Adventure Team

BUKIT KUTU

nobody@vox.com(Wee) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 06:33:22 -0800

We departed from Rawang Mc Donald's at around 7am and arrived at Kg Pertak at around 8am on 13th of DEC. The orang asli guide supposed to wait for us at the junction after the mosque, but he seemed not around the area. Luckily I recalled of the way to his house, so got him on our car and get to the starting point.

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This is not to be a difficult trail, but according to a lot of posts in the internet, there are many miss leading trails along the way. Therefore, for the safety of our members, we decided that hiring a local guide was the best choice to lead this big group of people.

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Found many 'Y' fork along the trail. For example, this one in the picture looked like equally generally used. Without the guide, it was really difficult for 1st timer 'to identify', or I would say, 'TO GUESS' the correct path to take. Especially sometimes, the wrong paths were opened clearer than the correct one, which one would you choose?

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The sky crawling trees along the trail created a fantastic view. Some people said this looked like botanic garden; I think it was more like the scenery in 'Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon', were sky crawling bamboos waves with the mild wind, created windy tides in the greenery.

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There are many collapsed bamboos along the way, created interesting scenery for photo shooting. Unlike giant tree trunks, where we can step over or climbed over it; even the greatest 'bow' in front of the collapsed bamboos.

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The second youngest member of the group.

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The youngest member of the group.

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Chow Yun-Fat of 'Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon' ???

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This giant rock was a clear check point along the trail. It was written "C5" somewhere around the right corner of the rock. Don't know what it means, but Cx sounds familiar in some political articles. According to the guide, from this Giant C5 Rock to the peak is about an hour time. After a short break, we left the C5 rock at around 11am and expected our glance at the peak at some where before twelve.

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After another hour of trekked......

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We finally reached the abandoned castle. According to the native, this was an Englishman castle before World War. It was boomed by the Japanese and only the 'skeleton' left.

Bukit Kutu Peak, kampung pertak

This leftover building looked like a chimney and the stare case look like the entrance. There were two wells around the area. One of it has drained-dry and only one of the well still containing water. This area maybe suitable for one night camping with the availability of water source and flat land.

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The CEO reached the peak and waved with grace.

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bukit kutu peak

Standing on the highest rock on the peak of Bukit Kutu, now, we understood where the word 'KUTU' came from. This big rock looked like 'head and body' of a giant fleece, which mean 'KUTU' in Malay language.

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You can get the clear glance of the KKB Dam if the weather is good. We have being waiting for twenty minutes before the thick mist could get thinned so that the Dam could be caught into the photo. Few minutes after this photo shot, the area got misty again.

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Overall, this trip was not very tough and we enjoyed the trek very much. For first timer, one should bring along GPS to prevent get lost in the jungle due to the web-like side tracks. You can get out from Genting Highlands if not properly guided. The simplest method to prevent gets lost --> get a native guide, or find an experience member.

We arrived back at Kg Pertak by around 3.30pm. Took a bath in the freezy-cold stream water, released all the burdens and tiredness on our shoulders and tights.

Rushed to Rawang to enjoy Tou Fu-Fish and balsam pear-chicken by 6pm. What a remarkable trip!

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Gunung Bunga Buah, Octorber 2009

nobody@vox.com(Wee) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 05:22:33 -0800

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The starting point of Gunung Bunga Buah. We parked our car at Gotong Jaya and started the climb through the Organic farm. The entrance was right in front of Intel College. When we arrived at 8am, the area was covered by thick mist and you'll felt like in the middle of fairy land. What a nice start!

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The 1st hour of the hike was on the old tar road, introduced by our friend as 'the old road to GENTING HIGHLAND'. Don't know how true izzit, but the 'tar road' was not maintaining anymore, with human-height plants and earth-quake-like-cracks all over the path, we really 'slashed-chopped-cut' our way through to reach at this clearance-->The First Check Point of the trail. Took a group photo 'BEFORE' the trip with a backdrop of the mountain peak

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Started our jungle trail into one of the Ancient Forest of Asia, lay in the backbone of peninsular Malaysia. This was the mountain once explored by one of the Greatest Malaysian Tycoon- Uncle Lim. At his 50th, he trekked through the heart of Titiwangsa to find the land that currently called - The Genting Highlands. Let's repeat his steps to see what greatness awaiting ahead.

