This was quite a slow-paced and easy trek up and down, as there were some who were having a little difficulty. However, I salute you for persevering and completing the trek. Respect.
According to the signage at base camp, it was a leisure route which would take 2hrs, but we took a whole 3hr 30mins to ascend. Heavy backpacks? I've got to say the terrain was not very friendly for some, with all the constant; 90% step-like terrain. Some parts even had a 45% gradient which reminded me of rock climbing. It was a hinderance, especially the big backpacks. No excuse, but we do need more training.
Way up was fun, with all the calls for "Carooommees!!" (Caromes). Haha..I'm sure Caromes felt loved. That blur king, didn't watch his steps and almost knocked his head into a low branch. Haha..he was like "I saw you go across so easily I though there was nothing there" Sorry Bro... His 2nd accident had nothing to do with me, his hat got stuck onto a leave full of thorns. I had to go help him free. Blur king, but I've gotta commend him for being fully prepared.
When we reached the summit, the other groups had their tents ready pitched and it was only our tent left. Shocker; some, I mean most of them did not know how to pitch the tent?! And this was covered during training I'm sure! Tent was still up in the end, but with help from the seniors.
We then climbed higher to catch the beautiful sunset. The climb up was a bit scary, big boulders, rusty ladders and all. One wrong step and bye bye. But the sunset, it was awesome! Stupid me, decided not to bring my camera up at all, not even the compact one -_-" Never felt so dumb before.
Next up was dinner and debrief for Day 1. A few of us also played an unforgettable game of heart attack, Caromes the blur king provided lots of laughter and entertainment. Will not say more as I still value my life. Ask me personally if you want to know ;P There wasn't enough tents so a few of the seniors ended up sleeping outside. Nice view, counting stars and even shooting stars!! FWAH! It was freezing however, tee-shirt + jacket + sleeping bag = still freezing.. But it was worth it, all the chit chat and free aircon.
Daybreak! With all the dark clouds and thunder rolling in, we got a little worried and worked out a contingency plan. Thank God the weather held up and we were able to go up the summit again to catch the sunrise and all. Did a few rock climbing poses on the boulder, wait till the photos get in =)) The boulders there were really huge and fun for bouldering, all the natural finger grips. There was a small cave under the summit, went in to take a look but didn't stay long.
Descend was expected to take a shorter time, but i think we took quite long as well. Slippery terrain, 2 casualities and unhappy people. But it was still fun. 2 of them fell down the slope, one hurt her back, the other sprained her ankle. Kai carried the one with the sprained ankle down, together with Keith, Faiz and Caromes, while Nisa and I helped the one who hurt her back down. It wasn't easy, going down backwards and having to turn my head to look behind. Almost slipped a few time, but praise God, I'm fine! Wahahaha...
Finally reached base camp, and the rest were already in the water. It was time to wash-up and catch the bus back to Tampin town. Was a little late so Hazel, Dian and I had to run out to catch up with the rest. Macham amazing race! Hahaha.
From here on, it was makan @ KFC, bus back to JB and then back to S'pore! Home Sweet Home! Really enjoyed myself, thanks TrekEarth for allowing me on this trip, Caromes for the entertainment and Kai and Kai's daddy for the lift to Kranji MRT at 6am on Sat morning. Also thank God for the safe and memorable trip, I hope I'll grow closer to you as time goes by.
Picture time!!
Who says that adventurer's don't have/cannot have a soft side huh! But these soft toys only belong to Caromes (diver), Kai (adventure racer) and I (adventure racer).
View from the top of Gunung Datuk
An outcrop on the summit
The route up the summit; notice the rusty ladder?
And that's me, Eeyore and Mr Turtle on the summit
3 comments:
buddy ar, where did u get the pics??..hell yeah, we had fun!!!...never did think of sleeping only with groundsheet..but i am glad that you had fun. and thanks 4 helping me when i need help with albania
No worries abt it buddy. It was a great workout for me(I'm feeling the muscles already!)
I took those pics on my hp camera and made them look nicer with technology =P
Sleeping out on the groundsheet was cold and all but worth the stars!!
mel can see you really enjoyed yourself! :D
mr turtle very cuteeee!
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