The Great Wall of China shot from a watchtower on the wall itself. This image was shot in March in the Simatai Region of China. The bleak landscape gives testimony to the cold winter time of year. This stock photo was captured with a Canon 1ds MKII. My companion and I arose at 4:00 in the morning. When we had checked in the previous evening there was no hot water. We were assured that the next morning (now), there would be plenty of hot water. I staggered into the shower and turned on the water. Nothing. Not even any cold water. Oh well.... We hiked up the Great Wall for two hours, one step at a time. About 6:00 a.m. the sun began to rise and we found a suitable place to take our pictures. There was only my companion, me and our local Chinese guide. Watching the sun's rays spread across the mountains, and the wall, below us was one of my "peak" experiences. The section of the wall that we were on was officially off limits to tourists as it had not yet been restored. Of course, in winter, and so early in the morning, there was no one there to curtail our explorations. In fact, we were the only occupants of the hostel. To be alone on the wall, watching the sunrise and just soaking in the wonder of it all...well, that is why I travel to these places. As they say, priceless!