vstars Chapter 136 Qinghai Lake Day 1
Chapter 136 Qinghai Lake Day 1
The first day from Golmud to Qinghai Lake. Chasing the dream of Qinghai Lake: the shock and excitement of the first sight
The morning light over Golmud hadn't yet faded when the RV's engine shattered the morning's stillness. Li Fugui held the steering wheel firmly, his eyes gleaming with excitement. Beside him, Xiao Tao straightened her back, her eyes fixed on the gradually clearing road ahead. She murmured, "Finally, I've waited for you. Qinghai Lake is right before our eyes." Before she finished speaking, her cheeks flushed with excitement, and she unconsciously clenched the corners of her clothes, as if this would help her reach her longed-for destination faster. Li Fugui understood, and with a slight push on his feet, the RV sped up, shooting forward like an arrow.
In the backseat, Zhang Tingjian and Zhang Nan had long lost their usual composure. Their heads pressed against the car window, their noses almost touching the glass, their four eyes like searchlights, greedily capturing the fleeting scenery outside. Li Fugui's glasses kept sliding down his nose. He raised his hand to push them up, muttering, "I've been waiting so hard all this time. This scenery now, wow, it's even more beautiful than I imagined!" Zhang Nan nodded frequently, the shutter of his camera clicking non-stop, trying to freeze every fleeting moment.
In the pickup truck behind, Zhang Bei's Xiao Xing was as energetic as a hot pepper. She controlled the steering wheel with one hand, and with the other, she lovingly tickled the chin of Po, the panda dog in the passenger seat, causing Po to bark non-stop, as if playing a cheerful march to celebrate the journey. Xiao Xing shouted at the top of her lungs, "We're here! Qinghai Lake, Bird Island! Just look at the scenery along the way; it must be incredibly spectacular!" Her voice, carried by the strong wind, drifted across the vast expanse of the plains.
As we approached Qinghai Lake, the scenery along the road became increasingly dreamlike. At first, rolling, withered, yellow grasslands swayed gently in the breeze, like a golden velvet carpet covering the earth. Closer, herds of yaks and sheep strolled leisurely among them, like ethereal clouds on a green carpet. Their occasional glances upwards revealed a carefree and wild nature unique to highland creatures. In the distance, the azure sky and the crystal-clear lake merged seamlessly at the horizon, merging into a tangle of water and sky, making it impossible to tell which was which. Only the shimmering waters, like stars falling to earth, shimmered, a breathtaking sight.
The RV slowly drove into the vicinity of the Qinghai Lake Scenic Area. Li Fugui found a spacious, flat spot and parked securely. Everyone eagerly jumped out of the car. The moment they stepped foot on solid ground, a gentle breeze carrying the moisture of the lake and the fragrance of green grass blew across their faces, refreshing their hearts. Sister Tao took a deep breath, her eyes slightly moist. "This wind, this smell, I've been waiting for so long, and now I can finally feel it."
Not far away lies the renowned Bird Island. Every year between spring and summer, tens of thousands of migratory birds flock here, creating a vibrant scene of flying feathers and melodious songs, making the island a true bird paradise. Although it's not peak season for migratory birds, everyone climbed the scenic boardwalk with great anticipation. Gazing out into the distance, they saw a variety of waterfowl scattered across the lake. Some circled low, their pristine white wings gleaming in the sun; others rested quietly on the shallow rocks, like pensive sages, adding a touch of vibrant beauty to the tranquil surface.
At this time, the sharp-eyed Zhang Bei saw the legend of Qinghai Lake painted on the signboard next to him, and hurriedly pulled everyone over and started talking excitedly: "It is said that Qinghai Lake was originally a sacred spring on the grassland, and the spring went straight to heaven. One year there was a severe drought, the crops failed, and the cattle and sheep were dying. A brave Tibetan youth was determined to save the people. Following the oracle, he went through hardships to find a sacred stone and threw it into the spring. In an instant, the sacred spring splashed and the water level rose sharply, turning into the vast Qinghai Lake today, moisturizing the surrounding land, so that the people can survive. The young man also turned into an eagle by the lake, guarding this water area for generations." Everyone listened attentively, and their eyes looking at the lake added a bit of awe.
