting Emma’s mum in Beijing
Day 191, March 22
Bao’an to Shisanbian
Location at day’s beginning: 40° 13’ 43.73” N, 112° 51’ 34.04” E
Location at day’s end: 40° 19’ 28.08” N, 112° 53’ 40.37” E
Kilometres walked: 12.691
Kilometres walked to date: 2437.609
Kilometres walked on wall: 12.691
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1364.784
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1072.825
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1348
Elevation at day’s end: 1380
Maximum elevation: 1437
Minimum elevation: 1338
Total ascent for the day: 497
Total ascent to date: 56,722
Total descent for the day: 468
Total descent to date: 56,738
Sunrise: 6:30
Sunset: 6:42
Temperature at 7 am: -0.8°
Temperature at 3 pm: 14° (warm, partly cloudy)
Day 190, March 21
Liudungo to Bao’an
Location at day’s beginning: 40° 11’ 43.53” N, 112° 40’ 24.68” E
Location at day’s end: 40° 13’ 43.73” N, 112° 51’ 34.04” E
Kilometres walked: 25.553
Kilometres walked to date: 2424.918
Kilometres walked on wall: 25.553
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1352.093
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1072.825
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1915
Elevation at day’s end: 1348
Maximum elevation: 1938
Minimum elevation: 1327
Total ascent for the day: 897
Total ascent to date: 56,225
Total descent for the day: 1433
Total descent to date: 56,270
Sunrise: 6:32
Sunset: 6:41
Temperature at 7 am: -2°
Temperature at 3 pm: 17°
Temperature at 8 pm: -1.5°
Day 189, March 20
Guojiagou to Liudungou
Location at day’s beginning: 40° 17’ 36.47” N, 112° 27’ 52.18” E
Location at day’s end: 40° 11’ 43.53” N, 112° 40’ 24.68” E
Kilometres walked: 27.752
Kilometres walked to date: 2399.365
Kilometres walked on wall: 27.752
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1326.54
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1072.825
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1542
Elevation at day’s end: 1915
Maximum elevation: 1942
Minimum elevation: 1455
Total ascent for the day: 1455
Total ascent to date: 55,328
Total descent for the day: 1082
Total descent to date: 54,837
Sunrise: 6:35
Sunset: 6:41
Temperature at 7 am: -2.5°
Temperature at 3 pm: 4 (morning snow, afternoon sun)
Temperature at 8 pm: -0.5°
Day 188, March 19
Shahukou to Guojiagou
Location at day’s beginning: 40° 14’ 47.09” N, 112° 18’ 22.29” E
Location at day’s end: 40° 17’ 36.47” N, 112° 27’ 52.18” E
Kilometres walked: 20.799
Kilometres walked to date: 2371.613
Kilometres walked on wall: 20.799
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1298.788
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1072.825
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1263
Elevation at day’s end: 1542
Maximum elevation: 1659
Minimum elevation: 1256
Total ascent for the day: 1082
Total ascent to date: 53,873
Total descent for the day: 798
Total descent to date: 53,755
Sunrise: 6:37
Sunset: 6:40
Temperature at 12 pm: 10°
Temperature at 3 pm: 4° (morning snow, afternoon sun)
Temperature at 8 pm: -0.5°
Day 187, March 18
Rest day in Youyu
Day 186, March 17
Yuanshanzi to Shahukou
Location at day’s beginning: 40° 09’ 54.84” N, 112° 13’ 36.06” E
Location at day’s end: 40° 14’ 47.09” N, 112° 18’ 22.29” E
Kilometres walked: 15.913
Kilometres walked to date: 2350.814
Kilometres walked on wall: 15.913
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1277.989
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1072.825
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1702
Elevation at day’s end: 1263
Maximum elevation: 1702
Minimum elevation: 1254
Total ascent for the day: 538
Total ascent to date: 52,791
Total descent for the day: 961
Total descent to date: 52,957
Sunrise: 6:41
Sunset: 6:39
Temperature at 7 am: -5.5°
Day 185, March 16
Yunshibao to Yuanshanzi
Location at day’s beginning: 40° 01’ 35.12” N, 112° 08’ 11.54” E
Location at day’s end: 40° 09’ 54.84” N, 112° 13’ 36.06” E
Kilometres walked: 23.293
Kilometres walked to date: 2334.901
Kilometres walked on wall: 23.293
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1262.076
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1072.825
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1605
Elevation at day’s end: 1702
Maximum elevation: 1785
Minimum elevation: 1522
Total ascent for the day: 1377
Total ascent to date: 52,253
Total descent for the day: 1280
Total descent to date: 51,993
Sunrise: 6:43
Sunset: 6:38
Temperature at 7 am: -4.5°
Temperature at 2 pm: 3°, partly cloudy
Temperature at 8 pm: -2°
Day 184, March 15
Dahebao to Yunshibao
Location at day’s beginning: 39° 51’ 98.01” N, 112° 01’ 56.94” E
Location at day’s end: 40° 01’ 35.12” N, 112° 08’ 11.54” E
Kilometres walked: 22.712
Kilometres walked to date: 2311.608
Kilometres walked on wall: 22.712
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1238.783
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1072.825
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1591
Elevation at day’s end: 1605
Maximum elevation: 1695
Minimum elevation: 1517
Total ascent for the day: 849
Total ascent to date: 50,876
Total descent for the day: 835
Total descent to date: 50,713
Sunrise: 6:45
Sunset: 6:37
Temperature at 7 am: -6°
Temperature at 3 pm: 4°, partly cloudy
Temperature at 8 pm: -4.5°
Day 183, March 14
Xinzhuangzi to Dahebao
Location at day’s beginning: 39° 45’ 01.02” N, 111° 57’ 42.41” E
Location at day’s end: 39° 51’ 49.01” N, 112° 01’ 56.94” E
Kilometres walked: 21.274
Kilometres walked to date: 2288.896
Kilometres walked on wall: 21.274
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1216.071
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1072.825
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1657
Elevation at day’s end: 1591
Maximum elevation: 1706
Minimum elevation: 1545
Total ascent for the day: 1119
Total ascent to date: 50,027
Total descent for the day: 1178
Total descent to date: 49,878
Sunrise: 6:47
Sunset: 6:36
Temperature at 7 am: -6.5°
Temperature at 2 pm: 6°
Temperature at 8 pm: -1°
Day 182, March 13
Baodun, Inner Mongolia to Xinzhuangzi
Location at day’s beginning: 39° 38’ 52.54” N, 111° 52’ 29.94” E
Location at day’s end: 39° 45’ 01.02” N, 111° 57’ 42.41” E
Kilometres walked: 23.502
Kilometres walked to date: 2267.622
Kilometres walked on wall: 23.502
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1194.797
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1072.825
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1794
Elevation at day’s end: 1657
Maximum elevation: 1794
Minimum elevation: 1478
Total ascent for the day: 1448
Total ascent to date: 48,908
Total descent for the day: 1360
Total descent to date: 48,700
Sunrise: 6:48
Sunset: 6:36
Temperature at 7 am: -9°
Temperature at 1 pm: 4.5°
Temperature at 8 pm: 0.4°
Day 181, March 12
Shuiquanxian to Baodun, Inner Mongolia
Location at day’s beginning: 39° 36’ 04.87” N, 111° 42’ 13.45” E
Location at day’s end: 39° 38’ 52.54” N, 111° 52’ 29.94” E
Kilometres walked: 25.378
Kilometres walked to date: 2244.12
Kilometres walked on wall: 25.378
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1171.295
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1072.825
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1284
Elevation at day’s end: 1570
Maximum elevation: 1808
Minimum elevation: 1282
Total ascent for the day: 1438
Total ascent to date: 47,460
Total descent for the day: 1150
Total descent to date: 47,340
Sunrise: 6:51
Sunset: 6:35
Temperature at 12 pm: 2° (wind chill -2°)
Temperature at 8 pm: -4.5°
Day 180, March 11
Rest day in Pianguan
Day 179, March 10
Huashi to Shuiquanxiang
Location at day’s beginning: 39° 39’ 00.69” N, 111° 32’ 19.88” E
Location at day’s end: 39° 36’ 04.87” N, 111° 42’ 13.45” E
Kilometres walked: 24.051
Kilometres walked to date: 2218.742
Kilometres walked on wall: 24.051
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1145.917
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1072.825
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1321
Elevation at day’s end: 1284
Maximum elevation: 1647
Minimum elevation: 1156
Total ascent for the day: 1429
Total ascent to date: 46,022
Total descent for the day: 1468
Total descent to date: 46,190
Sunrise: 6:54
Sunset: 6:34
Temperature at 7 am: -14.5°
Temperature at 3 pm: -6° (wind chill -19°, clear and windy)
Day 178, March 9
Huanglongchi to Huashi
Location at day’s beginning: 39° 35’ 45.29” N, 111° 30’ 14.06” E
Location at day’s end: 39° 39’ 00.69” N, 111° 32’ 19.88” E
Kilometres walked: 24.214
Kilometres walked to date: 2194.691
Kilometres walked on wall: 6.240
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1121.866
Kilometres walked off wall: 17.974
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1072.825
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1482
Elevation at day’s end: 1321
Maximum elevation: 1487
Minimum elevation: 1002
Total ascent for the day: 1094
Total ascent to date: 44,593
Total descent for the day: 9574
Total descent to date: 44,722
Sunrise: 6:56
Sunset: 6:34
Temperature at 7 am: -3.5°
Temperature at 3 pm: 2° (wind chill -6°; winds to 25 km/hr)
Temperature at 6 pm: -4°
Day 177, March 8
Tianfengping to Huanglongchi
Location at day’s beginning: 39° 29’ 40.29” N, 111° 24’ 45.47” E
Location at day’s end: 39° 35’ 45.29” N, 111° 30’ 14.06” E
Kilometres walked: 24.538
Kilometres walked to date: 2170.477
Kilometres walked on wall: 0
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1115.626
Kilometres walked off wall: 24.538
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1054.851
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1036
Elevation at day’s end: 1482
Maximum elevation: 1570
Minimum elevation: 1035
Total ascent for the day: 1088
Total ascent to date: 43,499
Total descent for the day: 649
Total descent to date: 43,475
Sunrise: 6:58
Sunset: 6:33
Temperature at 7 am: -9°
Temperature at 3 pm: 4.5°
Temperature at 8 pm: -2.5° (snowing)
Day 176, March 7
Lijiata to Tianfengping
Location at day’s beginning: 39° 25’ 01.80” N, 111° 18’ 55.63” E
Location at day’s end: 39° 29’ 40.29” N, 111° 24’ 45.47” E
Kilometres walked: 26.021
Kilometres walked to date: 2145.939
Kilometres walked on wall: 2.956
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1115.626
Kilometres walked off wall: 23.065
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1030.313
Elevation at day’s beginning: 930
Elevation at day’s end: 1036
Maximum elevation: 1047
Minimum elevation: 887
Total ascent for the day: 1023
Total ascent to date: 42,411
Total descent for the day: 911
Total descent to date: 42,826
Sunrise: 7:00
Sunset: 6:32
Temperature at 10 am: 3°
Temperature at 2 pm: 6.5°
Temperature at 8 pm: -3°
Day 175, March 6
Hequ to Lijiata
Location at day’s beginning: 39° 22’ 56.80” N, 111° 08’ 29.86” E
Location at day’s end: 39° 25’ 01.80” N, 111° 18’ 55.63” E
Kilometres walked: 22.998
Kilometres walked to date: 2119.918
Kilometres walked on wall: 8.399
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1112.680
Kilometres walked off wall: 14.599
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 1007.248
Elevation at day’s beginning: 849
Elevation at day’s end: 930
Maximum elevation: 971
Minimum elevation: 849
Total ascent for the day: 565
Total ascent to date: 41,388
Total descent for the day: 484
Total descent to date: 41,915
Sunrise: 7:02
Sunset: 6:32
Temperature at 10 am: -2°
Temperature at 2 pm: 6°
Temperature at 6 pm: 1° (wind chill -6°)
Days 171-174, March 2-5
Side trip to Datong to replace broken gear
Day 170, March 1
Nangouzi to Hequ
Location at day’s beginning: 39° 14’ 03.49” N, 111° 12’ 51.70” E
Location at day’s end: 39° 22’ 56.80” N, 111° 08’ 29.86” E
Kilometres walked: 26.144
Kilometres walked to date: 2096.92
Kilometres walked on wall: 1.468
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1104.271
Kilometres walked off wall: 24.676
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 992.649
Elevation at day’s beginning: 853
Elevation at day’s end: 849
Maximum elevation: 884
Minimum elevation: 849
Total ascent for the day: 356
Total ascent to date: 40,823
Total descent for the day: 364
Total descent to date: 41,431
Sunrise: 7:09
Sunset: 6:27
Temperature at 3 pm: 9°, overcast
Day 169, February 28
8 kilometres north of Baode to Nangouzi
Location at day’s beginning: 39° 03’ 37.49” N, 111° 07’ 56.29” E
Location at day’s end: 39° 14’ 03.49” N, 111° 12’ 51.70” E
Kilometres walked: 24.720
Kilometres walked to date: 2070.776
Kilometres walked on wall: 0
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1102.803
Kilometres walked off wall: 24.720
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 967.973
Elevation at day’s beginning: 807
Elevation at day’s end: 843
Maximum elevation: 926
Minimum elevation: 807
Total ascent for the day: 510
Total ascent to date: 40,467
Total descent for the day: 474
Total descent to date: 41,067
Sunrise: 7:10
Sunset: 6:26
Temperature at 3 pm: 10°, rain
Day 168, February 27
Gushan to 8 kilometres north of Baode
Location at day’s beginning: 39° 03’ 21.51” N, 110° 56’ 03.06” E
