So what was so challenging about this? To begin with, we had a long boat ride ( about 2.5 hours) upstream the Melinau river. At times when the river was too shallow, we had to get out and push the boat! This was followed by a 8.8 km track through the forest carrying our backpack for the 3 days and 2 nights stuff we needed.
All 10 of us stayed in one room at Camp 5 which was really spartan and far more simple than Broga Outbac! No aircon and the electricity supply was only from 6.00 pm to 9 pm.We rented and hung our own mosquito nets. There were more Mak Sallehs than Malaysians staying at Camp 5. Convent Sentul, you need to appreciate the luxuries of your home and also toughen up generally both mentally and physically.
The next morning, we started off about 6.10 am using our headlamps to guide us. At 200 m, we started climbing. The climb was very vertical, lined with sharp rocks so unlike Broga which was mostly clay.At 900m, we reached the Mini Pinnacles and stopped to rest. By the way, each climber had to carry 3 litres of water and their own lunch pack up.
We used iron rings and ropes to pull ourselves up. I felt my sweat falling down like rain. Then we came to the ladders section. There were 17 ladders altogether.
I am really glad there are clear markers on signposts all the way up. Each signpost for example, 1300m, 1400m all the way to the 2400m post encouraged us. They reminded that our hard work brought us nearer to our goal and that we had made progress.
Finally at 11.00 am ++, we reached the point to view the Pinnacles.I learnt the importance of having friends to support you when you are challenged. If not for my husband, I doubt if I can make it to the top. So students and teachers, whenever you are faced with a challenge, overcome it by having strong group support and never solo. I also am awed at how God inspired me to climb by the song "He raised me up "
He raised me up so I can stand on mountains
He raised me up to walk on stormy seas,
I am strong when I am on His shoulders
He raised me up to more than I can be
The descent was even more difficult and dangerous compared to the ascent. I climbed backwards and of course it took longer hours. I took 4+ hours to ascend and 7+ hours to descend. Altogether I spend 13 hours climbing. I did not go to toilet the entire day even though I drank more than 3 litres water that day. Everything must have come out as sweat!
I have to thank my very experienced guide Undi for making sure I reached Camp 5 safely. He guided my every step especially when it rained and it was pitch dark. Undi displayed utmost responsibility and did not abandon me and a Singaporean girl even though we were very slow.
Finally I reached Camp 5 at about 7pm to the cheers and claps of my worried friends. I realize God raised me to stand on mountains and to be more than I can be despite my very real limitations of age, weight, gender and other issues.
So people of Convent Sentul, don't ever let be limited by very real limitations but learn to dream big. We need to be especially not to be limited by your gender or background. Do not allow your past to determine your future! Determine your future by your choices to dream big! Your big dreams can be realized if you rallied the support of friends and family and those who have the expertise!
Dream big and achieve your dreams with the help of friends and God.
