I’m visiting the William Lindesay family in China for two weeks as they take me to points all along the entire Great Wall. You can read the backstory at my website or here on my blog along with all my posts while in China.

Beijing, China
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
11:52 PM
Updated 9/16/26

I stepped onto the Great Wall today. A enough simple statement, just seven words. But the meaning and importance is so deep and profound it’s difficult to put into words.

William Lindesay described it this way this evening on his Facebook:

Without question this day ranks with the very best of my entire life.

There are so many layers to this experience I can’t cover them all here, plus there is video so long I can’t process it until I get home. There will be epilogues to this series of daily posts later.

David and I hadn’t seen William Lindesay yet on this trip so the this morning started with a drive to his home where we chatted for an hour or so before making the trip into the mountains north of Beijing.

The Great Wall at Mutianyu

We visited the Mutianyu section of Great Wall, one of the refurbished areas frequently visited by tourists but generally not dignitaries. President Clinton was an exception in June 1998. Others like President Nixon or Queen Elizabeth go to the Badaling section.

We could see the Wall winding along the mountains as we approached. From the parking lot we rode a shuttle bus farther up the mountain, then walked some distance past touristy retail shops and stands, and a Pizza Hut. Still the area had charm such as this corridor underneath upside down umbrellas.

From there we walked up a fairly long incline until we reached cable cars to ride the rest of the way up.

After the cable car ride there was still an additional walk up until, finally, we reached the Wall.

Incredible Meetings of Chance

Once we reached the Wall we had the most delightful chance encounters with people. Upon reaching the Wall we started walking along the side at which point William asked to record me talking about my experience as Geil’s grandson finally reaching the Wall. A couple, Jim & Rosie, sitting resting under a tree nearby overheard and started asking questions. This led to an incredible conversation that went on for some time.

I confess that in the late hour writing this post and losing steam, the details are escaping me. But David recorded some five minutes or more. When I’m back home with better equipment and fresh memory, I will post the full video and details.

William the Rockstar

Then someone else appeared, pointing excitedly at William exclaiming, “I know you! I know this man! He’s the greatest expert there is on the Great Wall. I’ve read your books and learned everything I know from you!” He was ecstatic. You’d swear he was meeting the Beatles. We assume he’s maybe a guide there at the Great Wall.

From there we continued walking along the side of the Wall until we reached an entrance — and I finally stepped onto the Great Wall.

William talks about “wall fever.” Well, I was definitely afflicted. It was magical.

Dinner with the Lindesay Family

The day ended with a delightful home-cooked meal with the entire Lindesay family.

And I could write more, but the hour and energy say it’s time to sign off. I see now that some days will be too long for a single post, so once home I’ll fill in gaps, this evening’s gathering included.

More amazing things are happening tomorrow, so stay tuned.