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After the 2nd hour, we finally arrived at the 2nd check point-- The Rock Garden. The scenery was fantastic here. With the temperature of about 18 degree Celsius, the fairytale-like mist featured the mysterious of this mountain. This Rock Garden is cushioning with soft-nested roots; contrasted by cold-hard razor-shaped rock. The tiny little pink flower twinkling like stars in the middle of night sky, brought little warmth to this cold-misty Rock Garden.

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After ten minutes of rest at the Rock Garden, we continued the journey towards the peak through the misty path. Without seeing the path ahead, cracked the way through the bushes. We were keeping as close as possible to each others to prevent the side-track along the trail miss-leaded us.

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Arrived at the peak at around 12pm. 4 hours of forecasted-timing was completed 'within limit'. Arrival at the peak was always beautiful. Once touched at the peak, all of us started sharing foods and drinks to ease the hunger and exhaustion. Let see what I could recall -- Apple, Orange, Grape Fruit, Gardenier, Boiled Eggs, swiss rolls, and even Mc Donald's. Looked like a mini 'pot-luck- lunch.

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The 'Greenery' of the trail was one of the remarkable experience for all of us. Perhaps due to the cold weather and thick mist, mosses and earth-covering plants grew extremely well along the path.

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Yeah, another non-forgettable experience is dealing with the leechesssss and leechesssss along the way. 'Troops' of leeches waiting along the path like hungry zombies. We have to battle battalion after battalion of leech-army to get through the path without bleeds.

We arrived at Gotong Jaya around 4pm in the evening. This trail was a long trail, not really a steep one, therefore, we took almost the same timing to trekked down from the peak, no short-cut. Nevertheless, the weather is windy, cold and misty; the trail is sceneric, gentle and green, in overall, this was a nice trekking experience for all of us.

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Bukit Tabur, Sun Rise 01-01-2010

nobody@vox.com(Wee) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 01:15:05 -0800

31^st December of 2009 arrived in a glance. It was 8pm, and we were doing the last count for the last stock take of the year. It was meant to be significant as the stock take result will be used to close our account and it is going to reflect the bonus and benefit for the coming year.

With the final count, we wrapped up the stock take and headed home with NEW-YEAR-MOOD.

It was 31^st DEC 2009, the last day of the year. We were out for dinner to celebrate the wrap-up of 2009. After the dinner, I was thinking, am I supposing to be sorry for the gone of yet another year, or to be welcoming the arrival of another new year?

Made up a choice à welcoming the arrival of 2010!

Just like any other day, Sunrise has being repeating for trillions of years; not many of us has really bath under the first light of the day so often. An idea flashed across my head, & we decided to go Bukit Melawati to welcome the first light of 2010!

We were there around 6.30am, climbed up the mountain with the help of torch lights. Rushing for the first light, which expected to shine around 0715; slippages, scratches, exhaustions doesn’t slowed us a seconds. We arrived at the view point right before the sun rose. Let us share how the sun rose on 01-01-2010:

Bukit Tabur Sun Rise 2010

Have a peak at the summary of SUN RISE. What a pleasure to welcome the first light of the year!

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When we arrived at the view point, the sky still dark. Not much lights from the city too. Perhaps not many people waked up 6.30am in the publich-holiday morning.

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Color tones of sky slowly turned into pale blue. Although there were clouds covering the east, The Sun Rose behind the blockages and lighted up the surroundings. Perhaps cities in the East like K.Kinabalu and Kuching already fully bright; we were still waiting for the arrival of the first sun light.

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Captured the very last moments before KL City being brightened up for the first time in 2010.

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Blue Sky turned bright. More and more visibility of the surroundings permitted. Clouds were painted with rainbows and flare colors. What a remarkable scenery.

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Half of the sky painted with dark red and purple, energitic and jaw-dropping scenery. Now we understand how pretty is the first dawn of 2010.

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Bukit Tabur Sun Rise

Visibility slowly improved with the weak light shined the surroundings. We sat behind the sharp rock, enjoyed our Mc Donald's and Coffee. First day of 2010, First Sun Rise, First Hiking, First Mc Donald's, First Coffee... Wow! a lot of "first" to start the day.