Location at day’s end: 39° 03’ 38.18” N, 111° 07’ 58.18” E
Kilometres walked: 25.088
Kilometres walked to date: 2046.056
Kilometres walked on wall: 0
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1102.803
Kilometres walked off wall: 25.088
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 943.253
Elevation at day’s beginning: 889
Elevation at day’s end: 820
Maximum elevation: 903
Minimum elevation: 813
Total ascent for the day: 545
Total ascent to date: 39,957
Total descent for the day: 624
Total descent to date: 40,593
Sunrise: 7:13
Sunset: 6:25
Temperature at 3 pm: 14°
Day 167, February 26
Xinminzhen to Gushan
Location at day’s beginning: 39° 05’ 00.62” N, 110° 43’ 02.38” E
Location at day’s end: 39° 03’ 21.51” N, 110° 56’ 03.06” E
Kilometres walked: 23.364
Kilometres walked to date: 2020.968
Kilometres walked on wall: 0
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1102.803
Kilometres walked off wall: 23.364
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 918.165
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1100
Elevation at day’s end: 889
Maximum elevation: 1116
Minimum elevation: 889
Total ascent for the day: 231
Total ascent to date: 39,412
Total descent for the day: 445
Total descent to date: 39,969
Sunrise: 7:15
Sunset: 6:25
Temperature at 2:30 pm: 20°
Day 166, February 25
Rest day in Shenmu
Day 165, February 24
Liuzhuangze to Xinminzhen
Location at day’s beginning: 39° 00’ 16.97” N, 110° 37’ 10.63” E
Location at day’s end: 39° 05’ 00.62” N, 110° 43’ 02.38” E
Kilometres walked: 28.07
Kilometres walked to date: 1997.604
Kilometres walked on wall: 0
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1102.803
Kilometres walked off wall: 28.07
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 894.801
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1162
Elevation at day’s end: 1100
Maximum elevation: 1297
Minimum elevation: 1099
Total ascent for the day: 690
Total ascent to date: 39,181
Total descent for the day: 751
Total descent to date: 39,524
Sunrise: 7:18
Sunset: 6:23
Temperature at 3 pm: 11°
Day 164, February 23
Shenmu to Liuzhuangze
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 50’ 28.95” N, 110° 29’ 25.65” E
Location at day’s end: 39° 00’ 16.97” N, 110° 37’ 10.63” E
Kilometres walked: 24.023
Kilometres walked to date: 1969.534
Kilometres walked on wall: 0
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1102.803
Kilometres walked off wall: 24.023
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 866.731
Elevation at day’s beginning: 951
Elevation at day’s end: 1162
Maximum elevation: 1162
Minimum elevation: 920
Total ascent for the day: 499
Total ascent to date: 38,491
Total descent for the day: 288
Total descent to date: 38,773
Sunrise: 7:20
Sunset: 6:23
Day 163, February 22
Sandaohe to Shenmu
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 48’ 59.16” N, 110° 20’ 09.56” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 50’ 28.95” N, 110° 29’ 25.65” E
Kilometres walked: 22.053
Kilometres walked to date: 1945.511
Kilometres walked on wall: 0
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1102.83
Kilometres walked off wall: 22.053
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 842.708
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1120
Elevation at day’s end: 951
Maximum elevation: 1120
Minimum elevation: 921
Total ascent for the day: 341
Total ascent to date: 37,220
Total descent for the day: 522
Total descent to date: 38,485
Sunrise: 7:22
Sunset: 6:22
Day 162, February 21
Rest day in Shenmu
Day 161, February 20
5 kilometres northwest of Kangjiashuimo to Sandaohe
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 38’ 46.43” N, 110° 20’ 08.29” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 48’ 59.16” N, 110° 20’ 0956” E
Kilometres walked: 27.778
Kilometres walked to date: 1923.458
Kilometres walked on wall: 0
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1102.803
Kilometres walked off wall: 27.778
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 820.655
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1111
Elevation at day’s end: 1120
Maximum elevation: 1308
Minimum elevation: 1056
Total ascent for the day: 832
Total ascent to date: 37,651
Total descent for the day: 822
Total descent to date: 37,963
Sunrise: 7:24
Sunset: 6:21
Temperature at 9 am: - 3°
Temperature at 3 pm: 14°
Day 160, February 19
Gaojiabao to 5 kilometres northwest of Kangjiashuimo
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 32’ 59.64” N, 110° 17’ 33.02” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 38’ 46.43” N, 110° 20’ 08.29” E
Kilometres walked: 26.728
Kilometres walked to date: 1895.68
Kilometres walked on wall: 9.268
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1102.803
Kilometres walked off wall: 17.460
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 792.877
Elevation at day’s beginning: 963
Elevation at day’s end: 1111
Maximum elevation: 1256
Minimum elevation: 949
Total ascent for the day: 1193
Total ascent to date: 36,819
Total descent for the day: 1044
Total descent to date: 37,141
Sunrise: 7:26
Sunset: 6:20
Temperature at 9:30 am: 1.5°
Temperature at 3 pm: 12.5°
Temperature at 8 pm: -2.5°
Day 159, February 18
Daheta to Gaojiabao
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 30’ 19.48” N, 110° 10’ 12.72” E E
Location at day’s end: 38° 32’ 59.64” N, 110° 17’ 33.02” E
Kilometres walked: 20.504
Kilometres walked to date: 1868.952
Kilometres walked on wall: 0
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1093.535
Kilometres walked off wall: 20.504
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 775.417
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1077
Elevation at day’s end: 963
Maximum elevation: 1091
Minimum elevation: 928
Total ascent for the day: 332
Total ascent to date: 35,626
Total descent for the day: 447
Total descent to date: 36,097
Sunrise: 7:27
Sunset: 6:19
Temperature at 12 pm: 8°
Temperature at 4 pm: 11°
Day 158, February 17
Lijiabao to Daheta
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 29’ 04.68” N, 110° 02’ 55.20” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 30’ 19.48” N, 110° 10’ 12.72” E
Kilometres walked: 15.855
Kilometres walked to date: 1848.448
Kilometres walked on wall: 9.741
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1093.575
Kilometres walked off wall: 6.114
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 754.913
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1338
Elevation at day’s end: 1077
Maximum elevation: 1410
Minimum elevation: 1052
Total ascent for the day: 414
Total ascent to date: 35,294
Total descent for the day: 674
Total descent to date: 35,650
Sunrise: 7:29
Sunset: 6:19
Temperature at 2 pm: 7°
Day 157, February 16
Rest day in Yulin
Day 156, February 15
Changlebao to Lijiabao
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 25’ 08.20” N, 109° 51’ 15.05” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 29’ 04.68” N, 110° 02’ 55.20” E
Kilometres walked: 25.021
Kilometres walked to date: 1832.593
Kilometres walked on wall: 25.021
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1083.794
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 748.799
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1177
Elevation at day’s end: 1338
Maximum elevation: 1384
Minimum elevation: 1180
Total ascent for the day: 713
Total ascent to date: 34,880
Total descent for the day: 555
Total descent to date: 34,976
Sunrise: 7:32
Sunset: 6:17
Temperature at 10 am: 5°
Temperature at 12 pm: 7°
Temperature at 4 pm: 13°
Day 155, February 14
Yulin to Changlebao
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 18’ 06.65” N, 109° 41’ 38.35” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 25’ 08.20” N, 109° 51’ 15.05” E
Kilometres walked: 26.004
Kilometres walked to date: 1807.572
Kilometres walked on wall: 24.292
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1058.773
Kilometres walked off wall: 1.712
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 748.799
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1093
Elevation at day’s end: 1177
Maximum elevation: 1209
Minimum elevation: 1177
Total ascent for the day: 721
Total ascent to date: 34,167
Total descent for the day: 637
Total descent to date: 34,421
Sunrise: 7:34
Sunset: 6:17
Temperature at 12 pm: 4°
Temperature at 3 pm: 6°
Day 154, February 13
2 kilometres north of Mengjia to Yulin
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 11’ 21.92” N, 109° 31’ 29.86” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 18’ 06.65” N, 109° 41’ 38.35” E
Kilometres walked: 23.999
Kilometres walked to date: 1781.568
Kilometres walked on wall: 11.161
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1034.481
Kilometres walked off wall: 12.838
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 747.087
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1147
Elevation at day’s end: 1093
Maximum elevation: 1233
Minimum elevation: 1092
Total ascent for the day: 923
Total ascent to date: 33,446
Total descent for the day: 971
Total descent to date: 33,784
Sunrise: 7:35
Sunset: 6:16
Temperature at 10 am: -4° (wind chill -10°)
Temperature at 3 pm: 4°
Day 153, February 12
Mengjia to 2 kilometres north of Mengjia
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 10’ 42.75” N, 109° 30’ 34.98” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 11’ 21.92” N, 109° 31’ 29.86” E
Kilometres walked: 2.406
Kilometres walked to date: 1757.569
Kilometres walked on wall: 0
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1023.32
Kilometres walked off wall: 2.406
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 734.249
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1142
Elevation at day’s end: 1147
Maximum elevation: 1158
Minimum elevation: 1141
Total ascent for the day: 113
Total ascent to date: 32,523
Total descent for the day: 111
Total descent to date: 32,813
Sunrise: 7:37
Sunset: 6:16
Temperature at 8 am: -6°
Day 152, February 11
Northeast of Changshapan to Mengjia
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 04’ 33.79” N, 109° 23’ 01.35” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 10’ 42.75” N, 109° 30’ 34.98” E
Kilometres walked: 20.749
Kilometres walked to date: 1755.163
Kilometres walked on wall: 12.934
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1023.320
Kilometres walked off wall: 7.815
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 731.843
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1123
Elevation at day’s end: 1142
Maximum elevation: 1148
Minimum elevation: 1047
Total ascent for the day: 904
Total ascent to date: 32,410
Total descent for the day: 876
Total descent to date: 32,702
Sunrise: 7:38
Sunset: 6:15
Temperature at 8 am: -8.5°
Temperature at 3 pm: 12°
Temperature at 7 pm: -3°
Day 151, February 10
8 kilometres north of Shidunqiang to northeast of Changshapan
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 02’ 12.34” N, 109° 16’ 13.11” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 04’ 33.79” N, 109° 23’ 01.35” E
Kilometres walked: 17.645
Kilometres walked to date: 1734.414
Kilometres walked on wall: 8.276
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1010.386
Kilometres walked off wall: 9.369
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 724.028
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1159
Elevation at day’s end: 1123
Maximum elevation: 1159
Minimum elevation: 985
Total ascent for the day: 708
Total ascent to date: 31,508
Total descent for the day: 746
Total descent to date: 31,826
Sunrise: 7:40
Sunset: 6:15
Temperature at 2 pm: 4°
Temperature at 7 pm: -3.5°
Days 147-150, February 6-9
Trip to Beijing to buy new boots
Day 146, February 5
Shidunqiang to 8 kilometres north of Shidunqiang
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 00’ 09.06” N, 109° 14’ 27.58” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 02’ 12.34” N, 109° 16’ 13.11” E
Kilometres walked: 8.205
Kilometres walked to date: 1716.769
Kilometres walked on wall: 8.205
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 1002.11
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 714.659
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1211
Elevation at day’s end: 1159
Maximum elevation: 1211
Minimum elevation: 1135
Total ascent for the day: 342
Total ascent to date: 30,798
Total descent for the day: 394
Total descent to date: 31,080
Sunrise: 7:45
Sunset: 6:10
Temperature at 8 am: -5° (wind chill -11°)
Temperature at 2 pm: 14°
Day 145, February 4
Wangta to Shidunqiang
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 52’ 06.11” N, 109° 10’ 15.63” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 00’ 09.06” N, 109° 14’ 27.58” E
Kilometres walked: 23.188
Kilometres walked to date: 1708.564
Kilometres walked on wall: 23.188
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 993.905
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 714.659
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1268
Elevation at day’s end: 1211
Maximum elevation: 1314
