First Trekking Trip in 2008

View from Klang Gate Ridge: we could see a boat rippling the smooth silky water

It was perfect. Despite the torrential rain the evening before, the scheduled trekking trip on Saturday 5 January went on as planed. We have 11 trekkers and started the journey at 8:00 a.m.; climbed to the peak; enjoyed the scenic view under the overcast sky; returned for a delicious and sumptuous lunch at Batu Caves area; returned to our respective cars and within minutes, it started to rain; and when I reached home it started to rain again for hours.

Tony - Yes, cross over to this safe side

Tony, the Mountain Sifu, called me at 7:55 a.m. and he was already waiting for us near the stream – the starting area of Klang Gate Ridge (or Bukit Tabur). When we crossed the stream, there was not much water despite the heavy rain the evening before.
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Cynthia

Vincent
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There were three new trekkers in the group: Mr. Chin, Lily and Ann. Together with Cynthia, they successfully climbed up the vertical slope and reached the peak.
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Ann ... notice the red bag Tony's is carrying
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Mr. Chin

Though Lily was new trekking in Kuala Lumpur, she usually treks overseas. She was happy to see the scenic view up at the Klang Gate Ridge. In this trekking, she actually ate two sachets of PowerGel (at different interval) to sustain her energy, necessary to continue the journey. Seeing her taking Power Gel reminded me of runners running marathons. Nevertheless, up at the Klang Gate Ridge, there was no space at all for running.

Tony was carrying a cute little bag in red, much like a girl’s handbag except that it was square. It turned out to be the first-aid bag!! That was well prepared.

(L-R, front) Tan, Ann, Cynthia, Beh, Kathy, Lily. (Back) Tony and Lim

This time, the group was having light refreshment at the hilltop next to the final peak. With one of the members taking care of our belongings, we climbed up the peak without our backpacks.

Standing at the peak, we could see clearly that development was progressively encroaching the greens. In a few years’ time, I believe the hills in Melawati would be turned into a concrete jungle.

At the peak, Kathy asked me who was the girl that injured her head during the recent Gunung Angsi trip (click here). She fell from the steep slope when the rope snapped. Immediately, Ann, who was standing next to her, said, “I am!” What a coincidence.

Lily's finger is pointing at Genting Highlands which is clearly visible from Klang Gate Ridge

Ann slipped after stepping on loose sand/earth when she almost reached the foothill. I quipped that the heavy rain was not able to hold the sand/earth well, and luckily that she did not slip at the higher ground.

The day before, Josie Yap called and informed me that she and her group of trekkers would not be able to come. She asked: would the trekking be continued if it rained heavily the day before. It was such a coincidence that when I was playing badminton on that evening, it was raining cats and dogs.
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At the peak: Tan, Kathy, Beh, Lim, Ann, Cynthia, Lily and Tony

The timing was fairly standard – the whole trekking trip took about 3 hours 20 minutes. Sweating profusely, everyone was seen cheerful and happy to complete the tough climb.
Starting at 8 am has its advantage. The group proceeded to the famous Chinese restaurant for lunch. At 12 noon, there were not many customers yet. The previous time we went there, we have to take numbers and waited outside the restaurant for our turn instead of standing next to the customers "intimidating" them to finish faster. The food there was really delicious; the icing on the cake was that the price was reasonably cheap. This restaurant was frequented by the top-ranking officials of MCA with their photos prominently display on the wall. The young lady owner even graduated with an MBA in her study, her accomplishment was also proudly displayed on the wall.
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On the way down the steep slope - in single file

The group is planning for the next trekking considering that the coming Thursday, 10 January is a public holiday. Tony suggested either Guning Angsi at Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan or the opposite side of Klang Gate Ridge.

Yours truly (KC) - development is underway at the yellow patch in the backgrond

Written by KC