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Marvelous sceneries slowly revealed with the improving visibility under shines of The Sun, the Dam, The Dragon Peak, The Rocky Mountains, The Acient plants.... It has being a fantastic experience bathing under the first light of the year.

Dawn of the day always started with hopes and adventures.

Wish all of us have a HAPPY NEW YEAR! HAPPY 2010!!

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Enjoying the Holidays in Iowa

nobody@vox.com(Ultra'thoner) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 12:01:39 -0800

X-C Skis

Running in Iowa

This year, Jeanne, Nathan and I went to Iowa to spend a few days with Jeanne's family. This year was certainly a white Christmas- the biggest blizzard of the decade blew for three days while we were there.

I went out for my 10 to 15 mile jogs. The wind was biting and all exposed skin hurt. I could have easily made an excuse to not run, but as I explained in other posts... if I started doing that, well then I wouldn't run all winter.

Runners are an infrequent sight here, even during pleasant weather. Pickups slowed down and the drivers looked at me quizzically. I can only wonder what they must've thought.

One woman slowed down, opened her window and asked if I was OK. She was sincerely worried that my vehicle had broken down and I needed a ride. For someone unprepared, death by hypothermia is a real possibility.

I replied, "Thanks! I'm OK," although whether my sanity was- well, that's another question!

We also brought our X-C skis and snowshoes. I went out cross country skiing with Sue (Jeanne's sister) and Steve. It was COLD but nevertheless we had a great time. As long as we kept moving, we felt good. As soon as we stopped, however, the frigid winds chilled us only after only a few moments and we had to start moving again.

It's difficult to drag oneself outside on such days when everyone else is inside where its warm. However, there is no better way to experience the outdoors than on foot or on skiis or snowshoes. Although desolate, even forbidding, winter on the prairie is one of the most beautiful seasons of the year.

Frost on a tree

Most of my time exercising I spend trail running, hiking and/or training for future ultramarathons. Cross country skiing is good for cross training however. Many ultrarunners who reside in the north country do cross country ski races in the winter to maintain CV fitness and try something different during the off season.

It is excellent cardiovascular training, exceeded only by swimming. Some of the athletes with the highest ever recorded VO2s have been cross country ski racers. X-C skiing is essentially non-impact (as long as you don't hit a tree or fall off an embankment!) and uses slightly different muscles than running. I could feel it in my groin muscles the next day.

There is a X-C ski race in Wisconsin, the American Birkebeiner or "Birkie" which I've always wanted to do. It is a 50 kilometer X-C ski race that is the largest, by number of participants, in North America. Up to 9,000 ski this race every February.

The Birkie is named after the soldiers who rescued Prince Haakon during the Norwegian Civil War in 1206. They were called “Birkebeiners” for the protective birch bark leggings they wore. The two Viking warriors, Torstein and Skervald, skied more than 50 kilometers through rugged mountains and forested terrain smuggling the infant son of King Syverresson and Inga of Vartieg from Lillehammer to safety in the town of Trondheim. The rescued prince became one of the most popular kings in Norwegian history. The Birkebeiner soldiers became a Norwegian symbol of courage, perseverance and character in the face of adversity- all of the characteristics and values that we modern ultra-endurance athletes hold dear.

I won't be able to do Birkie this year; I have the 3 Days of Syllamo multi-day footrace coming up in March which I am training for- but hopefully I will do Birkie someday.

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Winter is here!

nobody@vox.com(Ultra'thoner) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:31:43 -0800

Cold weather Ultrathoner

Last week it was 4 degrees above and snowing. I decided to go for a long run.

After taking several weeks off due to my tendon injury at Lean Horse Hundred in August, I have been relieved to finally be able to run distances greater than 10 miles.

We humans are strange creatures, aren't we?

We worry about that which hasn't yet happened and which may never happen- all while at the same time forgetting to be grateful for that which we do have. We never appreciate what we have until it is lost.

Outbound

I started out in a snow at four degrees above- but the temps rapidly dropped to below zero.

I meet many fair weather runners who tell me they never go out when it is cold. Now, I admit that I would much prefer a warm sunny spring or autumn day to a below-zero frigid winter run.

