First thing first: HAPPY HALLOWEEN! I hope you had fun today.
I had loads of fun too. On a rainy (oh no...) Saturday morning, I met up with my two of my colleagues, Huey Ying (HY) and our driver Halmie (H), in the office because I was car pooling with them for a day trip up to Fraser's Hill. We started our journey at 6.14 a.m. and reached there at about 8.25 a.m.
Today is the day I hiked not one, but two mountains: Gunung Gap dan Gunung Ulu Semangkuk. This the first of the five trainings we have to go through for our Gunung Tahan Expedition scheduled in March next year. The expedition is organized by my company's recreation club. This is also my FIRST hiking experience in my 32 years of existence and I've covered two mountains. I'm so proud of myself... *GRIN*
Today is the day I hiked not one, but two mountains: Gunung Gap dan Gunung Ulu Semangkuk. This the first of the five trainings we have to go through for our Gunung Tahan Expedition scheduled in March next year. The expedition is organized by my company's recreation club. This is also my FIRST hiking experience in my 32 years of existence and I've covered two mountains. I'm so proud of myself... *GRIN*
We all made it!
(Photo credit: Azman)
(Photo credit: Azman)
You've just seen the photo of us at the end of our climb at the peak (above). Let's take a look of our journey up there. I didn't get the chance to take the in-between photos during the climb because I was busy keeping myself alive and was in full survival mode. The process was grueling although it is said this is one of the easiest climbs (that's crazy!). Here goes...
Briefing before the climb
Stretching exercises led by Leong (the dude in red)
We're ready to get into action!
Gunung Gap: About an hour later, we reached the peak of Gunung Gap. The climb's rather steep in most parts. I had to stop a few times because my body kind of went into shock from the exertion. My two team mates, HY and H really took good care of me. They're much more experienced in hiking and knows what to do unlike me who is doing it for the first time. I did train in the gym but it's a different ball game all together. Slowly but surely, my body got use to the abuse and the second part of the climb (2-hour climb up Gunung Ulu Semangkuk) was much easier.
Mobile phone reception is quite good!
We reached the peak of Gunung Gap! If you look beyond us, Gunung Ulu Semangkuk is right in the background. We're to trek and hike all the way there, and back here, and then down. Phew!!!
Mobile phone reception is quite good!
Time to dish out the goodies from our backpacks
Snacks of all kinds
"Hai yak!" HY's about to whoop H down the hill... (just kidding!)
Like I said, it's not the end yet. We're getting ready to reach the second peak at Gunung Ulu Semangkuk. The route from Gunung Gap started on a descend and then the climb started again. Some distance before reaching the peak, the climb is steep. This is a lot worse than Gunung Gap. I had to catch hold of the roots to propel myself up. This hike took about 2 hours.
We made made it to the second peak: Gunung Ulu Semangkuk (5,473 feet)! See that small dark area in the middle of the picture? We emerged from there!
Chilling before we descend back to Gunung Gap and then to where we started
Boy, I need the rest...
A fellow photographer lurking around
Our leader immediately launched into a cooking spree. He's boiling water to make... coffee!
Improvised cups
"Coffee very nice!"
"Red Bull nicer..."
I was eating with soiled fingers (but I was not complaining!)
*wipe wipe*
We wrecked our shoes... This is mine.
HY's and she's got some scratches on her calves as well. One tough gal, she is.
Halmie's shoes look quite OK
HY imitating a rabbit and H likes... That's one very cute rabbit. LOL!
Spiders!
We've got a first aid kit too just in case anybody needs treatment
I came, I saw, I conquered!
What I get from this trip: A bruised bum (from multiple falls) -- thank goodness for having a big bum!, some minor scratches on arms when caught by thorny plants, blue-blacked knees and thighs. Now my legs are refusing to listen to me and as long as I don't move them, they behave just nicely.
I got to know so many others from my company and definitely formed a bond with them. My team mates HY and H are super cool people. I don't know what I'd do without them. They took my backpack load when I was facing some difficulties, held and guided me along some really tricky paths. It amazes me they managed to take care of me and handle themselves at the same time. I love them to bits!
This whole experience really is about endurance, both physically and mentally.
I got to know so many others from my company and definitely formed a bond with them. My team mates HY and H are super cool people. I don't know what I'd do without them. They took my backpack load when I was facing some difficulties, held and guided me along some really tricky paths. It amazes me they managed to take care of me and handle themselves at the same time. I love them to bits!
