I had a big breakfast and grabbed a pretzel, hard boiled egg, apple, and pack of nuts for snacks /lunch before heading out to the great wall. Jack had booked the tickets for me and the hotel arranged a driver who would drive me there (1.5 hours one way), stay until I was done, and drive me back. The price was 850 rmb which is $131.85. Not bad for service for 8 hours.
I booked the cable car at Mutianyu as I wanted to get to the top without crowds. So we left early. The cable car puts you in the middle of the section of the wall that is open. I walked to the one side first.
At the end of the section of Wall it is blocked off. From here the wall has been poorly maintained. Local village women bring fans, water, and beer for thirsty walkers. The price is steeper than a store but then they carried it here. I was thirsty and already had water so a beer was in order. They speak a little English and I practiced a little Chinese.
I had already promised one woman at the bottom of the steepest stretch I would be back to buy beer so after spending time at the top I headed back the way I came to buy another beer and talk with her.
On the way back there were more and more people but not like it is in the busiest tourist season.
I walked all the way to the other end of the section that was open. At both ends it is pretty steep and you climb steps with hands and feet. At that end I met a friendly young Chinese woman and we conversed through translation apps. We took pictures for each other too.
I made my way back to the cable car to do some shopping and leave with the driver. A great day on the wall back and forth and could not ask for better weather.