The temperature had dropped to -10 C during the night so our water bottles were mostly frozen by the morning. Should have taken them in the sleeping bag. The sun rose as a dull, orange disc through the smog reminding me of forest fire days in the Okanagan. The ride was rather uneventful aside from the incredible coal truck traffic. One truck after the other. James kept saying it feels like there is a war on. Everything was covered in coal dust. So gross and depressing. In the evening we had black rings around our eyes and dark smears on our faces. Yuck.
In the evening we came near a city called Linfen and started looking for a camping spot about 15 km out of town. But in this part of China, even if you are not directly in a town, there are people everywhere. We asked for camping permission at a nursery and at two other buildings but were rejected. It was getting quite dark now when an very nice young couple allowed us to stay on their property. They invited us inside for tea and we were amazed how modern and extravagant the interior was decked out. They seemed quite excited to have foreigners as guests and then said we did not have to camp but could sleep in their guest room and also take a shower. Wow! After this filthy day their kindness felt like paradise. They had android phones with internet access so we were able to chat with them via Google Translate. The guy said he too is very interested in traveling and likes helping and meeting other travelers. We had a very fun time with them. Unfortunately I cannot remember what their names were and I cannot read their Chinese writing in my address book. Someone will have to translate it one day. THANK YOU LORD FOR LETTING US CROSS PATHS WITH THIS KIND COUPLE TO CHEER US UP AFTER THIS UNPLEASANT DAY.
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