My Gunung Stong Trip
By Linda Ng. Last update: 25th Oct 2005 |
30/9 Friday |
Leaving for Gunung Stong trip. Good way to observe how each person is like in the wilderness, when we are all our real and true selves. Going on a tour trip, etc. will take away many opportunities to see people for who they really are.
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1/10 Saturday |
Children's Day. Went caving after a good Nasi Lemak breakfast. Saw a nice waterfall, diamond and elephant and kris-like staglamites sticking out of the limestone caves. Trekked up to the base camp. Rained half way through - we all charged up to avoid being caught in the rain. Almost died - very tiring on the feet. We played water at the waterfall and it was so so so cold. Also washed our clothes, socks, etc.
Did outdoor cooking hands on for the 1st time - yummy food. Had a round the table sharing session (Q & A) for everyone to get to know each other better.
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2/10 Sunday |
Watched the sunrise - was so beautiful. The orange amber glow peeking out from the clouds and the sun rays just massaging our rosy cheeks and breathing life into being. A new day has just begun! Warmed up and started our trek up to Gunong Stong summit. The terrain was difficult and lots of obstacles and fallen tree trunks to overcome. We said "Hi" to this huge tree for prosterity. Got to the top (1400m above sea level) and had lunch there. Saw a green and brown looking squirrel, an orange looking centipede.
Descended - rained again, slowing down our ascent as the rocks and ground was very slippery. Two team members slipped and had battle scars to show on legs, arms and forehead. Very very tiring, but thank God I made it.
My thoughts (towards Kee Hong):
- I felt so small out there in the jungle and subject to the mercy of the weather.
- We learnt to have faith in each other.
- We wanted to carry and lighten each other's load and were thinking of how we can help the other party.
- When we have difficult problems in future, we should relearn how to work with each other again and go a trek to rediscover ourselves.
- Managed to overcome the obstacles and reach the summit as I found strength and comfort in him.
- We built up the trust we already have in each other.
- Prayed against injuries especially ankle injuries which may act up again.
We came down late and it was getting dark. Took a refreshing shower, very dark boat ride back. Dinner - all ate like hungry dogs. Got a deep heat rub once on the train and I slept so soundly nothing could possibly wake me up.
For the record, Group 1's timings (estimated) were:
- Up from Campsite: 9am to 12.40pm (3 hrs 40 mins)
- Down to Campsite: 1.30pm to 5.20pm (3 hrs 50 mins)
- Down to Resort: 5.30pm to 6.40pm (1 hr 10 mins)
Copyright © Linda Ng & David Wong. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced without prior permission from the authors. To email David, remove the "_spamaway" from the following address: kalohimal_spamaway@yahoo.com.sg