However, with running, just as with life in general, we cannot expect to have an endless season of perfect weather. Storms and bad weather are part of life. I think of the less pleasant days as allowing me to more appreciate the beautiful days when the they do come.

Plus, I've found that I'm as much of a procrastinator as anyone. Humans are naturally lazy- it's in our genes. I'm no different.

It is always easy to find an excuse to not run:

"It's too cold!"
"It's too hot!"
"It's too early!"
"It's too late!"
"It's snowing!"
"It's raining!"
"I'm too tired!"
"I'm too busy!"
"I don't have time!"

And so on and so forth....

If began making excuses to not run, well quite honestly then I'd never run. So I run in all kinds of weather, no excuses! The sole exception being during an active thunderstorm when I may be in danger of being struck by lightning.

I may be insane but Im not stupid!

Some kinds of weather I definitely prefer over others. However, I am not going to let less that perfect conditions keep me inside.

Ultrarunning is all about perserverance.

By perserverance, I'm not only talking about keeping going and not giving up mile after mile during an actual race. I'm also talking about getting out and doing a training in a December blizzard at 4AM before going in to work- even when it would be easier to turn off the alarm and stay in bed a few more hours snuggled warm next to your spouse.

Winter Running

I love where we live.

The Black Hills of South Dakota are a well kept secret. We live on gravel roads south of Rapid City, a couple of miles east of Custer State Park.

I have miles and miles of gravel/dirt roads and trails to run on literally right off my doorstep.

Mile 8

Although I have enjoyed running anywhere, it is much nicer to run where there is beautiful scenery.

It makes the miles float on by. Every training run to becomes an adventure to look forward to instead of a chore to complete.

At the halfway turnaround (No, I'm not peeing here)

I decided to keep going after my usual mile 5 turnaround.

Instead I went out 9 miles. I stopped for a moment to eat some gel blocks and put on an extra layer.

In the distance, one could usually see Mt. Rushmore. On a clear day, the views from this overlook are exceptional. Today, however, Mt. Rushmore has completely disappeared in the clouds and snow.

I hadn't stopped for too long before I started to feel chilled.

"Get moving along!" I thought, "you need to warm up!"

For safety during winter runs, I carry a backpack filled with extra clothing, two space blackets, firemaking gear, and extra food. On today's run I was on the road and help was only a cell phone call away. However, when running trails in the mountains in the winter you need to be prepared to stay out overnight, in case of a broken bone or twisted ankle. Even less than an hour outside in cold weather without being adequately prepared could be fatal from hypothermia.

We ultrarunners may be tough, but we're not invincible.

Running in the snow with a 20 lb pack is not the most fun thing to do. However, once spring returns and I'm able to run with just a light fanny pack, it makes those runs seem all that much easier.

Long ears

On the return trip I saw several whitetail and mule deer, a few wild turkeys, melanistic phase red tail hawk (much darker coloration than normal) and a great horned owl.

A fox barked at me.What blood curdling little critters they can be! I saw he (or she) scurrying off in the meadow.

Then I heard what was a cross between a "Snort!" and a "Wuff!"

It was a donkey.

He (or she) was none-too-thrilled to see me out running on the road through the trees. Those long-ears are very observant. Many times while out packing in the mountains, our mules would be the first to sense other humans or wildlife, much sooner than we did. They were always aware of others even before our horses or dogs.

Donkey, more curious than afraid, walked over towards me. Two more"snort-wuff's!" and I was past. The horses in the same pasture with donkey, appeared bored. They stared at me blankly.

Silly long ears!

Homeward Bound

Darkness fell across the land. I put my headlamp on.

During my entire run, I was passed by only three vehicles. Two of them actually turned out to be the same one, a rancher going on an out and back trip in his pickup truck to water and check on his stock.

I felt a hunger pang and opened my bottle of Chocolate Boost. Now Boost is not what I would usually consider very appetizing. However, when you're at mile 15 and feel hungry it provides needed calories to keep you going.

Indeed, when Boost has frozen thick from the cold, like some kind of milkshake, I'd even call it "delicious," in its own sort of way.

I'm starting to get COLD!

The temperatures dropped further and icicles formed on my beard.

I first grew my beard when back in Wisconsin. I do not think it is my imagination or in my head: facial hair really does take the bite out of the cold winter wind.