Minimum elevation: 1124
Total ascent for the day: 975
Total ascent to date: 30,456
Total descent for the day: 1032
Total descent to date: 30,686
Sunrise: 7:46
Sunset: 6:09
Temperature at 8 am: -3°
Temperature at 2 pm: 13°
Temperature at 7 pm: 2°
Day 144, February 3
Bianqiangliang to Wangta
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 47’ 20.76” N, 109° 06’ 11.52” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 52’ 06.11” N, 109° 10’ 15.63” E
Kilometres walked: 18.251
Kilometres walked to date: 1685.376
Kilometres walked on wall: 18.251
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 970.717
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 714.659
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1319
Elevation at day’s end: 1268
Maximum elevation: 1384
Minimum elevation: 1110
Total ascent for the day: 1011
Total ascent to date: 29,481
Total descent for the day: 1058
Total descent to date: 29,654
Sunrise: 7:47
Sunset: 6:08
Temperature at 8 am: -8°
Temperature at 2 pm: 13°
Temperature at 7 pm: 3°
Day 143, February 2
Near Wayaoga to Bianqiangliang
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 41’ 49.37” N, 109° 03’ 10.29” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 47’ 20.76” N, 109° 06’ 11.52” E
Kilometres walked: 17.015
Kilometres walked to date: 1667.125
Kilometres walked on wall: 17.015
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 952.466
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 714.659
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1311
Elevation at day’s end: 1319
Maximum elevation: 1383
Minimum elevation: 1228
Total ascent for the day: 929
Total ascent to date: 28,470
Total descent for the day: 924
Total descent to date: 28,596
Sunrise: 7:48
Sunset: 6:07
Temperature at 8:30 am: -8°
Temperature at 2 pm: -13°
Temperature at 7 pm: -3°
Day 142, February 1
Yangqiaopan to near Wayaoga
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 36’ 57.06” N, 109° 01’ 11.60” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 41’ 49.37” N, 109° 03’ 10.29” E
Kilometres walked: 15.437
Kilometres walked to date: 1650.11
Kilometres walked on wall: 13.603
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 935.451
Kilometres walked off wall: 1.834
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 714.659
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1283
Elevation at day’s end: 1311
Maximum elevation: 1475
Minimum elevation: 1239
Total ascent for the day: 870
Total ascent to date: 27,541
Total descent for the day: 849
Total descent to date: 27,672
Sunrise: 7:48
Sunset: 6:07
Temperature at 3 pm: 8°
Temperature at 7 pm: -3.5°
Day 140-141, January 30-31
Rest day in Jingbian
Day 139, January 29
Majuanqu to Yangqiaopan
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 32’ 23.99” N, 108° 51’ 23.60” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 36’ 57.06” N, 109° 01’ 11.60” E
Kilometres walked: 24.969
Kilometres walked to date: 1634.673
Kilometres walked on wall: 21.566
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 921.848
Kilometres walked off wall: 3.403
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 712.825
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1483
Elevation at day’s end: 1283
Maximum elevation: 1582
Minimum elevation: 1279
Total ascent for the day: 617
Total ascent to date: 26,671
Total descent for the day: 817
Total descent to date: 26,823
Sunrise: 7:51
Sunset: 6:04
Temperature at 11 am: 4°
Temperature at 2 pm: 1°
Day 138, January 28
5 kilometres south of Zhenjing to Majuanqu
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 27’ 56.62” N, 108° 46’ 32.00” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 32’ 23.99” N, 108° 51’ 23.60” E
Kilometres walked: 18.449
Kilometres walked to date: 1609.704
Kilometres walked on wall: 11.085
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 900.282
Kilometres walked off wall: 7.364
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 709.422
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1364
Elevation at day’s end: 1483
Maximum elevation: 1562
Minimum elevation: 1321
Total ascent for the day: 652
Total ascent to date: 26,054
Total descent for the day: 541
Total descent to date: 26,006
Sunrise: 7:52
Sunset: 6:03
Temperature at 8:30 am: -13.5°
Temperature at 2 pm: 11°
Day 137, January 27
Yangmijian to 5 kilometres south of Zhenjing
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 21’ 34.07” N, 108° 44’ 37.78” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 27’ 56.62” N, 108° 46’ 32.00” E
Kilometres walked: 14.372
Kilometres walked to date: 1591.255
Kilometres walked on wall: 0
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 889.197
Kilometres walked off wall: 14.372
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 702.058
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1476
Elevation at day’s end: 1364
Maximum elevation: 1476
Minimum elevation: 1336
Total ascent for the day: 411
Total ascent to date: 25,402
Total descent for the day: 503
Total descent to date: 25,465
Sunrise: 7:53
Sunset: 6:03
Temperature at 2 pm: -2° (wind chill -12°)
Temperature at 7 pm: -8.5°
Day 136, January 26
Rest day in Jingbian
Day 135, January 25
5 kilometres north of Xincheng to Yangmijian
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 18’ 51.58” N, 108° 41’ 10.08” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 21’ 34.07” N, 108° 44’ 37.78” E
Kilometres walked: 10.376
Kilometres walked to date: 1576.883
Kilometres walked on wall: 8.394
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 889.197
Kilometres walked off wall: 1.982
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 687.686
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1432
Elevation at day’s end: 1476
Maximum elevation: 1529
Minimum elevation: 1394
Total ascent for the day: 485
Total ascent to date: 24,991
Total descent for the day: 430
Total descent to date: 24,962
Sunrise: 7:54
Sunset: 6:01
Temperature at 8 am: -7.5°
Temperature at 12 pm: -5° (wind 25 km/ph; wind chill -11°)
Day 134, January 24
Shiyaogou to 5 kilometres north of Xincheng
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 18’ 17.53” N, 108° 34’ 09.02” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 18’ 51.58” N, 108° 41’ 10.08” E
Kilometres walked: 17.316
Kilometres walked to date: 1566.507
Kilometres walked on wall: 13.771
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 880.803
Kilometres walked off wall: 3.545
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 685.704
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1712
Elevation at day’s end: 1432
Maximum elevation: 1744
Minimum elevation: 1399
Total ascent for the day: 1156
Total ascent to date: 24,506
Total descent for the day: 1439
Total descent to date: 24,532
Sunrise: 7:55
Sunset: 6:00
Temperature at 7:30 am: -16°
Temperature at 2 pm: 3.5°
Temperature at 6:30 pm: -5°
Day 133, January 23
Wantan to Shiyaogou
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 17’ 29.16” N, 108° 30’ 03.41” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 18’ 17.53” N, 108° 34’ 09.02” E
Kilometres walked: 13.67
Kilometres walked to date: 1549.191
Kilometres walked on wall: 8.824
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 867.032
Kilometres walked off wall: 4.846
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 682.159
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1595
Elevation at day’s end: 1712
Maximum elevation: 1720
Minimum elevation: 1437
Total ascent for the day: 1142
Total ascent to date: 23,350
Total descent for the day: 1025
Total descent to date: 23,093
Sunrise: 7:56
Sunset: 6:00
Temperature at 9 am: -7°
Temperature at 2 pm: -1° (wind chill -9°)
Temperature at 6:30 pm: -5.5°
Day 132, January 22
Changcheng to Wantan
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 18’ 46.71” N, 108° 24’ 11.41” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 17’ 29.16” N, 108° 30’ 03.41” E
Kilometres walked: 15.897
Kilometres walked to date: 1535.521
Kilometres walked on wall: 11.295
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 858.208
Kilometres walked off wall: 4.602
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 677.313
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1517
Elevation at day’s end: 1595
Maximum elevation: 1680
Minimum elevation: 1470
Total ascent for the day: 900
Total ascent to date: 22,208
Total descent for the day: 758
Total descent to date: 22,068
Sunrise: 7:57
Sunset: 5:59
Temperature at 12 pm: 3.5°
Temperature at 3 pm: -1.5° (wind chill -2.5°)
Temperature at 7 pm: -4.5°
Day 131, January 21
1 kilometre north of Luojian to Changcheng
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 19’ 53.20” N, 108° 21’ 06.34” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 18’ 46.71” N, 108° 24’ 11.41” E
Kilometres walked: 10.190
Kilometres walked to date: 1519.624
Kilometres walked on wall: 10.190
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 846.913
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 672.711
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1495
Elevation at day’s end: 11517
Maximum elevation: 1696
Minimum elevation: 1401
Total ascent for the day: 594
Total ascent to date: 21,308
Total descent for the day: 572
Total descent to date: 21,310
Sunrise: 7:58
Sunset: 5:58
Temperature at 2:30 pm: 6.5°
Day 130, January 20
Rest day in Jingbian
Day 129, January 19
Hechangwa to 1 kilometre north of Luojian
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 32’ 15.10” N, 108° 16’ 35.84” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 19’ 53.20” N, 108° 21’ 06.34” E
Kilometres walked: 11.516
Kilometres walked to date: 1509.434
Kilometres walked on wall: 11.516
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 836.723
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 672.711
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1576
Elevation at day’s end: 1495
Maximum elevation: 1738
Minimum elevation: 1390
Total ascent for the day: 654
Total ascent to date: 20,714
Total descent for the day: 735
Total descent to date: 20,738
Sunrise: 7:59
Sunset: 5:56
Temperature at 8 am: -8°
Temperature at 10 am: -5° (wind chill -11°)
Temperature at 2 pm: 6.5° (wind chill -2.5°)
Day 128, January 18
3 kilometres southeast of Chenkengkeng to Hechangwa
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 24’ 18.37” N, 108° 11’ 49.45” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 22’ 15.10” N, 108° 16’ 35.84” E
Kilometres walked: 11.345
Kilometres walked to date: 1497.918
Kilometres walked on wall: 11.345
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 825.207
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 672.711
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1696
Elevation at day’s end: 1576
Maximum elevation: 1730
Minimum elevation: 1406
Total ascent for the day: 639
Total ascent to date: 20,060
Total descent for the day: 759
Total descent to date: 20,003
Sunrise: 8:00
Sunset: 5:55
Temperature at 5:30 am: -16°
Temperature at 3 pm: 7°
Temperature at 6:30 pm: -3°
Day 127, January 17
5 kilometres south of Anbian to 3 kilometres southeast of Chenkengkeng
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 29’ 17.79” N, 108° 05’ 00.88” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 24’ 18.37” N, 108° 11’ 49.45” E
Kilometres walked: 16.431
Kilometres walked to date: 1486.573
Kilometres walked on wall: 16.431
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 813.862
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 672.711
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1433
Elevation at day’s end: 1696
Maximum elevation: 1711
Minimum elevation: 1433
Total ascent for the day: 484
Total ascent to date: 19,421
Total descent for the day: 217
Total descent to date: 19,244
Sunrise: 8:01
Sunset: 5:54
Temperature at 7:30 am: -16°
Temperature at 3 pm: 7°
Temperature at 7 pm: -7°
Day 116, January 16
5 kilometres west of Anbian to 5 kilometres south of Anbian
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 30’ 41.04” N, 108° 01’ 21.86” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 29’ 17.79” N, 108° 05’ 00.88” E
Kilometres walked: 10.669
Kilometres walked to date: 1470.142
Kilometres walked on wall: 10.669
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 797.431
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 672.711
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1442
Elevation at day’s end: 1434
Maximum elevation: 1442
Minimum elevation: 1384
Total ascent for the day: 165
Total ascent to date: 18,937
Total descent for the day: 175
Total descent to date: 19,027
Sunrise: 8:01
Sunset: 5:54
Temperature at 1:30 pm: 2.5°
Temperature at 3 pm: 6°
Temperature at 6:30 pm: -11°
Days 114-115, January 14-15
Rest days in Dingbian
Day 123, January 13
Zhuanjing to 3 kilometres west of Anbian
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 32’ 02.00” N, 107° 48’ 48.33” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 30’ 41.04” N, 108° 01’ 21.86” E
Kilometres walked: 22.148
Kilometres walked to date: 1459.473
