We had superb walking along the Wall, much of it with very steep steps and to a large part along unrestored sections. At times the heights were dizzying along stretches that had crumbled away at the sides. We were apparently the only tour group allowed on one particular section of the wall; it eventually crumbled to just the red earth of the core before reaching a river valley. We trust that one day soon it will be restored, as there is plenty going on in China, with an air of frenetic activity. There had been a wooden crossing and fort at this point, but it had long since disappeared. Then it was up and running again on the other side and stretching upwards into the mountains.  

The views were awesome; hills and mountains stretching to the horizon.  The greenery was fresh and springlike and the weather varied from very cold at night to warm to hot to sunny to rainy, so we had to be prepared for all eventualities. We met local people in small hamlets just off the Wall and were invited into their houses, which was a great privilege. We camped in a tiny hamlet of less than a dozen houses, in someone's vegetable garden, as well as just yards from a public road, next to a river and under some trees  - it all felt very safe to be in China!

We didn't feel or know about the earthquake immediately as we were away from 'civilisation', but our hearts go out to the thousands who were affected. Back in Beijing, people were very active in the street: giving blood, high school students collecting money and getting people to send messages to the stricken area by communal notice boards or text. There was an outpouring of emotion not seen since the events of Tiananmen Square and yet allowed by the government. We were impressed by both China and The Great Wall.