Shennong Stream

Tuesday, 13 May 2014

Can you spot the coffin?

A natural cave



Transferring to pea-pods

Our river ferry

Local fishing spot

APT Touring Choir

This morning we enjoyed a shore excursion to the Shennong Stream, disembarking onto a local ferry for the first part of the journey.  Our local guides pointed out a hanging coffin in a rock crevasse shortly after we entered the tributary and we also learnt about the life of the Tu Jia people who live in the area.  After nearly an hour of looking at the limestone cliffs and rainforest, we arrived at our transfer point.  The pea-pod sampans were powered by four oarsmen and a skipper at the back and before the river was dammed, these boats were pulled along by trackers.  Our promised demonstration of tracking did prove to be a little different from the brochure – all the ladies were very disappointed!  We had fourteen people in our boat, as well as the guide and were rowed some distance further into the gorge while our guide continued with her stories of the area and even entertained us with a couple of songs.  Of course, we were then offered a CD and booklet, both available for purchase and a promise of a signature.  Our transfer back to the ferry was via the obligatory market with vendors; we are either becoming masters at dodging or these vendors weren’t as aggressive.

The weather during the morning had been rather chilly and foggy, but once back on board the mother ship, the weather closed in completely, with thick fog and rain.  During our journey through the Wu Gorge, we were treated to a commentary from Cruise Director Bob, who explained what we would have been able to see if the weather had been clear.  Rather disappointing, actually.

Following lunch, the APT groups combined for a rehearsal for tonight’s Crew Variety Show – evidently we are the first act.  Our version of Waltzing Matilda should have the Americans on board totally confused!  So, what else is there to do on a rainy afternoon except have a massage?

Voices were lubricated at dinner (free wine and beer at meals on board) in preparation for our big performance.  After a big introduction from the ship’s cruise director, we took the stage, set up our props and proceeded to entertain the remaining fifteen passengers.  Corks had been found for the swagman’s hat, a metal dish served as a billy, the troopers had large numbers on their shirts, the jumbuck bore a strong resemblance to a bull and the ghost looked remarkably like a lady wearing a white tablecloth!  We all enjoyed ourselves, including the English couple who were granted honorary Aussie status for the night, and received much applause from the audience.  Following our act, the crew performed a number of items and Bob, the ship’s cruise director, was a smash hit, especially with his mimed movie making skit, followed by YMCA with some audience participation.