Kilometres walked on wall: 22.148
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 786.762
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 672.711
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1398
Elevation at day’s end: 1442
Maximum elevation: 1509
Minimum elevation: 1397
Total ascent for the day: 282
Total ascent to date: 18,772
Total descent for the day: 238
Total descent to date: 18,852
Sunrise: 8:03
Sunset: 5:51
Temperature at 10:30 am: -1°
Temperature at 2:30 pm: 7°
Day 122, January 12
1 kilometre east of Pengtan to Zhuanjing
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 32’ 23.80” N, 107° 38’ 58.14” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 32’ 02.00” N, 107° 48’ 48.33” E
Kilometres walked: 16.024
Kilometres walked to date: 1437.325
Kilometres walked on wall: 16.024
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 764.614
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 672.711
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1389
Elevation at day’s end: 1398
Maximum elevation: 1428
Minimum elevation: 1387
Total ascent for the day: 139
Total ascent to date: 18,490
Total descent for the day: 135
Total descent to date: 18,614
Sunrise: 8:04
Sunset: 5:51
Temperature at 11 am: 2°
Temperature at 2 pm: 4° (wind chill -2°)
Day 121, January 11
Dingbian to 1 kilometre east of Pengtan
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 35’ 37.76” N, 107° 35’ 44.56” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 32’ 23.80” N, 107° 38’ 58.14” E
Kilometres walked: 11.626
Kilometres walked to date: 1421.301
Kilometres walked on wall: 6.299
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 748.59
Kilometres walked off wall: 4.012
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 672.711
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1370
Elevation at day’s end: 1389
Maximum elevation: 1395
Minimum elevation: 1370
Total ascent for the day: 69
Total ascent to date: 18,351
Total descent for the day: 52
Total descent to date: 18,479
Sunrise: 8:05
Sunset: 5:50
Temperature at 3 pm: -3.5°
Day 120, January 10
Yanchangbao to Dingbian
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 41. 58.55” N, 107° 31’ 26.66” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 35’ 37.76” N, 107° 35’ 44.56” E
Kilometres walked: 14,874
Kilometres walked to date: 1409.675
Kilometres walked on wall: 13.167
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 742.291
Kilometres walked off wall: 1.707
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 667.384
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1308
Elevation at day’s end: 1370
Maximum elevation: 1386
Minimum elevation: 1305
Total ascent for the day: 165
Total ascent to date: 18,282
Total descent for the day: 104
Total descent to date: 18,427
Sunrise: 8:05
Sunset: 5:49
Temperature at 12:30 pm: 3.5°
Temperature at 4 pm: -1°
Day 119, January 9
Rest day in Yanchi
Day 118, January 8
Yanchi to Yanchangbao
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 47’ 26.51” N, 107° 24’ 04.13” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 41’ 46.97” N, 107° 31’ 39.07” E
Kilometres walked: 18.216
Kilometres walked to date: 1394.801
Kilometres walked on wall: 18.216
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 729.124
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 665.677
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1327
Elevation at day’s end: 1309
Maximum elevation: 1335
Minimum elevation: 1300
Total ascent for the day: 341
Total ascent to date: 18,117
Total descent for the day: 358
Total descent to date: 18,323
Sunrise: 8:06
Sunset: 5:47
Temperature at 2 pm: 3.5°
Day 117, January 7
Niumaojing Dongchang to Yanchi
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 51’ 52.57” N, 107° 15’ 07.12” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 47’ 26.51” N, 107° 24’ 04.13” E
Kilometres walked: 16.516
Kilometres walked to date: 1376.585
Kilometres walked on wall: 16.516
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 710.908
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 665.677
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1546
Elevation at day’s end: 1327
Maximum elevation: 1558
Minimum elevation: 1327
Total ascent for the day: 113
Total ascent to date: 17,776
Total descent for the day: 337
Total descent to date: 17,965
Sunrise: 8:07
Sunset: 5:47
Temperature at 2 pm: -3.5°
Day 116, January 6
Rest day in Yanchi
Day 115, January 5
Maojiazhuang to Niumaojing Dongchang
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 58. 43.72” N, 107° 09’ 42.28” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 51’ 52.57” N, 107° 15’ 07.12” E
Kilometres walked: 17.256
Kilometres walked to date: 1360.069
Kilometres walked on wall: 17.256
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 694.392
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 665.677
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1466
Elevation at day’s end: 1546
Maximum elevation: 1583
Minimum elevation: 1451
Total ascent for the day: 339
Total ascent to date: 17,663
Total descent for the day: 258
Total descent to date: 17,628
Sunrise: 8:08
Sunset: 5:45
Temperature at 8 am: -19°
Temperature at 2 pm: -5°
Temperature at 4:30 pm: -3°
Day 114, January 4
Dageda to Maojiazhuang
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 04’ 02.62” N, 107° 03’ 57.76” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 58. 43.72” N, 107° 09’ 42.28” E
Kilometres walked: 16.027
Kilometres walked to date: 1342.813
Kilometres walked on wall: 16.027
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 677.136
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 665.677
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1454
Elevation at day’s end: 1466
Maximum elevation: 1495
Minimum elevation: 1380
Total ascent for the day: 311
Total ascent to date: 17,324
Total descent for the day: 299
Total descent to date: 17,370
Sunrise: 8:08
Sunset: 5:45
Temperature at 10 am: -5°
Temperature at 2:30 pm: -0.7°
Temperature at 6 pm: -13°, snow
Day 113, January 3
2 kilometres east of Dongzhuangzi to Dageda
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 07’ 57.93” N, 106° 56’ 05.74” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 04’ 02.62” N, 107° 03’ 57.76” E
Kilometres walked: 16.05
Kilometres walked to date: 1326.786
Kilometres walked on wall: 16.05
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 661.109
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 665.677
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1391
Elevation at day’s end: 1454
Maximum elevation: 1479
Minimum elevation: 1349
Total ascent for the day: 345
Total ascent to date: 17,013
Total descent for the day: 282
Total descent to date: 17,071
Sunrise: 8:09
Sunset: 5:44
Temperature at 8 am: -4.5°
Temperature at 10 am: -2°
Temperature at 2 pm: 1°, snow
Day 112, January 2
2 kilometres north of Baota to 2 kilometres east of Dongzhuangzi
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 08’ 30.75” N, 106° 49’ 23.12” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 07’ 57.93” N, 106° 56’ 05.74” E
Kilometres walked: 13.301
Kilometres walked to date: 1310.736
Kilometres walked on wall: 13.301
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 645.059
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 665.677
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1384
Elevation at day’s end: 1391
Maximum elevation: 1402
Minimum elevation: 1357
Total ascent for the day: 252
Total ascent to date: 16,668
Total descent for the day: 257
Total descent to date: 16,789
Sunrise: 8:09
Sunset: 5:43
Temperature at 12:30 pm: 5.5°, snow
Temperature at 2:30 pm: 1.7°
Temperature at 6 pm: -8°
Days 106-111, December 27-January 1
Sick with the flu in Yanchi
Day 105, December 26
Near Liujiawan to 2 kilometres north of Baota
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 13’ 21.64” N, 106° 40’ 19.28” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 08’ 30.75” N, 106° 49’ 23.12” E
Kilometres walked: 18.067
Kilometres walked to date: 1297.435
Kilometres walked on wall: 18.067
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 631.758
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 665.677
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1272
Elevation at day’s end: 1384
Maximum elevation: 1384
Minimum elevation: 1209
Total ascent for the day: 366
Total ascent to date: 16,416
Total descent for the day: 253
Total descent to date: 16,532
Sunrise: 8:08
Sunset: 5:39
Temperature at 8 am: -13°
Temperature at 1:30 pm: 1°
Day 104, December 25
2 kilometres east of Hengshanbao to near Liujiawan
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 15’ 36.43” N, 106° 33’ 24.05” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 13’ 21.64” N, 106° 40’ 19.28” E
Kilometres walked: 12.259
Kilometres walked to date: 1279.368
Kilometres walked on wall: 12.259
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 613.691
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 665.677
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1219
Elevation at day’s end: 1275
Maximum elevation: 1276
Minimum elevation: 1208
Total ascent for the day: 206
Total ascent to date: 16,050
Total descent for the day: 128
Total descent to date: 16,279
Sunrise: 8:08
Sunset: 5:39
Temperature at 8:30 am: -8.5°
Temperature at 1 pm: 7.5°
Temperature at 6 pm: -3°
Day 103, December 24
Shuidonggou yizhi to Hengshanbao
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 18’ 26.31” N, 106° 28’ 57.89” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 15’ 36.43” N, 106° 33’ 24.05” E
Kilometres walked: 9.854
Kilometres walked to date: 1267.109
Kilometres walked on wall: 9.854
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 601.432
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 665.677
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1210
Elevation at day’s end: 1219
Maximum elevation: 1231
Minimum elevation: 1175
Total ascent for the day: 149
Total ascent to date: 15,844
Total descent for the day: 140
Total descent to date: 16,151
Sunrise: 8:08
Sunset: 5:38
Temperature at 3 pm: 10°
Temperature at 6:30 pm: -8°
Days 101 & 102, December 22 & 23
Rest days in Yinchuan
Day 100, December 21
Linhezhen to Shuidonggou yizhi
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 21’ 22.98” N, 106° 24’ 49.58” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 18’ 26.31” N, 106° 28’ 57.89” E
Kilometres walked: 12.875
Kilometres walked to date: 1257.255
Kilometres walked on wall: 9.257
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 591.578
Kilometres walked off wall: 3.618
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 665.677
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1111
Elevation at day’s end: 1210
Maximum elevation: 1221
Minimum elevation: 1110
Total ascent for the day: 323
Total ascent to date: 15,695
Total descent for the day: 211
Total descent to date: 16,011
Sunrise: 8:07
Sunset: 5:37
Day 99, December 20
Rest day in Yinchuan
Day 98, December 19
Jingchang Expressway tollgate to Linhezhen
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 25’ 37.86” N, 106° 19’ 08.62” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 21’ 22.98” N, 106° 24’ 49.58” E
Kilometres walked: 12.528
Kilometres walked to date: 1244.38
Kilometres walked on wall: 0
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 582.321
Kilometres walked off wall: 12.528
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 662.059
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1105
Elevation at day’s end: 1111
Maximum elevation: 1112
Minimum elevation: 1097
Total ascent for the day: 121
Total ascent to date: 15,372
Total descent for the day: 116
Total descent to date: 15,800
Sunrise: 8:07
Sunset: 5:36
Temperature at 9:30 am: 0.5°
Temperature at 1 pm: 9.5°
Day 97, December 18
Xincheng to Jingchang Expressway
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 29’ 05.63” N, 106° 11’ 35.17” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 25’ 37.86” N, 106° 19’ 08.62” E
Kilometres walked: 16.675
Kilometres walked to date: 1231.852
Kilometres walked on wall: 0
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 582.321
Kilometres walked off wall: 16.675
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 649.531
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1106
Elevation at day’s end: 1105
Maximum elevation: 1123
Minimum elevation: 1105
Total ascent for the day: 106
Total ascent to date: 15,251
Total descent for the day: 104
Total descent to date: 15,684
Sunrise: 8:07
Sunset: 5:36
Temperature at 10 am: -1.5°
Temperature at 3 pm: 8°
Day 96, December 17
3 kilometres north of Western Xia tombs to Xincheng
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 27’ 14.99” N, 106° 00’ 52.97” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 29’ 05.63” N, 106° 11’ 35.17” E
Kilometres walked: 19.32
Kilometres walked to date: 1215.177
Kilometres walked on wall: 0
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 582.321
Kilometres walked off wall: 19.32