Frozen Snot Dangler

I felt something bouncing back and forth on my chin. It was a frozen snot-dangler!

When running in cold weather, your nose runs. A quick wipe on the sleeve or a "turn-and-blow" usually does the trick.

This little guy, however, decide to freeze just as he came out of my nose and stayed around to hang on for a ride. I tried to run all the way home with him still attached so I could proudly show him to my 9 year old son.

However, ice quickly built up on him from my breath. He finally fell off after about three miles.

Oh well, at least I have this photo to remember him by. I know this is disgusting. It's more than any of you want to know; nevertheless, I've documented it so I'll never ever forget it- that little frozen snot-dangler of mine.

Home Sweet Home!

Finally, I made it home!

After running the last several miles in the dark, our log cabin seemed bright and warm and cozy. I caught the scent of wood smoke from our woodstove. Much of our heat is from trees that we harvest on our own land. There is nothing like the scent of wood smoke to let you know the hearth is warm and all is well in your little log cabin in the pines.

I looked at my GPS: 18.2 miles! What a great run!

I went inside. Jeanne and Nathan remarked at the icicles in frozen beard as it quickly melted in the warmth.

Yes, winter is here!

This-coming weekend it will be sunny and in the mid-40s. I can't wait to do another long run! How far will I go? It all depends how I feel.

Good luck and run well through the New Year!

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ICEHOTEL, Sweden

nobody@vox.com(Haliku) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 17:16:52 -0800

What is the ICEHOTEL? Besides being a cool place (ok I just had to) it is the first and largest snow and ice hotel in the world. A friend of mine mentioned it recently which inspired me to check the website for some virtual travel. I thought it would be simple igloos and snow shelters similar to what mountaineers create when climbing in Alaska, Antarctica, etc. When I saw the pictures I was stunned!

Entrance

This winter is the 20^th anniversary of the concept. Every year team of snow builders, architects, designers and artists from all over the world gather in the little town of Jukkasjärvi far north of the Arctic Circle in the Lapland area of Sweden to create a temporary masterpiece out of ice from the nearby river.

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Visitors fly into the nearby town of Kiruna from Stockholm or London. You can also arrive via an overnight train from Stockholm. Transportation to the hotel is then by bus, snowmobile or dogsled. Once at the hotel accommodations are either in an ice room (temps stay about 23 F/ -5 C) or in a hotel that is much warmer being constructed of wood and stone.

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Activities, besides hanging out at the Icebar—yup made of ice also—include snowshoeing and snowmobile tours which should be no surprise during the winter. For other activities I leave it to you to explore their website and photos.

Sweden

Get out and Explore the World!

Picture Credit: Åke Larsson, Mikael Nille Nilsson & Sofi Ruotsalainen, Sweden.

Map Credit: ICEHOTEL.com

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Climbing & Culture in Alaska: The Final Days

nobody@vox.com(Haliku) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:55:44 -0800

Day 12 Tuesday May 26^th: We woke up early to strike camp. We were tired after our sojourn to the top of North America but there was a calm energy amongst the group. We knew that the summit was only half the trip. Until we were safe in Talkeetna we could not afford to let our guard down. After a hasty dehydrated meal for breakfast we packed up camp. This took considerable time since there was plenty to pack, we were tired and still at 17,200 feet. We had packed for five days at high camp and only ended up spending two. The NPS rangers were very happy to take our food which lightened our load. Without Colin we all packed a little extra. Carrying a full pack at 17k is as tiring as it sounds.

Our goal for the day was either the 9800 or 7800 camp. With the weather forecast to change the next day and how tired we were getting to either camp was a reach. Many of the groups were already heading down by the time we left high camp. We had no problems until the end of the ridge where climbers were waiting their turn for the fixed ropes.

High Camp

Real estate with a view

Leaving HC

Gabe, Dan and Haliku ready to go

Ridge Down

The hardest section of the whole route

Going down a 55 degree slope with a loaded pack at 16k is just not fun. It required a lot of patience with the number of climbers slowly descending. Many were also going up to high camp. I did not envy them. Once off the ropes we were enveloped in clouds rising from below. The visibility and temperatures both dropped as did a light snow for the remainder of our route to 14 camp.