This whole experience really is about endurance, both physically and mentally.
Last but not least, thank you Halmie, for these wonderful photos!
20 commented:
wow! looks like a very fun trip che... though its really an endurance test...hahahah...managed 2 capture any nice birdies? :P
I just loved this post! I felt like I was there with you (almost). What great training for your hopefully eventual trek. There is nothing like an exhaustive hike - such a feeling of accomplishment! I would not have liked the spiders!
Alice,
congrats for made it to the top of Gunung Gap and Ulu Semangkuk at your first time hiking after your 32 years existence :)
Hiking is truly a fun activity. if you dont have any activity during the weekend, may be you can go to Bukti Tabur at Taman Melawati. it's a 2-3 hours hiking (up and down) only. The view is beautiful and different as it is a lime stone hill. you can check up at my blog about Bukit Tabur.
Happy Hiking! :)
That is quite an accomplishment, Alice! Bravo!!
Wow! I am so not an outdoorsy kind of girl. I am super impressed you made it up 2 mountains in one day on that hike. I think the hiking and the plants all over would have chased me away long before I got close to the top of the first peak.
Gorgeous photos from your trip. Oh and I loved the red bull photo. Our cans look much different here in the States. It was fun to see it from your point of view.
That sounds like a fun trip to me, Alice! I think I'd be panting like mad with those climbing, haha (blame it on my lack of exercising, unless you count running after kids as one of them, LOL).
Thanks for sharing with us! :)
Everything looks great except the spiders!!
First, congrats on reaching your first mountain climb. It sound like it was a very exhausting and tiring climb, but you had bit of fun even when you end up with minor scratch and dirt on your hands/legs. I chuckle over the photo with the Red Bull ;) The photos at the end seem just perfect way to end the long journal. Your two finger "peace" sign, remind me so much of your mom *grin*
Thanks for sharing your journal with us. Congrats again on your first climbing :)
Wow!!!! Good for you for finishing your first mountain climb. The views and the friendship really make up for the hardship! I can't wait to hear more about your outdoor adventures.
Hi Ray, indeed it was. Unfortunately I didn't manage to "shoot" any birdies. But when I do, I'll show them to you. :p
Thank you, Sandy! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I felt a tremendous sense of accomplishment. I was like, I've just climbed that. Oh lookie! It was almost unbelievable, but I did it, Sandy. I'm sooooo happy!
So good to see you here, Er Lang! Thank you! I'm loving your blog. I've even subscribed via RSS so that I can follow you trekking/hiking adventures. I'll try to venture out to Bukit Tabur one of these days. I'll definitely check out your post on this. Thanks again! :D
Thanks, Barbara! It was a wonderful feeling.
Hi Catherine! I'm not that type of outdoorsy girl either but I guess curiosity got the better of me. So I chose to "abuse" myself. LOL! I love looking at the various different packaging in other countries as well.
Thanks, Melody! I did pant (in the beginning)... Ah yes, I've chased kids before since I'm the eldest and had to chase after (I mean, look after) my younger siblings. They can really test your stamina!
Thanks, Kathleen! Strangely the spiders didn't bother me much. It's the other type. They wriggly type. Shudder...
Thank you, Julia!!! Ah yes, it's all part of the fun, getting a "flowery" butt and all that. LOL!
Thanks, Beth! And I can't wait to share with all of you the next one! I kind of look forward to it and dread it at the same time. Oh dear...
congrats alice! you did great on the hike! wonderful photos ;)
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WOW....Impressive, and all those photos were great of your Gunung Gap hike. Thanks for sharing there with us.
Thanks, Naida! Thanks, Diane! I had so much fun!
Your "flowery" butt comment cracked me up! *LOL*
I'm sure all the effort was worth it. I've never tried mountain climbing but my friends say that you forget how tired you are once you reach the peak.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
LOL Julia! Too bad I can't show them to you!
My pleasure, Rachel. The effort was indeed well worth it.
You should be so proud of yourself. Thanks for sharing the pictures, too. I love seeing the difference between your mountains and our hills.
Hi Carol, I am! LOL! I'm glad you enjoyed this post. :D
Wow, it sure looks like a cool company outing! And I guess this day helped a lot in your 100 Mile Fitness Challenge ;)
gnoegnoe, it sure did help in the 100 Mile Fitness challenge. :)
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