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 632.856
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1138
Elevation at day’s end: 1106
Maximum elevation: 1138
Minimum elevation: 1106
Total ascent for the day: 76
Total ascent to date: 15,145
Total descent for the day: 104
Total descent to date: 15,580
Sunrise: 8:07
Sunset: 5:36
Temperature at 10:30 am: 2.5°
Temperature at 2 pm: 1°
Day 95, December 16
Rest day in Yinchuan
Day 94, December 15
8 kilometres southwest of Western Xia tombs to 3 kilometres north of Western Xia tombs
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 22’ 37.45” N, 105° 57’ 09.57” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 27’ 14.99” N, 106° 00’ 52.97” E
Kilometres walked: 15.024
Kilometres walked to date: 1195.857
Kilometres walked on wall: 0
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 582.321
Kilometres walked off wall: 15.024
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 613.536
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1194
Elevation at day’s end: 1138
Maximum elevation: 1194
Minimum elevation: 1138
Total ascent for the day: 477
Total ascent to date: 15,069
Total descent for the day: 428
Total descent to date: 15,476
Sunrise: 8:06
Sunset: 5:36
Temperature at 10 am: 1°
Temperature at 2 pm: 2.5°
Day 93, December 14
Sanguankou to 8 kilometres southwest of Western Xia tombs
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 20’ 48.80” N, 105° 49’ 24.40” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 22’ 37.45” N, 105° 57’ 09.57” E
Kilometres walked: 12.814
Kilometres walked to date: 1180.833
Kilometres walked on wall: 0
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 582.321
Kilometres walked off wall: 12.814
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 598.512
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1606
Elevation at day’s end: 1194
Maximum elevation: 1613
Minimum elevation: 1186
Total ascent for the day: 384
Total ascent to date: 14,592
Total descent for the day: 802
Total descent to date: 15,048
Sunrise: 8:05
Sunset: 5:36
Temperature at 2:30 pm: -1° (wind chill -13°, wind speed 60 km/h)
Temperature at 6 pm: 4° (wind chill, -4°)
Day 92, December 13
3 kilometres west of Gaoshidun to Sanguankou
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 15’ 08.65” N, 105° 50’ 50.42” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 20’ 48.80” N, 105° 49’ 24.40” E
Kilometres walked: 13.304
Kilometres walked to date: 1168.019
Kilometres walked on wall: 13.304
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 582.321
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 585.698
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1420
Elevation at day’s end: 1606
Maximum elevation: 1622
Minimum elevation: 1420
Total ascent for the day: 626
Total ascent to date: 14,208
Total descent for the day: 440
Total descent to date: 14,246
Sunrise: 8:04
Sunset: 5:37
Temperature at 10:30 am: 1° (wind chill -5°)
Temperature at 1:30 pm: 1° (wind chill -5°)
Day 91, December 12
Rest day in Yinchuan
Day 90, December 11
15 kilometres northwest of Ganchengzi to 3 kilometres west of Gaoshidun
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 10’ 16.62” N, 105° 46’ 31.17” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 15’ 08.65” N, 105° 50’ 50.42” E
Kilometres walked: 14.131
Kilometres walked to date: 1154.715
Kilometres walked on wall: 14.131
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 569.017
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 585.698
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1265
Elevation at day’s end: 1420
Maximum elevation: 1425
Minimum elevation: 1265
Total ascent for the day: 561
Total ascent to date: 13,582
Total descent for the day: 401
Total descent to date: 13,806
Sunrise: 8:03
Sunset: 5:36
Temperature at 11 am: -1°
Temperature at 2 pm: 7°
Day 89, December 10
Hushan miao to 15 kilometres northwest of Ganchengzi
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 01’ 33.23” N, 105° 51’ 32.17” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 10’ 16.62” N, 105° 46’ 31.17” E
Kilometres walked: 22.006
Kilometres walked to date: 1140.584
Kilometres walked on wall: 22.006
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 554.886
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 585.698
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1200
Elevation at day’s end: 1265
Maximum elevation: 1292
Minimum elevation: 1198
Total ascent for the day: 509
Total ascent to date: 13,021
Total descent for the day: 445
Total descent to date: 13,405
Sunrise: 8:01
Sunset: 5:37
Temperature at 10 am: -3° (wind chill -12°)
Temperature at 2 pm: 3° (wind chill -3°)
Day 88, December 9
Rest day in Yinchuan
Day 87, December 8
Jinggou to Hushan miao
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 56’ 38.65” N, 105° 48’ 11.26” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 01’ 33.23” N, 105° 51’ 32.17” E
Kilometres walked: 13.36
Kilometres walked to date: 1118.578
Kilometres walked on wall: 13.36
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 532.88
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 585.698
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1204
Elevation at day’s end: 1200
Maximum elevation: 1322
Minimum elevation: 1200
Total ascent for the day: 627
Total ascent to date: 12,512
Total descent for the day: 595
Total descent to date: 12,960
Sunrise: 8:00
Sunset: 5:37
Days 84-86, December 5-7
Rest days in Yinchuan
Day 83, December 4
Mutouzimen to Jinggou
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 47’ 38.65” N, 105° 46’ 05.56” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 56’ 38.65” N, 105° 48’ 11.26” E
Kilometres walked: 19.524
Kilometres walked to date: 1105.218
Kilometres walked on wall: 19.524
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 519.52
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 585.698
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1271
Elevation at day’s end: 1204
Maximum elevation: 1332
Minimum elevation: 1204
Total ascent for the day: 385
Total ascent to date: 11,885
Total descent for the day: 460
Total descent to date: 12,365
Sunrise: 7:56
Sunset: 5:37
Temperature at 11 am: 5°
Temperature at 2 pm: 1°
Temperature at 4:30 pm: 1° (wind chill -4°)
Day 82, December 3
Rest day in Qingtongxia
Day 81, December 2
Kouzimen to Mutouzimen
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 43’ 25.95” N, 105° 46’ 59.17” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 47’ 38.65” N, 105° 46’ 05.56” E
Kilometres walked: 9.332
Kilometres walked to date: 1085.694
Kilometres walked on wall: 9.332
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 499.996
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 585.698
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1230
Elevation at day’s end: 1271
Maximum elevation: 1291
Minimum elevation: 1230
Total ascent for the day: 218
Total ascent to date: 11,500
Total descent for the day: 185
Total descent to date: 11,905
Sunrise: 7:54
Sunset: 5:38
Temperature at 10 am: -3° (wind chill -12°)
Temperature at 2 pm: 1° (wind chill -6°)
Day 80, December 1
Qukou Nongchang to Kouzimen
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 40’ 16.71” N, 105° 51’ 12.99” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 43’ 25.95” N, 105° 46’ 59.17” E
Kilometres walked: 12.109
Kilometres walked to date: 1076.362
Kilometres walked on wall: 0
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 490.664
Kilometres walked off wall: 12.109
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 585.698
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1185
Elevation at day’s end: 1230
Maximum elevation: 1230
Minimum elevation: 1185
Total ascent for the day: 169
Total ascent to date: 11,282
Total descent for the day: 124
Total descent to date: 11,720
Sunrise: 7:52
Sunset: 5:39
Temperature at 12 pm: 6°
Temperature at 4 pm: 5.5°
Day 79, November 30
Zhouzhuang to Qukou Nongchang
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 36’ 13.31” N, 105° 48’ 13.16” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 40’ 16.71” N, 105° 51’ 12.99” E
Kilometres walked: 11.58
Kilometres walked to date: 1064.253
Kilometres walked on wall: 0
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 490.664
Kilometres walked off wall: 11.58
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 573.589
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1195
Elevation at day’s end: 1185
Maximum elevation: 1195
Minimum elevation: 1185
Total ascent for the day: 128
Total ascent to date: 11,113
Total descent for the day: 119
Total descent to date: 11,596
Sunrise: 7:51
Sunset: 5:39
Temperature at 12 pm: 1° (wind chill -2°)
Temperature at 3 pm: 5.5°
Days 76-78, November 27-29
Trip to Beijing to replace defective boots
Day 75, November 26
Shikong to Zhouzhuang
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 33’ 09.55” N, 105° 39’ 49.72” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 36’ 13.31” N, 105° 48’ 13.16” E
Kilometres walked: 16.534
Kilometres walked to date: 1052.673
Kilometres walked on wall: 0
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 490.664
Kilometres walked off wall: 16.534
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 562.009
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1186
Elevation at day’s end: 1195
Maximum elevation: 1210
Minimum elevation: 1180
Total ascent for the day: 208
Total ascent to date: 10,985
Total descent for the day: 196
Total descent to date: 11,477
Sunrise: 7:48
Sunset: 5:40
Temperature at 10 am: 7°
Temperature at 2 pm: 5.5° (wind chill 0°)
Day 74, November 25
Shikong Grottoes to Shikong
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 34’ 22.88” N, 105° 34’ 18.39” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 33’ 09.55” N, 105° 39’ 49.72” E
Kilometres walked: 16.427
Kilometres walked to date: 1036.139
Kilometres walked on wall: 5.176
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 490.664
Kilometres walked off wall: 11.251
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 545.475
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1211
Elevation at day’s end: 1186
Maximum elevation: 1270
Minimum elevation: 1186
Total ascent for the day: 287
Total ascent to date: 10,777
Total descent for the day: 309
Total descent to date: 11,281
Sunrise: 7:47
Sunset: 5:41
Temperature at 10 am: 4.8°
Days 72 & 73, November 23 & 24
Rest days in Shikong
Day 71, November 22
Shuixing to Shikong Grottoes
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 30’ 41.53” N, 105° 29’ 24.59” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 34’ 22.88” N, 105° 34’ 18.39” E
Kilometres walked: 9.832
Kilometres walked to date: 1019.712
Kilometres walked on wall: 2.832
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 485.488
Kilometres walked off wall: 7
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 534.224
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1199
Elevation at day’s end: 1211
Maximum elevation: 1237
Minimum elevation: 1179
Total ascent for the day: 218
Total ascent to date: 10,490
Total descent for the day: 190
Total descent to date: 10,972
Sunrise: 7:44
Sunset: 5:43
Day 70, November 21
Zhengkou to Shuixing
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 33’ 28.46” N, 105° 21’ 39.09” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 30’ 41.53” N, 105° 29’ 24.59” E
Kilometres walked: 18.111
Kilometres walked to date: 1009.88
Kilometres walked on wall: 1.009
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 482.656
Kilometres walked off wall: 17.102
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 527.224
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1199
Elevation at day’s end: 1199
Maximum elevation: 1236
Minimum elevation: 1193
Total ascent for the day: 230
Total ascent to date: 10,272
Total descent for the day: 253
Total descent to date: 10,782
Sunrise: 7:44
Sunset: 5:44
Temperature at 12 pm: 8° (wind chill 4°)
Temperature at 2 pm: 16°
Days 68 & 69, November 19 & 20
Rest days in Zhongwei
Day 67, November 18
Hongshuiju to Zhengkou
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 35’ 07.02” N, 105° 13’ 47.36” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 33’ 28.46” N, 105° 21’ 39.09” E
Kilometres walked: 14.2
Kilometres walked to date: 991.769
Kilometres walked on wall: 12.85
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 481.647
Kilometres walked off wall: 1.35
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 510.122
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1209
Elevation at day’s end: 1199
Maximum elevation: 1221
Minimum elevation: 1199
Total ascent for the day: 342
Total ascent to date: 10,042
Total descent for the day: 348
Total descent to date: 10,529
Sunrise: 7:42
Sunset: 5:46
Temperature at 11 am: 8.5°
Temperature at 2 pm: 19°
Day 66, November 17
Rest day in Zhongwei
Day 65, November 16
Longgong miao to near Hongshuiju
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 32’ 59.16” N, 105° 07’ 40.59” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 35’ 07.02” N, 105° 13’ 47.36” E