We cached a lot of food and gear before we went higher. Now everything needed to go with us—food, gear, garbage, etc.—that came up with six climbers on two separate trips. With the forecasted lousy weather it was easy to quickly give away 40 pounds of food. One might get the impression we brought too much along but keep in mind it was our 12^th day of what we planned to be a 21 day trip (plus four days of emergency food). Subtract Colin’s appetite from the equation and we had a lot of extra calories. Many of the climbers who took food had carried to high camp the day before and cached a lot of their own. When on Denali extra food means your trip doesn’t have to end early due to hunger. If you wanted to travel light and weren’t a picky eaters you could factor in the food give-aways at 14 camp as part of the meal plan. It is a common sight to see a climber pulling a sled around camp loaded with food in an attempt to lighten their load. I would not recommend this approach.

After a few hours of packing we left 14 camp one last time with loaded packs, two full sleds and a stuffed drag bag. Thankfully Windy Corner did not live up to its name this time so we quickly traveled on to 11 camp. The crevasses, more pronounced now that when we came this way a week earlier, caused us no problems.

Once at 11 camp it was obvious we were not going any lower today as we were all very tired. With well practiced precision we quickly set up camp while Gabe got food and water ready. Another cache was dug up and its contents were added to the pile. At least we each had a sled to repack the mountain of stuff.

Day 13 Wednesday May 27^th: The alarm went off early and as is often a habit in such environments I hit the snooze to avoid starting the day for a few more minutes. Thirty minutes later the other alarm sounded. As the motivation to start the day built I realized it was snowing. Not fluffy Christmas card picture type of snow but a heavy snow, wind driven. I stuck my head out the back vestibule; it was the snowstorm the weather folks had predicted. To make matters worse the visibility was very limited, at best 20 feet.

Motivation was even harder now that we had weather to deal with if we wanted to get to basecamp any time soon. 11 camp can get up to eight feet of snow so we did not want to spend the next several days here if we could help it. The team worked quickly to strike camp and load sleds and packs for the journey. A few time people asked if they could follow us down. One guy asked if he could tie in with our rope. Since he was a guide (for one of the authorized services) he was more familiar with the route than any of us so we took him on.

11 Camp

Packing up for one last drag from 11 Camp

I had recorded GPS waypoints and the route we took on the way up the mountain. So with the GPS, and map and compass as a backup, we headed out of camp in 10-20 foot visibility. The going was rough as visibility frequently decreased to arms length. The suggestions I had read about wanding the route on the lower mountain came to my mind. We had not followed this approach as there were many wands from numerous groups already in place. At least they seemed numerous on the way up. By trusting the GPS and not second guessing it we slowly made it from one landmark to the next and soon were headed down Ski Hill. The winds increased and the visibility dropped as we went lower. At one point I could not see at all as my glasses became snow packed. Our tag along guide offered to take the sharp end and we deftly passed the crevasse area and were at the larger and climber packed 7800 camp.

With no desire to set up camp other than at the airfield we pushed on. Now the relatively flat glacier was throwing more challenges at us with crevasses and flat light. The poor visibility continued. So poor as to confuse a Korean team we ran into who were actually going back up the glacier towards 7800 camp! That wasn’t the way they wanted to go either. When they heard we had GPS they fell in line behind us. As we worked our way down the glacier other groups joined in. Once at the base of Heartbreak Hill we had over twenty climbers with us.

Conga Line

Some of our followers before Heartbreak Hill who lacked a GPS unit

The hill is well named. At this point we had been moving, almost non stop, for eight hours with heavy packs and sleds and we were very tired. The hill sucked our remaining energy as we slowly plodded up towards camp. I don’t know what the others did to push on but I found myself counting…one-two, one-two, one-two…repetitively as I moved my feet. It was a long slow push at the end of a slog.

While Kiefer checked in for our flight, we were 25^th, we quickly set up camp. Our first task was to dig up our last cache and liberate the cases of beer that we buried almost two weeks earlier. That was one of the best beers I had ever drunk. It was certainly well earned as was the sleep.

Beer

Dan, Gabe and Craig with a well deserved beer

Day 14 Thursday May 28^th: We woke to falling snow and a very low cloud ceiling which guaranteed no planes would be flying, possibly for several days. Since we were several loads down the list there was no worry about needing to pack in a hurry.

