It was a surprise that I took up the challenge of climbing Mount Kinabalu. I have never been a climber and never scaled any hills unless assisted by a motorised vehicle thus the declaration I made one fine February night to my parents surprised them no less.
I have always been a creature of the sea. I swim, I go kayaking, I snorkel. Well, I puked as well, while snorkelling but that's a different story to tell. I enjoy being in the water more than being in the mountains and after I left RMC, I didn't return to the jungle even once. I had no experience climbing mountains but hikes, I did. I thought, it's Kinabalu and it's guided. It's doable.
There goes the first lesson in embarking on a new adventure: NEVER underestimate.
I was on a budget, still am therefore Kinabalu at first, wasn't an option. The guys were actively talking about the climb some days after The Royal 10th Thoroughbred's 20-years anniversary and being in the forum, I read and took mental notes. As I am in the travel industry, I one day decided to open my fat mouth and offered to get them bookings for the flight to Kota Kinabalu. As fate has said it, my offer for ticket booking was mistaken as an indication to climb and I decided then that I should.
From that moment on begins my journey towards scaling Mount Kinabalu, located in a state I've never been to, at a height I've never been at and walking a distance I've not walked for a good 16 years.
First on my list of to-buy items were airline tickets, without which all preparations would have resulted in a nought and with which there should be no excuses not to go. Ada la juga dilly dally but the shock came from Ayun who informed that the airfare has been steadily increasing and what used to be RM200+- for a return fare is now RM400+-. I checked for the price online and made the purchase there and then. RM466 for a return flight is quite alright. I bought AirAsia tickets for Farouk and Razman at RM172 return. Banyak beza but we get service and what nots too. Whatever it is, forward we move!
Next on the list of to-buys were a pair of shoes. I have shoes for every sports and occasion that I involve myself in but yes, climbing wasn't one of those occasions. So off I went to scout for shoes with the help of Zahirah and her contact. Zahirah worked at RSH for a period of time so I reckon I could get some good stuff off RSH for a good price and I was not disappointed. Bought me a Merrel (original price RM329) for RM197.40. OK, most important items purchased.
Played sports, did rope exercises at home early mornings (until we started moving things from the ground floor into my room and the room becomes a store once more) and had intentions of going to the gym which remained intentions.
Then Razman proposed the idea of having an event t-shirt. Razman has been known as the t-shirt guy of some sort, being center in many of our t-shirt making history since college and we took up the idea almost immediately! Seeing how time was then short, we left the designing, material and miscellaneous stuff for him to settle. It turned out wonderful, our t-shirt was bright orange and very distinct. Someone even remarked that we looked like hashers :P
Further to the list of items to bring/buy/borrow were knapsacks, socks, t-shirts, towel, water bottle, gloves, snow cap/balaclava, head lamps, rain coat, track bottoms and what nots. I brought my knapsack, socks, t-shirts, towel, my beloved and dedicated water bottle (bought 2 years ago and has since been providing good service), as well as track bottoms and an extra pair of shoes. The shoes were my mother's idea, she being wary shud the Merrel crack open. I borrowed my brother's virgin go-kart gloves and bought a balaclava (checkout my profile picture on fb with the balaclava on!), head lamp and rain coat.
We were told to pack light and as light as I could I packed. It was light enough I bet since it didn't incur any excess baggage for my checked-in baggage which I originally wanted to pull along.
Part two will begin soon!
1 comment:
PICTURESSS :)
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