Kilometres walked: 12.114
Kilometres walked to date: 977.569
Kilometres walked on wall: 8.299
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 468.797
Kilometres walked off wall: 3.815
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 508.772
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1229
Elevation at day’s end: 1209
Maximum elevation: 1251
Minimum elevation: 1202
Total ascent for the day: 223
Total ascent to date: 9700
Total descent for the day: 239
Total descent to date: 10,181
Sunrise: 7:40
Sunset: 5:48
Temperature at 10:30 am: 6.5°
Temperature at 1:30 pm: 16°
Day 64, November 15
Rest day in Zhongwei
Day 63, November 14
2 kilometres west of Yingshuiqiao to Longgong miao
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 29’ 24.56” N, 105° 03’ 52.04” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 32’ 59.16” N, 105° 07’ 40.59” E
Kilometres walked: 16.505
Kilometres walked to date: 965.455
Kilometres walked on wall: 6.612
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 460.498
Kilometres walked off wall: 9.893
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 504.957
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1232
Elevation at day’s end: 1229
Maximum elevation: 1243
Minimum elevation: 1219
Total ascent for the day: 310
Total ascent to date: 9477
Total descent for the day: 313
Total descent to date: 9942
Sunrise: 7:38
Sunset: 5:50
Temperature at 9:30 am: 4.5°
Temperature at 1:30 pm: 19°
Temperature at 8:30 pm: 8°
Days 61 & 62, November 12 & 13
Rest days in Zhongwei
Day 60, November 11
Shapotou to 2 kilometres west of Yingshuiqiao
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 27’ 54.52” N, 104° 59’ 46.56” E
Location at day’s end: 37° 29’ 24.56” N, 105° 03’ 52.04” E
Kilometres walked: 8.615
Kilometres walked to date: 948.95
Kilometres walked on wall: 0
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 453.886
Kilometres walked off wall: 8.615
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 495.064
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1236
Elevation at day’s end: 1232
Maximum elevation: 1296
Minimum elevation: 1209
Total ascent for the day: 174
Total ascent to date: 9167
Total descent for the day: 179
Total descent to date: 9629
Sunrise: 7:35
Sunset: 5:53
Temperature at 11 am: 12.6°
Temperature at 2 pm: 17.6°
Temperature at 3:30 pm: 20°
Day 59, August 5
10 km west of Changliushui to Shapotou
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 26’ 56.41” N, 104° 48’ 25.71″ E
Location at day’s end: 37° 31’ 05.41” N, 105° 11’ 13.04″ E
Kilometres walked: 21.007
Kilometres walked to date: 940.335
Kilometres walked on wall: 0
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 453.886
Kilometres walked off wall: 21.007
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 486.449
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1590
Elevation at day’s end: 1323
Maximum elevation: 1596
Minimum elevation: 1323
Total ascent for the day: 291
Total ascent to date: 8993
Total descent for the day: 564
Total descent to date: 9450
Sunrise: 6:08 am
Sunset: 8:04 pm
Day 58, August 4
10 km west of Gantang to 10 km west of Changliushui
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 27’ 51.64” N, 104° 27’ 20.63″ E
Location at day’s end: 37° 26’ 56.41” N, 104° 48’ 25.71″ E
Kilometres walked: 35.139
Kilometres walked to date: 919.328
Kilometres walked on wall: 0
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 453.886
Kilometres walked off wall: 35.139
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 465.442
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1706
Elevation at day’s end: 1590
Maximum elevation: 1721
Minimum elevation: 1584
Total ascent for the day: 312
Total ascent to date: 8702
Total descent for the day: 442
Total descent to date: 8886
Sunrise: 6:07 am
Sunset: 8:07 pm
Day 57, August 3
Dageda to 10 km west of Gantang
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 21’ 58.56” N, 104° 12’ 21.45″ E
Location at day’s end: 37° 27’ 51.64” N, 104° 27’ 20.63″ E
Kilometres walked: 27.133
Kilometres walked to date: 884.189
Kilometres walked on wall: 0
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 453.886
Kilometres walked off wall: 27.133
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 430.303
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1646
Elevation at day’s end: 1706
Maximum elevation: 1736
Minimum elevation: 1619
Total ascent for the day: 469
Total ascent to date: 8390
Total descent for the day: 407
Total descent to date: 8444
Sunrise: 6:06 am
Sunset: 8:09 pm
Day 56, August 2
Hongliu to Dageda
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 12’ 42.88” N, 104° 07’ 42.46″ E
Location at day’s end: 37° 21’ 58.56” N, 104° 12’ 21.45″ E
Kilometres walked: 27.776
Kilometres walked to date: 857.056
Kilometres walked on wall: 0
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 453.886
Kilometres walked off wall: 27.776
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 403.170
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1550
Elevation at day’s end: 1646
Maximum elevation: 1652
Minimum elevation: 1550
Total ascent for the day: 256
Total ascent to date: 7921
Total descent for the day: 177
Total descent to date: 8037
Sunrise: 6:07 am
Sunset: 8:11 pm
Day 55, August 1
5 km northeast of Xiangshui to Hongliu
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 07’ 48.08” N, 104° 15’ 37.93″ E
Location at day’s end: 37° 12’ 42.88” N, 104° 07’ 42.46″ E
Kilometres walked: 24.939
Kilometres walked to date: 829.280
Kilometres walked on wall: 0
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 453.886
Kilometres walked off wall: 24.939
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 375.394
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1627
Elevation at day’s end: 1550
Maximum elevation: 1631
Minimum elevation: 1357
Total ascent for the day: 538
Total ascent to date: 7665
Total descent for the day: 616
Total descent to date: 7860
Sunrise: 6:06 am
Sunset: 8:11 pm
Day 54, July 31
4 km northwest of Xiangshui to Yellow River and back to 5 km northeast of Xiangshui
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 08’ 37.58” N, 104° 12’ 49.01″ E
Location at day’s end: 37° 07’ 48.08” N, 104° 15’ 37.93″ E
Kilometres walked: 23.265
Kilometres walked to date: 804.341
Kilometres walked on wall: 11.153
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 453.886
Kilometres walked off wall: 12.112
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 350.455
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1552
Elevation at day’s end: 1627
Maximum elevation: 1649
Minimum elevation: 1455
Total ascent for the day: 859
Total ascent to date: 7127
Total descent for the day: 763
Total descent to date: 7244
Sunrise: 6:06 am
Sunset: 8:12 pm
Day 53, July 30
3 km north of Jingtai to 4 km northwest of Xiangshui
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 13’ 48.36” N, 104° 04’ 48.33″ E
Location at day’s end: 37° 08’ 37.58” N, 104° 12’ 49.01″ E
Kilometres walked: 19.826
Kilometres walked to date: 781.076
Kilometres walked on wall: 13.253
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 442.733
Kilometres walked off wall: 6.573
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 338.343
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1567
Elevation at day’s end: 1552
Maximum elevation: 1613
Minimum elevation: 1492
Total ascent for the day: 360
Total ascent to date: 6268
Total descent for the day: 393
Total descent to date: 6481
Sunrise: 6:05 am
Sunset: 8:13 pm
Day 41-52, July 18-29
Side trips to Xiahe and Inner Mongolia
Day 40, July 17
3 km southeast of Hongshuizhen to 3 km north of Jingtai
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 25’ 50.39” N, 103° 55’ 14.96″ E
Location at day’s end: 37° 13’ 48.36” N, 104° 04’ 48.33″ E
Kilometres walked: 28.879
Kilometres walked to date: 761.250
Kilometres walked on wall: 19.267
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 429.480
Kilometres walked off wall: 9.612
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 331.770
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1757
Elevation at day’s end: 1567
Maximum elevation: 1805
Minimum elevation: 1559
Total ascent for the day: 374
Total ascent to date: 5908
Total descent for the day: 565
Total descent to date: 6088
Sunrise: 5:56 am
Sunset: 8:23 pm
Day 39, July 16
5 km east of Tongjiaba to 3 km southeast of Hongshuizhen
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 28’ 50.41” N, 103° 37’ 42.70″ E
Location at day’s end: 37° 25’ 50.39” N, 103° 55’ 14.96″ E
Kilometres walked: 31.314
Kilometres walked to date: 732.371
Kilometres walked on wall: 25.801
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 410.213
Kilometres walked off wall: 5.513
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 322.158
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1922
Elevation at day’s end: 1757
Maximum elevation: 2173
Minimum elevation: 1750
Total ascent for the day: 705
Total ascent to date: 5534
Total descent for the day: 842
Total descent to date: 5523
Sunrise: 5:57 am
Sunset: 8:24 pm
Temperature at 7 am: 23°, 85% humidity
Temperature at 2 pm: 29°, 73% humidity
Temperature at 8 pm: 24°, 54% humidity
Day 38, July 15
5 km northwest of Dajing to 5 km east of Tongjiaba
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 30’ 35.03” N, 103° 21’ 54.82″ E
Location at day’s end: 37° 28’ 50.41” N, 103° 37’ 42.70″ E
Kilometres walked: 24.148
Kilometres walked to date: 701.057
Kilometres walked on wall: 24.148
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 384.412
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 316.645
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1881
Elevation at day’s end: 1922
Maximum elevation: 1927
Minimum elevation: 1779
Total ascent for the day: 339
Total ascent to date: 4829
Total descent for the day: 301
Total descent to date: 4681
Sunrise: 5:57 am
Sunset: 8:27 pm
Temperature at 7 am: 24°, 92% humidity
Temperature at 2 pm: 29°, 63% humidity
Temperature at 8 pm: 26°, 73% humidity
Day 37, July 14
Tumen to 5 km northwest of Dajing
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 37’ 48.12” N, 103° 05’ 22.64″ E
Location at day’s end: 37° 30’ 35.03” N, 103° 21’ 54.82″ E
Kilometres walked: 32.245
Kilometres walked to date: 676.909
Kilometres walked on wall: 32.245
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 360.264
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 316.645
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1691
Elevation at day’s end: 1881
Maximum elevation: 1958
Minimum elevation: 1691
Total ascent for the day: 764
Total ascent to date: 4490
Total descent for the day: 636
Total descent to date: 4380
Sunrise: 5:57 am
Sunset: 8:28 pm
Temperature at 9 am: 25°, 73% humidity
Day 36, July 13
About 10 kms south of Changcheng to Tumen
Location at day’s beginning: 37° 46’ 42.32” N, 102° 53’ 49.04″ E
Location at day’s end: 37° 37’ 48.12” N, 103° 05’ 22.64″ E
Kilometres walked: 28.334
Kilometres walked to date: 644.664
Kilometres walked on wall: 28.334
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 328.019
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 316.645
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1572
Elevation at day’s end: 1691
Maximum elevation: 1691
Minimum elevation: 1572
Total ascent for the day: 250
Total ascent to date: 3726
Total descent for the day: 110
Total descent to date: 3744
Sunrise: 5:57 am
Sunset: 8:30 pm
Temperature at 1 pm: 32°
Day 35, July 12
Wudong to about 10 kms south of Changcheng
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 02’ 00.60” N, 102° 49’ 23.51″ E
Location at day’s end: 37° 46’ 42.32” N, 102° 53’ 49.04″ E
Kilometres walked: 30.479
Kilometres walked to date: 616.33
Kilometres walked on wall: 20.911
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 299.685
Kilometres walked off wall: 9.568
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 316.645
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1460
Elevation at day’s end: 1572
Maximum elevation: 1572
Minimum elevation: 1442
Total ascent for the day: 174
Total ascent to date: 3476
Total descent for the day: 48
Total descent to date: 3634
Sunrise: 5:55 am
Sunset: 8:32 pm
Day 34, July 11
Caiqi to Wudong
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 13’ 04.87” N, 102° 45’ 36.88″ E
Location at day’s end: 38° 02’ 00.60” N, 102° 49’ 23.51″ E
Kilometres walked: 24.213
Kilometres walked to date: 585.851
Kilometres walked on wall: 16.181
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 278.774
Kilometres walked off wall: 8.032
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 307.77
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1390
Elevation at day’s end: 1460
Maximum elevation: 1460
Minimum elevation: 1390
Total ascent for the day: 126
Total ascent to date: 3302
Total descent for the day: 67
Total descent to date: 3586
Sunrise: 5:55 am
Sunset: 8:33 pm
Temperature at 7 am: 16°
Temperature at 3 pm: 37°
Day 33, July 10