Alaskan friend of ours, Mark and Thomas, had arrived in the middle of the ‘night’ having followed the now zig-zag wand route down the glacier from 7800 camp. They set up their tepee kitchen tent next door and we moved in for the day bringing a couple of stoves, plenty of food and any alcohol we had left. A couple of Colorado climbers, Cindy and Val, joined us bringing homemade pancakes to go with the bacon we fried up from our cache. With 10-12 climbers packed inside the stories and cooking continued all day while it continued to snow. The weather report that evening called for up to five more days of similar weather. That was disappointing as we had already finished the beer! It was a great day getting to know our neighbors instead of short conversations about the weather or the route ahead of us. It was also a relief to be safe in camp and have the mountain and its dangers behind us.

Food Day

An all day eating and drinking fest. The tent held 10-12 climbers.

Day 15 Friday May 29^th: Since any sense of urgency was removed by the forecast the night before there was no hurry to wake up and get breakfast. Excited voices, from the teams around us, woke me. I poked my head out the back vestibule to actually see some blue sky! The excitement was a plane on the way and as the vanguard would evaluate the conditions before the other pilots would take to the air. The odds of our return to Talkeetna were increasing with every minute of blue sky. Our placement at 25 meant we could get out on the fourth flight from Talkeetna Air Taxi (TAT). We started to organize and pack—just in case—which was good as we got out on the last two flights. The last two for several more days as the weather moved back at basecamp.

Seeing Blue

Haliku looking for blue sky in the morning

Lines

Departure line for the plane

Before Departure

Dan and Craig behind Gabe, Haliku and Kiefer before returning to Talkeetna

A stop to the ranger station to check out of the park was first on our list. Then beer before well needed showers. Food and drink soon followed!

Results

The stats the day we left the glacier

Feast

Craig has his eye on Kiefer's burger at the West Rib Restaurant

I want to thank the entire team for the work each put into this trip. It was a group effort and that effort was needed to summit and return without any lasting issues. Climb on!

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~♥World HELLO Day~!!♥~

nobody@vox.com(穆琳LaNg) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:03:15 -0800

November 21, 2009 is the 37th annual World Hello Day.

~Hello~!!!♥♥♥

☼ World HELLO Day~! ☼

Anyone can participate in World Hello Day simply by greeting ten people. This demonstrates the importance of personal communication for preserving peace.

♥ World Hello! Day♥

World Hello Day was begun in response to the conflict between Egypt and Israel in the Fall of 1973.

Since then, World Hello Day has been observed by people in 180 countries.

People around the world use the occasion of World Hello Day as an opportunity to express their concern for world peace.

Beginning with a simple greeting on World Hello Day, their activities send a message to leaders, encouraging them to use communication rather than force to settle conflicts.
***************

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~Christmas Time and my Kiddies~!♥♥♥

nobody@vox.com(穆琳LaNg) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 23:51:34 -0800

Christmas Time is fast approaching and for me it’s a *fairy god mommy* time!!! Yeah, I am a godmother of 9 kids/babies ~since I was 21 ^0^.. I really loved being one, because I so love kids and babies, their presence really do make me so happy. And during this season, buying presents for them is really a must! Like I’m a Santa lol ~ not only for them but also for other kids who are so dear to my ♥heart♥.. Below are my *dearest* Godchildren...

☼Christmas 2009☼

Meet Baby Jian ~ He’s my first godson, way back 2006 and I was just 21 that time. He already turned 3 last April 14^th. The 1^st as they always say is lucky especially it’s a baby boy. I always believe in that! His dad is one of my staff and mom , too. I picked the name *jian* for them and joseph was derived from the dad’s name.

Aljon ~ the 2^nd... Again, a boy! I seldom see him. Only when they visit me at work. He is a snub kid, really. He doesn’t talk much like others. Or maybe shy? He also turned 3 last January 29^th. I was asked to be a godmother by his late Grandma ~ I already met his parents during one of the company’s year-end parties.

Baby Aljon ~ one of his visits

Albert ~ 3^rd and I don’t have any photo of him as they live in other city, though am trying to asked from his mom if she could email it to me or mms maybe. He’ll be turning 3 this 26^th next month [after xmas].. His mom was a friend and co-employee before when we used to work for Johnson & Johnsons. [ no photo available] ..

