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Published: April 4th 2008
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Mount Kinabalu
The mountain from afar 24th & 25th March - Mount Kinabalu (4095 metres)
Before I start this blog I have to impress upon you that when a travel brochure recommends that all that is needed to climb Mount Kinabalu is a 'reasonable level of fitness'...Its bollocks! You need a lot more!...Alongside being physically fit, you need great mental strength and a whole load of chocolate! But don't let that put you off as it is WELL worth it!
Setting off in the taxi from the hotel in the morning, we headed to the base of the mountain where the climb would begin. Having gone through the practicalities - obtaining our pass, guide (Nita) and map we set off up the trail from Timphon Gate. We didn't know what we were in for! Setting a steady pace we reached the first rest point (1km) in good time. As we walked through the vegetation the humidity became oppressive and it was a constant fight to keep going. However, after a while we settled into a rhythm and pushed on to the 4km point where we tucked into some rations. From here on in we were enveloped by cloud, which was a refreshing change to the
humid temperatures of the previous 4km. The parents were struggling slightly but after some encouragement they ploughed on. It was slightly disconcerting that on the way up we met a man descending who was wearing a t-shirt which read 'Suckers! The worst is yet to come!'
Finally, after 5 hours and 15 minutes of walking we arrived at base camp - Laban Rata, 6km up the climb. It was a great relief to have arrived at our stop for the night. Stood on what we assumed was the helipad, regaining some energy, we looked out over the clouds which really made us aware of how high we actually were. After a nutritious meal we hit the hay as early as 6.30PM in preparation for the early rise at 2.30AM tomorrow, to make the ascent to the summit. The accommodation was basic to say the least with all five of us sharing a small dorm.
Having slept very little after a strange animal was scratching outside the boarded up window, the alarm sounded at 2.30AM and everyone slowly climbed out of bed...with slightly aching legs! After consuming a few chocolate bars for breakfast we met with Nita outside the
camp and began the gruelling ascent with only torchlight to guide the way. The terrain had become a lot tougher along the final 3km to the summit with loose rocks hampering our progress. After about 1KM we reached the rock face where ropes were positioned to enable us to continue. This was the really testing part of the climb as we became nauseous as our energy began to waver and the altitude began to take effect. Having climbed for about half an hour up the ropes the summit was in sight but time was ticking away to sunrise. Eventually we made it to the final 100m of the ascent which consisted of a free climb up to the peak. It was freezing! However, with the light on the horizon we pushed ourselves on and after a further half an hour we joined the small group of fellow climbers huddled on the summit. We had made it! The sunrise was spectacular but it was hard to retain concentration feeling so exhausted and cold. Having climbed the 8.7km to the summit which stood at a staggering 4095 metres we felt a great sense of satisfaction. All that was left for us to
The path
The path for the first few km before it deteriorated further! do now was to come down!
Staggering down back to base camp there was a good spirit amongst the group, however, all were relenting the journey back down. After eating breakfast at Laban Rata we began the descent. As we proceeded we were astounded how we had managed to come all this way the previous day! We began to meet groups coming up the trail and gave them words of encouragement. We also continued to meet groups who were making the descent with us and there was some great banter had between all. Arriving at the 3km point we made the final push to the bottom. Walking back through that gate has to be one of the most rewarding moments of the gap year so far. Having completed a round trip of 18Km, walking for a total of 13 hours, I was well and truely knackered! The legs just gave in! The rest of the family were also feeling the effects - Mum looked white as a sheet as she had suffered from a bout of altitude sickness at the peak. But our aches and pains were put to the backs of our minds as we revelled in the
glory of completing one of the hardest climbs of our lives!
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