From 2011 Nov 7th until Dec 23rd, it is 53 days in between.
53 days in between, raining is a non stop daily event.
A half way pulled back from G. Batu Putih Expedition, a last minute deferred G.Benom Expedition due to the severe weather, there is One thing in the mind on the 53 days - "Is it wise decision to proceed on upcoming Bt Putih trip?"
The rain and rain remind each of us well of 2009 G7 completion moment, the last few G7, Ulu Sepat, Korbu/Gayong, Yong Yap. Prior departing to each destination, the backpack been packed and packed. From used to be bringing along a raincoat till bringing extra raincoats, extra flysheet, extra emergency blanket...etc due to the non stop raining.
Discussion after discussion with the ODAs, the determination to re-visit and completed Bt Putih once again is high, as a remark of Year 2011 ODA Expeditions Closing.
Checklist go through in details and repeated many times, the heart of "Plan For the Best, Prepare For the Worst" is once again alarming.
Discouraging and worries from parents, family were once again knocking on ODA's door beside the weather challenge on this Bt Putih expedition.
Last minute adds on another member, Cikgu Wong who just summits Bt Putih recently somehow injected a positive energy into the group. Seeing a new blood being so enthusiasm in this trip is a motivation and reminder to ODA that we shall turn our fear to force although November incident image is still printed fresh in each our memory.
To maximize our chance to complete the expedition and be more precarious during this time of the year with sudden and heavy rain fall most of the time, hiring a local guide is a must although this mountain been visited by ODA for many times during the past few years. Somehow, the believe that the locals is the people who knows the changes of the geographical environment the most on their area compare to the outsider who posses sophisticated equipments to study a condition of a location with fancy data.
Our return to Kuala Woh Reservoir somehow shock some of the locals there. Probably they don't think that it can be that soon they get to see the same face, same car appear again at their area. Until today, sometimes the unbelievable feeling occur still, that although we been defeated by the weather and river on 2011 November visit to this mountain, but the bounced back happen real quick with double extra preparation by trip leader along with the full support from the ODA committees and extra precautions been taken. It is in fact unbelievable feeling that Bt Putih had been completed once again withinn such a short period of time. Most importantly, ODA has a group of true friends who always have their faith on ODA and trusted ODA on each single decision to achieve the expedition completion objective.
Long weekend expedition bumping with other groups is always expected. But bumping with another 2 different large groups is a bit out of expectation. Worries occur as it will be 50++ people share the same campground and with the present of Puffy will create uncomfortable feeling and inconvenient to the Muslim hikers/Students from UTM. A special thanks to them who keeps on making arrangement with us to ensure there is enough space for everyone and really appreciated their tolerance and understanding toward the present of Puffy who sometimes create delays when there's tough terrain and obstacle in front. Most importantly, they have put aside their religion's barriers to accept there is a forbidden animal around them. You guys are awesome !!!!
Hope to bump in with you guys again in any of the mountain trip in future.
It is always joyful when bumping with group of hikers who posses true outdoor spirit, willing to share out experiences and space rather than group of hikers who try to show off their fitness to hike in fast pace, try to get the best campground without considering there are still groups behind who need space to rest too. It is sad to hear that the group of Chinese aging hikers didn't share out the space with the late arrive UTM group at cave checkpoint. We are consider lucky enough to decide to camp at Camp Balak on 1st night to avoid the crowd.
1st night mosquito and sand flies attack at camp balak had really beat us up although Chok Ping and the rest of the guys had tried real hard to start the fire. Hopefully Chok Ping and guys won't feel too much of defeated, as the guide himself ran to us to ask for mosquito coil as he failed to start up the fire too.
Its is a sucessful trip with adds on joys and laugh despite prior expedition weather is challenging issues. It is more challenging when time is wasted due to the 2 hours wait and mis-communication trail with the guide. However, the challenges were been overcome one by one with the strong determination posses by each member to ensure we catch up the loss hours no matter in what condition.
It is joyful as :-
Coconut drop all of the sudden; The returned to retrieve porch bag by JF and Chian Nii; the continues rice cooking by JF as a reminder lesson to him; the continues offer washing after meal by Cikgu Wong and Lum; the strong wind and chill at S'pore camp; the visit and revisit cave checkpoint; the climb up to Gunung Kakparang; the petai piling at food stall;
Lim Vui to hold on the ropes, JF bringing each to cross over as the river started to risen is touching while the rest act as standby team.
Special thanks to each of the member on Puffy's behalf, to carry her when there is tough obstacle to allow her to proceed and truly appreciated each of your love on her.... she is a blessed pet.
There is a need to mentioned - Special thanks to Lim Vui and Mr Tan, to carry Puffy over on those mission impossible part for her.
Without you both, it is mission impossible for Puffy to complete Bt Putih !!!!
There's time, question arisen on why keep on in this activity, especially each time when walking on trail that seem never ending, and when during very tight schedule while packing to depart. Surprisingly, there is always ability to continue walking till completion and surprisingly the ability to squeeze out some time to let ourselves been once again enjoy the torture and endurance of hiking is always there.
There is no special answer on WHY keeps on?
The only answer is always "The Love of This Activity" and
The TRUST on a group of sincere members who we know that we can count on each to overcome each obstacle and
The Will Power/Determination that developed over the years from this activty.
It is once again, Bt Putih is been missed.....
Hopefully, when someday ODA re-visited Bt Putih again, each of us who present in this expedition will be reunion once again in this great mountain.
My Best wishes and best regards go to each of you who being part of the member to write the story of 2011 ODA Grand Finale Expedition - Gunung Bt Putih.