Majinwei to Caiqi
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 15’ 44.36” N, 102° 42’ 53.98″ E
Location at day’s end: 38° 13’ 04.87” N, 102° 45’ 36.88″ E
Kilometres walked: 7.006
Kilometres walked to date: 561.638
Kilometres walked on wall: 0
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 262.593
Kilometres walked off wall: 7.006
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 299.045
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1418
Elevation at day’s end: 1390
Maximum elevation: 1418
Minimum elevation: 1387
Total ascent for the day: 10
Total ascent to date: 3176
Total descent for the day: 27
Total descent to date: 3519
Sunrise: 5:54 am
Sunset: 8:34 pm
Day 33, July 10
Rest day in Wuwei
Day 31, July 8
Hexibao nongchang to Majinwei
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 16’ 16.48” N, 102° 24’ 21.69″ E
Location at day’s end: 38° 15’ 44.36” N, 102° 42’ 53.98″ E
Kilometres walked: 34.391
Kilometres walked to date: 554.632
Kilometres walked on wall: 21.336
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 262.593
Kilometres walked off wall: 13.055
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 292.039
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1539
Elevation at day’s end: 1418
Maximum elevation: 1546
Minimum elevation: 1363
Total ascent for the day: 84
Total ascent to date: 3166
Total descent for the day: 241
Total descent to date: 3492
Sunrise: 5:54 am
Sunset: 8:35 pm
Temperature at 7 am: 16°
Temperature at 1 pm: 32°
Day 30, July 7
Hexibao to Hexibao nongchang
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 22’ 14.11” N, 102° 03’ 57.95″ E
Location at day’s end: 38° 16’ 16.48” N, 102° 24’ 21.69″ E
Kilometres walked: 33.944
Kilometres walked to date: 520.241
Kilometres walked on wall: 8.449
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 241.257
Kilometres walked off wall: 25.495
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 278.984
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1681
Elevation at day’s end: 1539
Maximum elevation: 1685
Minimum elevation: 1533
Total ascent for the day: 72
Total ascent to date: 3082
Total descent for the day: 178
Total descent to date: 3251
Sunrise: 5:55 am
Sunset: 8:37 pm
Temperature at 9 am: 17°, raining
Temperature at 2 pm: 24°
Day 29, July 6
2 km east of Xia’anmen to Hexibao
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 20’ 28.97” N, 101° 52’ 21.97” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 22’ 14.11” N, 102° 03’ 57.95″ E
Kilometres walked: 24.070
Kilometres walked to date: 486.297
Kilometres walked on wall: 7.826
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 232.808
Kilometres walked off wall: 16.244
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 253.489
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1925
Elevation at day’s end: 1681
Maximum elevation: 1925
Minimum elevation: 1670
Total ascent for the day: 186
Total ascent to date: 3010
Total descent for the day: 399
Total descent to date: 3076
Sunrise: 5:55 am
Sunset: 8:39 pm
Temperature at 7 am: 14°, raining
Temperature at 1 pm: 30°
Day 28, July 5
Shiquanzi to 2 km east of Xia’anmen
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 22’ 28.18” N, 101° 38’ 38.16” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 20’ 28.97” N, 101° 52’ 21.97” E
Kilometres walked: 25.006
Kilometres walked to date: 462.227
Kilometres walked on wall: 25.006
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 224.982
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 237.245
Elevation at day’s beginning: 2227
Elevation at day’s end: 1925
Maximum elevation: 2244
Minimum elevation: 1925
Total ascent for the day: 83
Total ascent to date: 2824
Total descent for the day: 385
Total descent to date: 2674
Sunrise: 5:55 am
Sunset: 8:40 pm
Temperature at 1 pm: 32°
Temperature at 8 pm: 23°
Day 27, July 4
Xiakou to Shiquanzi
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 30’ 01.15” N, 101° 25’ 21.73” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 22’ 28.18” N, 101° 38’ 38.16” E
Kilometres walked: 25.040
Kilometres walked to date: 437.221
Kilometres walked on wall: 25.040
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 199.976
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 237.245
Elevation at day’s beginning: 2299
Elevation at day’s end: 2227
Maximum elevation: 2504
Minimum elevation: 2226
Total ascent for the day: 393
Total ascent to date: 2741
Total descent for the day: 449
Total descent to date: 2289
Sunrise: 5:55 am
Sunset: 8:41 pm
Temperature at 7 am: 14°
Temperature at 2 pm: 32°
Day 26, July 3
About 3 kilometres past the point where the wall crosses Hwy 312 to Xiakou
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 38’ 30.40” N, 101° 16’ 59.08” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 30’ 01.15” N, 101° 25’ 21.73” E
Kilometres walked: 23.429
Kilometres walked to date: 412.181
Kilometres walked on wall: 23.429
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 174.936
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 237.245
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1880
Elevation at day’s end: 2299
Maximum elevation: 2321
Minimum elevation: 1886
Total ascent for the day: 511
Total ascent to date: 2348
Total descent for the day: 138
Total descent to date: 1840
Sunrise: 5:55 am
Sunset: 8:43 pm
Temperature at 6 pm: 22°
Days 24 & 25, July 1 & 2
Brendan’s kidney stone, resting in Shandan
Day 23, June 30
Shandan to about 3 kilometres past the point where the wall crosses Hwy 312
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 46’ 53.33” N, 101° 05’ 16.18” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 38’ 30.40” N, 101° 16’ 59.08” E
Kilometres walked: 24.497
Kilometres walked to date: 388.752
Kilometres walked on wall: 20.052
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 151.507
Kilometres walked off wall: 4.445
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 237.245
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1713
Elevation at day’s end: 1880
Maximum elevation: 1884
Minimum elevation: 1713
Total ascent for the day: 240
Total ascent to date: 1837
Total descent for the day: 66
Total descent to date: 1702
Sunrise: 5:54 am
Sunset: 8:44 pm
Temperature at 10 am: 25°
Temperature at 12 pm: 32°
Temperature at 8 pm: 24°
Day 22, June 29
Dong Le to Shandan
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 50’ 25.61” N, 100° 49’ 29.38” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 46’ 53.33” N, 101° 05’ 16.18” E
Kilometres walked: 28.77
Kilometres walked to date: 364.255
Kilometres walked on wall: 23.48
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 131.455
Kilometres walked off wall: 5.29
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 232.8
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1558
Elevation at day’s end: 1713
Maximum elevation: 1733
Minimum elevation: 1558
Total ascent for the day: 218
Total ascent to date: 1597
Total descent for the day: 66
Total descent to date: 1636
Sunrise: 5:54 am
Sunset: 8:45 pm
Temperature at 10 am: 25°
Temperature at 1 pm: 32°
Temperature at 4 pm: 36°
Day 21, June 28
Zhangye railway station to Dong Le
Location at day’s beginning: 38° 58’ 19.70” N, 100° 31’ 03.61” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 50’ 25.61” N, 100° 49’ 29.38” E
Kilometres walked: 32.299
Kilometres walked to date: 335.485
Kilometres walked on wall: 3.079
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 107.975
Kilometres walked off wall: 29.22
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 227.51
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1419
Elevation at day’s end: 1558
Maximum elevation: 1558
Minimum elevation: 1402
Total ascent for the day: 215
Total ascent to date: 1379
Total descent for the day: 102
Total descent to date: 1570
Sunrise: 5:54 am
Sunset: 8:46 pm
Temperature at 2 pm: 34°
Day 20, June 27
2 km north of Tuqiaowan to Zhangye railway station
Location at day’s beginning: 39° 10’ 30.31” N, 100° 21’ 43.69” E
Location at day’s end: 38° 58’ 19.70” N, 100° 31’ 03.61” E
Kilometres walked: 30.504
Kilometres walked to date: 303.186
Kilometres walked on wall: 0
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 104.896
Kilometres walked off wall: 30.504
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 198.29
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1396
Elevation at day’s end: 1419
Maximum elevation: 1417
Minimum elevation: 1355
Total ascent for the day: 138
Total ascent to date: 1164
Total descent for the day: 105
Total descent to date: 1468
Sunrise: 5:54 am
Sunset: 8:48 pm
Temperature at 11 am: 25° (Humidity 65%)
Day 19, June 26
About 10 km east of Pinchuan to 2 km north of Tuqiaowan
Location at day’s beginning: 39° 18’ 55.04” N, 100° 10’ 58.72” E
Location at day’s end: 39° 10’ 30.31” N, 100° 21’ 43.69” E
Kilometres walked: 27.287
Kilometres walked to date: 272.682
Kilometres walked on wall: 0
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 104.896
Kilometres walked off wall: 27.287
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 167.786
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1335
Elevation at day’s end: 1396
Maximum elevation: 1399
Minimum elevation: 1333
Total ascent for the day: 189
Total ascent to date: 1026
Total descent for the day: 147
Total descent to date: 1363
Sunrise: 5:54 am
Sunset: 8:49 pm
Temperature at 10 am: 26°
Temperature at 2 pm: 32°
Temperature at 8 pm: 22°
Day 18, June 25
Picked up new backpacks in Zhangye
Day 17, June 24
Si Ba to about 10 km east of Pinchuan
Location at day’s beginning: 39° 22’ 30.04” N, 99° 50’ 28.33” E
Location at day’s end: 39° 18’ 55.04” N, 100° 10’ 58.72” E
Kilometres walked: 20.026
Kilometres walked to date: 245.395
Kilometres walked on wall: 0
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 104.896
Kilometres walked off wall: 20.026
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 140.499
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1320
Elevation at day’s end: 1335
Maximum elevation: 1335
Minimum elevation: 1303
Total ascent for the day: 39
Total ascent to date: 837
Total descent for the day: 17
Total descent to date: 1216
Sunrise: 5:55 am
Sunset: 8:50 pm
Temperature at 1pm: 32°
Days 13-16, June 20-23
Rest days and waiting for new backpacks in Zhangye, with side trip to Matisi and Jintasi
Day 12, June 19
Ba Ba to Si Ba
Location at day’s beginning: 39° 28’ 26.77” N, 99° 44’ 22.82” E
Location at day’s end: 39° 22’ 30.04” N, 99° 50’ 28.33” E
Kilometres walked: 28.19
Kilometres walked to date: 225.369
Kilometres walked on wall: 0
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 104.896
Kilometres walked off wall: 28.19
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 120.473
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1285
Elevation at day’s end: 1320
Maximum elevation: 1320
Minimum elevation: 1264
Total ascent for the day: 118
Total ascent to date: 798
Total descent for the day: 90
Total descent to date: 1199
Sunrise: 5:54 am
Sunset: 8:50 pm
Temperature at 11 am: 22° (Humidity 50%)
Day 11, June 18
Hongshan to Ba ba
Location at day’s beginning: 39° 39’ 42.54” N, 99° 37’ 24.31” E
Location at day’s end: 39° 28’ 26.77” N, 99° 44’ 22.82” E
Kilometres walked: 26.246
Kilometres walked to date: 197.179
Kilometres walked on wall: 0
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 104.896
Kilometres walked off wall: 26.246
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 92.283
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1249
Elevation at day’s end: 1285
Maximum elevation: 1291
Minimum elevation: 1249
Total ascent for the day: 106
Total ascent to date: 680
Total descent for the day: 73
Total descent to date: 1109
Sunrise: 5:53 am
Sunset: 8:51 pm
Temperature at 8 am: 16°
Temperature at 1 pm: 22°
Temperature at 8 pm: 20°
Day 10, June 17
Tiancheng to Hongshan
Location at day’s beginning: 39° 47’ 33.44” N, 99° 28’ 17.98” E
Location at day’s end: 39° 39’ 42.54” N, 99° 37’ 24.31” E
Kilometres walked: 22.757
Kilometres walked to date: 170.933
Kilometres walked on wall: 1
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 104.896
Kilometres walked off wall: 21.757
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 66.037
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1233
Elevation at day’s end: 1249
Maximum elevation: 1259
Minimum elevation: 1233
Total ascent for the day: 85
Total ascent to date: 574
Total descent for the day: 66
Total descent to date: 1036
Sunrise: 5:53 am
Sunset: 8:52 pm
Temperature at 1 pm: 24° (Humidity 45%)
Days 8 & 9, June 15 & 16
Rest days in Gaotai
Day 7, June 14
Shiquanzi to Tiancheng
Location at day’s beginning: 39° 47’ 56.84” N, 99° 11’ 45.95” E
Location at day’s end: 39° 47’ 33.44” N, 99° 28’ 17.98” E
Kilometres walked: 25.493
Kilometres walked to date: 148.176
Kilometres walked on wall: 20.493
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 103.896
Kilometres walked off wall: 5
Kilometres walked off wall to date: 44.28
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1294
Elevation at day’s end: 1236
