While returning from another trip to a mountain village, we stopped by a place to eat on the side of the road. We are in Weimen (渭门), one of the more central towns of Maoxian (茂县). The man behind the wheel, the same guy who deftly navigated hazards into and out of Weicheng, is from this area. He knew where to get a delicious meal — 干拌面 — which I always will gladly enjoy anywhere in Sichuan. We eat before crossing a bridge over the river to see more of the town.

A very colorless sky defined the exploratory visit. While I generally enjoy blue skies and a visible sun in daytime, the overcast failed to dull the range of greens and browns which layered the area. I am not really looking for landmarks or attractions anyway.

On this side of the river at least, Weimen appears kind of limited and contained, the byproduct of the surrounding mountains, with a few narrow paths extending into the valleys. But there is plenty of detail to absorb. I particularly recall the organized rows of vegetables and trees. All neatly managed, although I visited in March, before their harvesting months but just beginning to blossom.

The homes of the area are like many in the region, very layered and patched together over eras. There is very little deliberate Qiang framing here. A few homes are rather exquisite and spacious.

Beside the bridge is a brief path straight to a shore of the mighty river.