Laoshan

Hi, Everyone - We just had a 3-day holiday - the Dragon Boat Festival. On the first day, Monday, we went to Laoshan - the highest coastal mountain range in China.  It's only about 1/2 hr away, but we hadn't been there yet. Most of our trips have been to far away places, so we decided we need to start seeing more local sites. "Shan" means mountain - so "Lao Mountain". It's located right along the beautiful coast of the Yellow Sea.

Lori, a fellow teacher and Nancy, our friend and guide

Our first objective was to hike up the 1000 steps to a Temple and see the sights along the way.

For less than $10 you can take the lazy way out.  After we made the hike, it seemed like a good idea!

Part way up is this dam and beautiful reservoir.

Spring was a wonderful time to make this trek. Cool, green and in full bloom.

Reminded me of playing in creeks at home.

Sights at the Taoist temple - The Temple of Great Purity:

For burning incense

I almost missed the Monk in the picture.

A couple of impressive trees:

This impressive giant is 1000 yrs old

hollow

with trees growing up inside it.

This one is not as big, but is 1100 yrs old.

 At another site - The Temple of Supreme Purity. Many of the temples we've seen have been in the city.  I love the serene, mountain setting of these two temples.

Many hands  have rubbed the head of the dragon and the sun.

This man and his daughter held this pose for a full five minutes or more.