x
Gunung Datuk - Artistic work by natureOn Saturday 14 April, we completed another trekking trip at Gunung Datuk. It is located somewhere in Seremban. The Team Lead, as usual, is Wendy.
We started our journey at 5:45 a.m. from Kuala Lumpur. We have our breakfast at a noodle stall at Pedas (literally translated as chilly hot) town en route to Gunung Datuk.
After a group photo, we began the climb at 7:45 a.m. The start of trail was a steep, rocky bare bed of a dry stream. After a downfall on Friday evening, the ground was still wet and slippery. The team trekked cautiously in order not to slip and fall. After 15 minutes’ journey, we were panting and sweating profusely.
x
Mary, Iris, Wendy, CW Ee, KC. Photo was taken by Pk Chan.One lady member, Iris, bought a big watermelon and I was assigned the duty of a watermelon boy carrying it up. With the extra 2 kilograms, taking on the climb seemed tougher.
It must be a beautiful day to the insects. Throughout the trail, there was lots of sound from them. At certain stretch, the myriad of sound from the happy insects was quite deafening.
There were lots of mosquitoes that followed us too. Luckily, those were not Aides mosquitoes. Otherwise, we would have no place to hide.
After mid-point, the trail tapered to somewhat flat ground and the welcoming sign of earth-based trail was in sight.
KC's hairy leg
This was the most “bloodstained” trekking trip. Almost reaching the peak, I pull up my track bottom to inspect whether there was any alien creature stuck to my legs. To my surprised, there was a lump of soft tissue attached to my right leg – a fat leech after having a good feast.
I immediately pulled it away with a bit of eerie and yucky feeling. I gave a solid step with my trekking shoe, and the remains of the leech was only a patch of bloodstain on the ground. I was worried whether there were any other leeches that strayed around my lower body that I could not detect. After trekking for the seventh time since last year, that was the first time that I attracted a leech.
x
Iris's leg -- being attacked by leech too. Three wound marks were seen on her leg, possibly was bitten by the same leech.
Iris was not lucky either. After being confirmed that the alien lump of soft tissue was a leech that was lurking on her leg, she screamed out loud!
What ensued was bleeding that we both took quite a while to stop.
Reaching the peak at around 9:15 a.m., we saw about 10 campers were still sleeping in their sleeping bags. Five girls were sleeping on the rocky bed.
x
Panoramic view from the peakx
The peak of Gunung Datuk was uniquely marked by a few gigantic rocks stacked on top of one another. To reach the peak of the highest rock, one has to climb precariously using the rusty metal ladders.
Wendy, Iris and PK Chan -- getting ready with the light refreshment. Notice that the rock surface is sloping downwards.
x
The panoramic view at the peak was spectacular and scenic. Standing on the gigantic rock, we could see the distant horizon unblocked by scrubs or trees. It was windy up there and the usual boiling of water by Wendy for making hot drink required a shield in order not to distinguish the flame.
Yeah, time to make some hot drinks, relax and enjoy the view
x
We spent about one hour at the peak enjoying the view, the fresh air, the light refreshment and the camaraderie. Yes, not forgetting the succulent watermelon that took quite a bit of effort to transport up to the peak.
x
Say Cheese!! Another group photo at the peakx
The Descent
At 10:15 a.m., we started our descent. We met many trekkers who were just on the way up. With smiles, we greeted one another “good morning”. The trail at the upper part of the hill was wide enough for dual passage of trekkers.
There was one Malay trekker who was holding a stick (most Malay trekkers do not trek with stick). Upon seeing us, he greeted us: “Better be careful!” Before we could acknowledge him, he continued, “Same for me also lah!”
x
Wendy -- standing high up and looking down steadilyx
We descended at quite a fast pace. After a 10-hour trekking trip at Gunung Nuang the week before, the team was quite fit and proficient in manoeuvring uneven terrain.
Lunch
On the way back, we return to Pedas town again for lunch. The Chinese restaurant was only four shop lots away from the stall that we have our breakfast.
The restaurant owners and workers know Wendy quite well. She has been trekking there quite often. She ordered 7 dishes for 6 persons!! With good appetite after a good workout, we finished the food with ease.
When I asked Wendy where will be the next trekking trip, the girls all laughed. They actually discussed earlier (I was traveling in different vehicle) that I sure to ask this question.
Sumptuous lunch at Pedas town. Seven varieties for six persons.
x
Countdown
For the team, we have five more weeks to the 17-day Nepal trekking trip on 23 May. Committing to this great trekking trip is just like signing up to run a full marathon. One has to have many training sessions in order to prepare oneself for the big day.
Overall Timing
Travelling: 5:45 a.m. (from Kuala Lumpur for 2 hours including breakfast)
Ascent: 7:45 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. (1.5 hours)
Rest at peak: 1 hour
Descent: 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. (1 hour)
By KC
No comments:
Post a Comment