Deep in the Qinling Mountains, the Owner is Away, a Dog Guards the Courtyard
Hiking in the mountains has always been a solitary experience; I enjoy traveling alone, feeling it's more free and unrestricted, without constraints or obligations – truly, you can walk whenever you want and stop whenever you want. Perhaps it's because I've walked alone for so long, now walking on mountain trails feels like walking on a flat surface. Even if the mountain road twists and turns eighteen times, the journey is never daunting. Currently, it's the 18th day after the beginning of Spring, walking on the road doesn't feel cold at all. However, once I stop, I instantly feel a shiver running through my body.
Coming from the valley, I hadn't encountered anyone along the way, which was somewhat disappointing. I used to be someone who didn't like talking, but since I started hiking, walking on unfamiliar roads, I need to know what this place is and what it's called. Gradually, I've developed the habit of greeting and asking for directions. The local mountain villagers are mostly very hospitable, and if I happen to find someone who speaks my language, they'll even invite me to their homes for a visit.
The farmers' houses in Qinling Mountain are mostly built on hillsides near water. The houses face the mountain, and the mountains don't appear very steep, giving a solid and reassuring feeling. A road extends outwards from the farmer's yard, visible from a distance, forming a gentle S-shape that leads to the main road. A small river flows under a bridge, which was built by the owner; the bridge has no railing and is somewhat low.
I had walked past the main road and wanted to get a closer look at this farmer's house. If the owner was home, it would be great to chat and take a break. The road from the main road to the farmer's house is a dirt road, not a paved surface. If it rains, this road would be difficult to travel on, creating mud and making it slippery.
I had mentioned that many of these farmer's houses raise earth bees. This family is no exception. On the side of the road, I can see two beehives. The owner has cleverly used the natural geographical location to place the beehives under two prominent boulders, so they wouldn't be exposed to rain.
Standing on the bridge, the river flows slowly below, and in the distance, I can see the streams, vegetable gardens, green trees, and wild grasses intertwined with the mountains, forming a beautiful and harmonious picture. I love hiking because of this ordinary but beautiful scenery, which captivates me.
After crossing the bridge, I came to the farmer's old house. The small dog that had been barking at me continuously was now standing at the entrance, staring intently at me, like a loyal guardian, protecting its territory. The old houses in deep Qinling Mountain are constructed from earth and wood, with a main hall and side rooms. I still like these old houses.
The owner wasn't home, and the yard was enclosed with a net, presumably to contain livestock. Since he wasn't home, I didn't stay long, took a few pictures, and prepared to return. At the foot of the hill, a peach tree was sprouting new buds – spring had truly arrived.
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