Mt. Kinabalu (Part 2- End)

The end of the granite terrain are huge boulders, which isnt a very pleasant sight, but that is exactly how the tip of Mt. KK is to a exhausted, cold and wind-beaten me. To reach the very pinnacle for THE photo is a struggle on all 4 limbs, sticking fingers to the cold and hard rock surface, pushing yourself from 1 boulder to another. It was also a battle against the wind from all directions. And at last, we have reach the 2 by 2 meter tip of Mt. Kinabalu, got all 8 of us in a reasonable space for photo-taking. 3-4 snaps and we are scrambling to leave the summit as the wind was merciless.

Making the downward journey from the summit was difficult on my own. While the day has broken, it highlighted exactly how high up we are and how steep the upward journey had been. The porters again played a large role in aiding me down as they grip our hands and drag us in a steady mountain goat trotting fashion. Seriously, they are key to the speed of our team as they help the ladies navigate both up and down the granite terrain.

Miraculously, we reach Sayat Sayat Checkpoint close to 8am (most likely a little later) and we are offered the opportunity to do VIA Feretta! Of course, at that very cold, tired, hungry and weak state, I did consider letting that slide BUT again... my greedy heart wanted to try it. Luckily, Suichen also is inclined to try it out and so, we did. It was game on for 6 out of 8 of the team!

The harness did gave me a sense of security, as I made the journey on the edge of the cliffs and mountain slopes. But, I have to say that in the beginning of the journey, my hands were wet with fear (in addition to the already soaked gloves), and I was gripping too tightly to the cables and not leaning on my back and not using my legs to support as I wanted to be closer to the 'ground' (if you can call it that). It was about 1/3 of the journey when I realised that I was getting too tired due to the uncomfortable grip and began to loosen up, supporting my back by placing my feet flat on the clip and holding on to the cable in a better more relaxing manner. It was about then, when I could take in the breathtaking views.

Resting (taking water breaks) at the edge of the cliffs, the view stretches as far as your eyes can see. Below the grayish rocks, are shades of rich green, then followed by patches of residential areas made up of tightly packed houses. And the sky, it was clear and blue, with clouds here and there, it was moments like these that life is really about! You get to immerse yourself in the wonder of the world we live in, and you dont think of anything except how beautiful it is.

Finishing the VIA Feretta, we reached Pendant Hut, had a quick 2nd part of our breakfast (hotdogs, eggs and toast), packed up and got ready for our climb down to base. We left around 2pm? (I wasnt sure, since i have practically lose touch of time). The downward journey was the also quite difficult for me mainly because I had no more energy and strength- there were times, I felt my legs give way temporarily. And I hit some rocks and roots on the way down which is the reason why I painted my toes to cover up the greying nails. The toe injury drastically reduce my speed and I have to say, it made every step down (worse for steps down) a freaking pain. But we survived! We reach the base at 6pm - everything was closed but I was happy, happy and proud of myself (and I believe everyone is too).

And that was the end of the trip for me. The rest (going back to the hotel, dinner, flight back) pales in comparison. When I reach Singapore, my movement was hampered greatly, stairs were challenging. Getting up and down, rising and seating, going to bed, going to shit - all of that HURTS but still, I can do it with a smile because I MADE IT!

(End)