Zhang Tingjian had already set up his telephoto lens, concentrating on capturing the bird's every gesture, muttering to himself, "This composition, this light and shadow, I'll pick a few and print them out when I get home. They'll definitely be treasures to hang on my wall." Zhang Nan, crouching at the edge of the plank road, reached out and gently touched the lake water. The cool touch made him shiver, but he remained smiling. "This lake water is so clear that you can see the bottom, like a mirror. It's truly worthy of being Qinghai Lake."
Xiao Xing took A Bao for a stroll along the lakeside. A Bao ran wildly and excitedly, occasionally diving into the water, splashing water and scaring a flock of waterbirds into flying away with fluttering wings. Xiao Xing feigned anger and called out, "A Bao, stop it!" But she couldn't hide the smile on her face. The water gently lapped against the shore, making a pleasant "swoosh" sound, like a soft song, telling the ancient and moving story of Qinghai Lake.
It was almost noon, the sun was high in the sky, and everyone's stomachs were growling. Sister Tao suggested finding a lakeside restaurant to try some authentic Qinghai Lake cuisine. Entering a small shop overlooking the lake, the owner enthusiastically recommended their signature dish: Qinghai Lake naked carp. This fish, native to the high, cold brackish waters, boasts firm, delicate flesh. Steamed, the fish gleamed with an alluring sheen. Sprinkled with chopped scallions and shredded ginger, and drizzled with boiling hot oil, the aroma sizzled and filled the air.
During the meal, the old man in the restaurant told another legend: "A long time ago, the fish in Qinghai Lake were like the livestock on the grassland, freely shuttling between land and lake. One winter, a blizzard froze the lake, and the fish were trapped and dying. The herdsmen felt pity and broke the ice to save the fish. The fish were grateful and from then on only lived in the lake, transformed into naked carp and reproduced, becoming a unique treasure of Qinghai Lake, blessing the herdsmen with good fortune." Everyone listened with gusto, and when they put the fish into their mouths, they seemed to taste a bit of the legendary flavor.
Everyone gathered around the table, enjoying the fish. The fish melted in their mouths, tender and smooth, with the unique sweetness of lake water, earning rave reviews. The accompanying highland barley pancakes were equally impressive, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a wheaty aroma mixed with a hint of milk, creating a unique flavor.
After eating and drinking, the afternoon sun became softer. The group rented a few boats and slowly rowed to the center of the lake. The lake water became increasingly blue and deep, like a huge blue gem, gently embracing the boats in its arms. Li Fugui and Sister Xiaotao shared a boat, sitting side by side, the oars in their hands rhythmically paddling the water, creating layers of ripples. Sister Xiaotao whispered, "Do you think that when we are old, can we still come here to watch the lake and row a boat like we do now?" Li Fugui turned to look at her, his eyes gentle and firm, "Of course we can. We haven't seen enough of this lake yet. We will try to come here every year."
On another boat, Zhang Tingjian was busy photographing Zhang Nan. With the azure lake as his backdrop, Zhang Nan struck a variety of playful poses, his laughter echoing across the surface, startling a flock of roosting waterfowl. Xiao Xing sat with A Bao at the bow of the boat. A Bao poked his head out, gazing curiously at the water, barking occasionally as if engaged in a conversation. The boat drifted leisurely in the center of the lake, and everyone was immersed in the tranquil and beautiful atmosphere, as if time had stood still for them.
As the sun set, the horizon was dyed a dazzling orange-red by the sunset glow. The lake, too, shimmered in the light, resembling a burning sea of fire. The group paddled ashore and paused, gazing at the dreamlike beauty before them, reluctant to leave. Sister Tao sighed softly, "Today's journey from Golmud to see the splendor of Qinghai Lake, the beauty of Bird Island, and all the delicious food and fun was worth it, truly worth it." Everyone nodded, their eyes filled with nostalgia and reluctance to leave. Though they knew they had more to do tomorrow, the awe and excitement of seeing Qinghai Lake for the first time was deeply etched in their hearts, a precious memory they would cherish for the rest of their lives, savoring it quietly and radiantly.
As night slowly fell and a starry sky crept up, we returned to our RV and pickup truck. After a quick wash, we drifted off to sleep, accompanied by the murmur of the lake and the gentle breeze. In our dreams, we still saw the clear blue of Qinghai Lake, filled with endless laughter and beauty. We waited for tomorrow's sunrise to awaken this beautiful dream once again, continuing our romantic journey with Qinghai Lake.