Maximum elevation: 1369
Minimum elevation: 1225
Total ascent for the day: 119
Total ascent to date: 489
Total descent for the day: 172
Total descent to date: 970
Sunrise: 5:53 am
Sunset: 8:51 pm
Temperature at 7 am: 9°
Temperature at 1:30 pm: 46° (Humidity 8%)
Day 6, June 13
3 km east of Yuanyangchi to Shiquanzi
Location at day’s beginning: 39° 51’ 13.75” N, 98° 53’ 45.20” E
Location at day’s end: 39° 47’ 56.84” N, 99° 11’ 45.95” E
Kilometres walked: 27.21
Kilometres walked to date: 122.683
Kilometres walked on wall: 27.21
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 83.403
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date 39.28
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1289
Elevation at day’s end: 1294
Maximum elevation: 1302
Minimum elevation: 1261
Total ascent for the day: 117
Total ascent to date: 370
Total descent for the day: 108
Total descent to date: 798
Sunrise: 5:54 am
Sunset: 8:52 pm
Temperature at 7am: 14°
Temperature at 2 pm: 31°
Temperature at 9 pm: 26°
Day 5, June 12
Mingsha Wo Da Dui to 3 km east of Yuanyangchi
Location at day’s beginning: 39° 49’ 15.36” N, 98° 41’ 27.84” E
Location at day’s end: 39° 51’ 13.75” N, 98° 53’ 45.20” E
Kilometres walked: 24.425
Kilometres walked to date: 95.473
Kilometres walked on wall: 7.35
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 56.193
Kilometres walked off wall: 17.075
Kilometres walked off wall to date 39.28
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1322
Elevation at day’s end: 1289
Maximum elevation: 1331
Minimum elevation: 1241
Total ascent for the day: 85
Total ascent to date: 253
Total descent for the day: 120
Total descent to date: 690
Sunrise: 5:56 am
Sunset: 8:53 pm
Temperature at 8 am: 21°
Temperature at 1 pm: 31°
Temperature at 8 pm: 27°
Day 4, June 11
Xincheng Zhen to Mingsha Wo Da Dui
Location at day’s beginning: 39° 52’ 22.90” N, 98° 27’ 00.34” E
Location at day’s end: 39° 49’ 15.36” N, 98° 41’ 27.84” E
Kilometres walked: 24.772
Kilometres walked to date: 71.048
Kilometres walked on wall: 22.653
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 48.843
Kilometres walked off wall: 2.119
Kilometres walked off wall to date 22.205
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1413
Elevation at day’s end: 1322
Maximum elevation: 1418
Minimum elevation: 1309
Total ascent for the day: 75
Total ascent to date: 168
Total descent for the day: 160
Total descent to date: 570
Sunrise: 5:57 am
Sunset: 8:53 pm
Temperature at 7 am: 23°
Temperature at 1 pm: 33.5°
Temperature at 8 pm: 24° (Wind 12 mph)
Day 3, June 10
About 3 km north of Jiayuguan Airport to Xincheng Zhen
Location at day’s beginning: 39° 52’ 46.09” N, 98° 18’ 48.02” E
Location at day’s end: 39° 52’ 22.90” N, 98° 27’ 00.34” E
Kilometres walked: 20.29
Kilometres walked to date: 46.276
Kilometres walked on wall: 6.243
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 26.19
Kilometres walked off wall: 14.047
Kilometres walked off wall to date 20.086
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1508
Elevation at day’s end: 1413
Maximum elevation: 1508
Minimum elevation: 1412
Total ascent for the day: 28
Total ascent to date: 93
Total descent for the day: 122
Total descent to date: 410
Sunrise: 5:57 am
Sunset: 8:54 pm
Temperature at 7 am: 15°
Temperature at 1 pm: 33°
Day 2, June 9
Jiayuguan Fort to about 3 km north of Jiayuguan Airport
Location at day’s beginning: 39° 47’ 50.63” N, 98° 12’ 54.22” E
Location at day’s end: 39° 52’ 46.09” N, 98° 18’ 48.02” E
Kilometres walked: 18.963
Kilometres walked to date: 25.986
Kilometres walked on wall: 12.924
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 19.947
Kilometres walked off wall: 6.039
Kilometres walked off wall to date 6.039
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1663
Elevation at day’s end: 1508
Total ascent for the day: 44
Total ascent to date: 65
Total descent for the day: 198
Total descent to date: 288
Sunrise: 5:59 am
Sunset: 8:54 pm
Temperature at 2 pm: 28°
Temperature at 5 pm: 32°
Temperature at 8 pm: 26°
Day 1, June 8
Taolai River to Jiayuguan Fort
Location at day’s beginning: 39° 47’ 37.13” N, 98° 12’ 03.49” N
Location at day’s end: 39° 47’ 50.63” N, 98° 12’ 54.22” E
Kilometres walked: 7.023
Kilometres walked to date: 7.023
Kilometres walked on wall: 7.023
Kilometres walked on wall to date: 7.023
Kilometres walked off wall: 0
Kilometres walked off wall to date 0
Elevation at day’s beginning: 1735
Elevation at day’s end: 1663
Maximum elevation: 1740
Minimum elevation: 1661
Total ascent for the day: 21
Total ascent to date: 21
Total descent for the day: 90
Total descent to date: 90
Sunrise: 5:59 am
Sunset: 8:53 pm
Temperature at 1 pm: 32°
Temperature at 5 pm: 27°
Notes on Gear Used and Accuracy
One of the real pleasures of undertaking a long-distance walk in 2006 is the ease with which we can record detailed information on our progress and the weather conditions we encounter. Over the last two decades gear manufacturers have developed incredibly lightweight and accurate GPS units, altimeter/barometers, and weather meters. The total weight of the gear used to compile the trip log is just over a quarter of a kilogram.
Still, this gear is made for recreational, not scientific, use, and our methods fall far short of a scientific standard. All of the information we present was collected for recreational purposes using recreational gear. Understood as such, we think it gives an interesting overall picture of our trip in numerical form, but we make a lot of mistakes with our gear, and even when we use our gear properly the measurements are subject to error.
Notes on each of the measurements and the types of errors they are subject to follow.
Location
All location coordinates are taken using a Garmin iQue M5 GPS unit. Because we are usually in wide-open terrain, our unit has a clear line to satellites and we get very accurate readings. Usually the margin of error reported by the unit is less than 5 meters. For all practical purposes, the locations we report are exact, apart from operator error.
Operator error, well, that’s a different subject. Ideally, every morning we would take a reading from the precise point where we begin walking and another reading from the precise point where we stop. In practice, we shut off the unit before we set up camp, forget where we were standing, and turn on the unit the next morning somewhere in the vicinity of camp but rarely at the precise point where we were standing the night before.
This creates minor discrepancies in our location at one day’s end and our location the following morning when we set out. To eliminate these discrepancies, we treat the ending location for the day as the accurate measurement, and also record that location as our starting point the following day.
Distance walked (overall)
Distances are recorded using the tracking feature of the Garmin iQue M5 GPS unit. When we have enough battery power, we set it to run continuously and record our position (track point) every 60 seconds. When we don’t have enough battery power, Brendan manually records our position every time we make a significant change in direction.
The tracking software in our computer adds the distances between the track points recorded for the day, giving us a fairly accurate measurement of the distance walked.
Because the GPS unit treats the distance traveled between two track points as a straight line, and does not account for all the little detours we make to avoid rocks or look at bugs, it systematically understates the distance we walk. This problem is obviously much more severe when we are recording track points manually rather than every 60 seconds.
We don’t know how significant this error is. We have obtained a new GPS unit with much longer battery power that will allow us to record our position more frequently, which should improve accuracy.
Distance walked on and off wall
This is probably the category where our measurements are most arguable.
The first and biggest problem is defining what is “on” and “off” the wall. We define “on the wall” as any time we are walking along any structure or structural remains that are readily recognisable as being the wall in the most literal sense, i.e. a vertical structure built for defensive purposes.
When we encounter gaps in the wall, for example a road cut or a place where the wall has entirely eroded away, we still consider ourselves to be “on the wall” if we can see the point where the wall resumes. Sometimes these gaps can be hundreds of metres.
If the wall ends and we cannot see its resumption ahead, we consider ourselves to be “off the wall.”
One could argue for a looser definition of wall that includes areas such as the Hei He valley, where beacon towers are constructed along a natural barrier, in this case rugged mountains, to provide the functional equivalent of a wall. We are quite sympathetic to such a definition, but practically speaking deciding how many towers need to be in view or how formidable the natural barrier needs to be to “count” is just too messy to work.
One could just as easily argue for a tighter definition that excludes road cuts and minor gaps. We are less sympathetic to this sort of definition; but in any event using it would entail far too much work for the fairly minor gain in accuracy.
The way we actually record when we’re on or off the wall is to use the GPS unit to set a waypoint (a reading of our location coordinates) each time the wall ends or resumes. We can compare this location to the location coordinates saved in our track logs, then add up the distances traveled on either side of the waypoint, to get measurements for the distances traveled on and off the wall.
Finally (!), apart from all the considerations above, it should be noted that the distance we record as “on the wall” is not an accurate measurement of the length of the Great Wall of China, or anything like one. The wall has spurs, extensions and lengths of double wall that could be counted. On at least one occasion already, we have lost track of the wall and found it again probably more than a kilometre after it resumed. As we’ve discussed on the “Our Route” page, there are many long walls in China, and Great Wall scholars spill a lot of ink debating what is and isn’t a “Great Wall.”
What we record as “on the wall” is simply a measurement of the distance we have traveled along the wall between Jiayuguan and Shanhaiguan.
Elevation
Elevations are recorded using the Garmin GPS unit. GPS elevation is less accurate than elevation calculated using a barometric altimeter (we do carry one); however, barometric altimeters need to be calibrated frequently against a known point of elevation to maintain their accuracy, and we don’t have any maps that can provide known points of elevation.
As far as we can tell using our uncalibrated barometric altimeter and common sense, the GPS does a pretty decent job.
Ascent and descent
These measurements are taken using the barometric altimeter in a Suunto X6 wristwatch. Our inability to calibrate the altimeter doesn’t matter for measuring ascent and descent because we’re only measuring changes in elevation, rather than determining actual elevation. However, like any readings taken with a barometric altimeter, these measurements are subject to error caused by weather-related changes in atmospheric pressure.
The weather-related changes should more or less cancel each other out over the course of six months, so the readings for the trip (as opposed to a particular day) should be reasonably accurate. When our trip ends, the difference between total ascent and descent should be roughly equal to the difference between our elevation at trip’s beginning and end.
As of the end of June 30, the difference between total ascent and descent was 135 metres. The difference between the beginning and ending elevations was 145 metres. There are a fair number of odd results on a daily basis, but for the period as a whole the numbers end up very close.
Sunrise and sunset
These are calculated by entering our location coordinates for the day into the Sunrise/Sunset calculator on the website of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admistration (see http://www.srrb.noaa.gov/highlights/sunrise/sunrise.html). Since the location coordinates are more or less exact, the sunrise and sunset figures are as well.
You may notice we get some interesting results for the dates June 17-19. Apparently we were traveling south quickly enough that the days grew shorter over this time, despite the approach of summer solstice.
Temperatures and relative humidity
All weather information is taken using a Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter. We only take humidity or wind speed when conditions make it seem like we’ll get an interesting reading. On the day the temperature reached 41 degrees in the Gobi Desert, the relative humidity was 8%. That’s purty dry.
As far as we know, the weather meter is quite accurate, but we have nothing to cross-check it against.
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