Tree Tops and Hot Tubs

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Us girls all agreed that 2 nights at the ‘homestay’ was overkill and we were all happy to move on (Soffia and I were sad to say goodbye to the warm platter of homemade donuts we received each morning for breakfast though). We spent the next 6hrs driving to our next destination- the Poring Thermal Hot Springs and Canopy Walk. It was quite a surprise to us all because we had imagined the hot springs to be ‘natural’ but in reality they are man-made bath tubs where people turn on two taps- hot from the thermal spring and cold from the cooled water supply and have a eggy smelling soak in their swimmers. Naturally enough, we bypassed these and went straight up to the canopy walk. This elevated, tree top walk is gorgeous, albeit scary as hell. I know I must be sounding pretty negative by now, but you are walking on pieces of wooden plank a foot wide and supported by what looks to be ladders underneath. Yes, loud creaking noises can be heard as you step across. Needless to say, we took a few happy snaps before we all bolted across, not really taking in much of the botanical loveliness that was our surrounds!

After a quick stop for cold drinks and lunch we went to check in at the Mt. Kinabalu park headquarters. Georgey-boy did all the work while we stood and stared up at what we would soon be climbing. We all had worries that we were not fit enough to make it. None of us had ever experienced being at altitude before and we all worried whether we would be sick. Soon enough George came back and we drove the ten minute drive to our accommodation. We were staying at a gorgeous backpacker style cabin which was close to the Mesilau Trail starting point.

Two nights at the homestay meant everyone was keen on a hot shower. While the others had not showered, I had at least had a bucket shower, so in they got as soon as the booster had warmed up. The hot water supply lasted all of about 5 minutes. Needless to say, I had another cold shower... "Malaysia truly Asia". Earlier in the night, we had met two fellow travellers, Adam and Brendan. These guys were also in our cabin and starting from the Mesilau Trail in the morning so we chatted with them while we warmed ourselves with warm tea and coffee.

It was much colder than I had thought but I can thank Lisa, Karen and Nat for preparing me so well prior to my trip. I had enough warm clothes and layers to keep me toasty and while the others really felt the cold during the night I was sung as a bug and ready for the mighty mountain climb!

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Photos

Crazzzy loads!
ok ,Heather is only joking about putting this load on but the guys taking a break had to do it for real.

No surprise really
Of course it didn't really surprise me that we spotted so muany hearts on this walk. Just solidifies that I'm just part of the jigsaw puzzle called life.