Well before the journey began, Sara had one email after the other. For the perfectionist that she is, I’d say Sara controlled herself really well by limiting her info- pack to two succinct emails that answered everything before we even asked. First, to list what the group needs to bring, next, a visual guide of the trail, hiking details and the like. We were to do the “loop anti clockwise” whatever that meant. So until today, I still have no inkling which trail we’ve conquered. I only know it was more than two hours of a lot of uphill and strangely lesser downhill. At least, it felt that way.
All smiles prior to the hike
The day greeted us with a bright and cheery hello. Fine weather without a hint of rain. Somehow, thunderstorms tend to trail me for every foray I’ve had with MNS. But not this time. It was cool, breezy and cooperative weather. The Gods must have taken pity on me and decided to give me a well deserved break rather than dumping rain on me.
While Sara was dealing with the park rangers, it dawned on Liza that she qualified for the senior citizen’s rate and had a discount on her entrance fee! After the hike, we all agreed there was nothing senior about this particular citizen. She wowed us all by beginning the hike looking like any normal hiker, and ended up looking like a commando in her headscarf and svelte black ensemble. Photo sessions prior to the walk were in order and all eagerly anticipated the adventure ahead of us.
Miss Glamour Babe of the Year, Fidella flashing a charming smile to woo birds off the trees! (Photo by Philip Tho)
5 minutes into the walk, full of gusto
Once the hike started, I for one did not take the opportunity to observe and appreciate the beauty all around me. I had to focus keeping one foot in front of the other, and worrying if the children were doing fine. My 13 year old daughter was plucky enough to agree to the hike with a high fever! I concentrated on trying not to trip over myself and prayed the journey would end. Of course, with my pride, I managed to refrain from asking like a little child – “are we there yet?” I’m sure it was a beautiful hike – I just have to trust others’ observations as my eyes were glued to the jungle floor.
Beauty and serenity all around us
30 minutes into the hike, still upbeat
Liza, the oldest of the group led the pack with the youngest, my 9 year old and it appeared that they were mistaking the hike for the hash. We lost sight of them almost throughout the entire journey. Occasionally, there was a hasher’s call from Liza although none of us could make out what on earth it was about.
Leaders of the pack. Hashing their way through a hike uphill all the way.
Err guys! Wait for me!
Fidella, our group’s glamour babe kept the stride and even offered what she calls ‘motivator’ in the form of junk food for the children during one of the rest stops. She surprised us all in her impeccable appearance. No sweat in sight, no breathlessness. Amazingly poised for someone who is supposedly roughing it.
Philip and I trailed behind. More like we were left behind due to our pace. Either we were completely out of shape, or Philip wanted to use the excuse that he was snapping blurry photos of the jungle around us.
My Lord!! What have I gotten myself into?!
For the first time in my adult life, I actually sweated. At least, I was burning calories and it showed. So definitely thumbs up if anyone wants to get into shape.
That’s me trying to hang on to my dignity and Darren trying to figure if he should go over or under.
Wait Ken, is that a leech!?
I would say that we had a blast of a time. Serious bonding across such different characters in such a short time impressed the psychologist in me. The humour was infectious, and Liza stole the show when we were going up the concrete stairs on the trail. Stopping to get her breath for a fraction of a second, she demanded in her strong Spanish accent punctuated with a dash of sarcasm, a pinch of wit, and a hint of desperation – “Where is Sara?! I want to speak to that woman!” Obviously, no one paid any attention to her at all while she was rambling on as we were all trying to finish going up the stairs with our bodies bent in an awkward position trying to be aerodynamically aligned. Going up those stairs are to be associated with all four letter words in my vocabulary. Seriously, I didn’t think I was going to make it up to the top! It was incredible that Liza could mumble so much and still had enough stamina to continue going up. We’ll just have to add “adept at multi-tasking” to her list of credentials. Were we misfits in the jungle? Yes. Evidently so.
Liza on the dreaded concrete stairs
Another lesson learnt from this weekend. Leave behind all gadgets if one wants to enjoy nature. At one point during a rest stop, all phones came out and it was business as usual. I ordered water, Philip played a game and Kenisha got on facebook.
Mug shot of Sara Wong’s boot camp for misfits
The troop is looking forward to the next trip and as though it wasn’t enough the last time, Philip is challenging us to do a 6km trek. The children don’t know about this yet, and I do wonder what their reactions would be. Liza’s all game, and will try to arrange for Ben and Tiff to join. More teens. Great! Not only that! Their dad Bruce might join in the next adventure as well... Fidella’s camp is extremely quiet with no response. Darren’s dry humour got ahead of himself and is looking forward to it. Kenisha and Kendrick are super cool, ready for any misadventure their mom throws their way. Philip, the love of my life, will take on anything I throw his way and try stay my life partner. He tries. Sweet!
Sara has volunteered herself again to guide us. Me? I have extremely mixed reactions. Part of me says I must be mad if I agree, but a part of me exhilarated in the feeling of being surrounded by beauty (which I didn’t see...). So until the next time, stay tuned!
Article by Dr Adeline Wong/MNS Miri
Photos by Sara Wong unless otherwise indicated
Well done guys and gals! One hill at a time ... follow Sara and you'll soon be scrambling up Bukit Lambir ... I heard it's really nice up there ... air so pure, scenery so divine!
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