~♥~

Xianjoe Matthew ~ the 4^th and the most hyper kid among them. He’s really so talkative and I love it! He’s also turning 3 this 27^th next month [next to baby albert]. His mom is a very close friend. [ i tried looking up on my other site for his photos if there's any]

~♥~

Zeth Andrew ~ the 5^th, and just turned 2 last June [2009]. I get to see him a lot because his mom is my boss’ niece and such a good friend. He’s really playful and has toured Asia a lot at a super young age!

♥Zeth Andrew♥

~♥~

Jules Willis ~ the 6^th , he just turned 2 last November 5 ~ I also get to see him a lot because he is my former Front Desk’s son.

Bb.Jules willis

~♥~

Earl Justin Charles ~ the 7^th, and will turn 2 this 11^th of next month. His dad is really a good friend of mine and always teases me that as long as I don’t get a baby girl I will not get married anymore LOL! [which is really not true, I guess!] I don't have any photo of him as of now but a funny video was sent by his dad ^0^

Play Time- Ouchie but funny! (Mau)

~♥~

Mishca Andrea ~ the 8^th and a BABY GIRL!!!! , finally, as one of my closest friend gave birth to a baby girl on March 19 of 2008 ~ and asked me to be the baby’s godmother. I didn’t let that opportunity pass ~ u knw what I mean! Baby Mishca already turned 1 last March.

And Baby Pooh fell asleep ^0^

♥Baby Mishca Andrea♥

~♥~

Coleen ~ the 9^th , was born January this year. So tiny she is. I was asked to be her godmother last September by his father who is my staff. Though I haven’t attended the christening day due to a conflict of schedules and the location was really far [ though I wanted to attend even just for few hours but really not possible cause by just going there took really hours].

Baby Coleen

~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~♥~

May you all have a wonderful time this Christmas!

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Get Out and Explore the World!

nobody@vox.com(Haliku) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:46:06 -0800

The title says everything and also very little at the same time. It is a broad statement that people can interpret as they wish. For some, exploration is done in an armchair with a favorite book or TV remote. Others learn about themselves and the world through charity work in their community. A smaller number learn by, as I have long called it, exercising their passport. These examples and every possible adventure in between is still exploration; it is learning and exploring the world that is important. The what or why of one's exploration are just as varied and are often very personal.

I have mentioned previously that my love of exploration is because of my parents. Not only did they subscribe to National Geographic magazine for many years they took my brother and I to museums, local cultural festivals and on trips to other parts of the country. The thrill of seeing a place for first time burns not just the sight but the sounds, the smells and other details of the location into my memory.

Humans have always been explorers. How else did the Vikings find North America in the early 11th century? Or find the excellent moral mushroom patch outside a small park in NW Iowa one early June day? Even our TV fiction frequently portrays explorers. How many of you already know Dora? Or Dr Henry Walton Jones?

I recently was introduced to an online book, Exhilarating Freedom in the Andes, by Chris Goulet. The book is a worthy read in itself as it documents his travels in the Andes by bike.

One chapter is titled The Explorer-Adventurers, his reflections on explorer adventures both old and new. After I read it his thoughts really resonated with me. I would of liked to be the author of such a piece of prose but I am not. Glad I am to have read it and to share it with others. Remember to get out and explore the world, you will be better for it.

The Explorer-Adventurers by Chris Goulet

We have an insatiable thirst to experience the world firsthand.

We derive intense satisfaction in challenging difficult, insecure and uncomfortable environments.

We take the time to observe and absorb, because we are not racing. We are not competing with anyone but ourselves.

Our encounters with vastly different environments, lifestyles, and beliefs profoundly expand our interest and awareness of the world.

Witnessing meager standards of living forever changes our perception of the western preoccupation with striving for material wealth.

When we return home, we feel delighted at regaining the little pleasures that have been denied to us in faraway lands.

We have frequent flashbacks of our expeditions and take pleasure in telling others our experiences.

We become tolerant of petty annoyances or discomforts and become patient in our projects.

But the ceasing of discovery and strong sensations precipitate in us a long emotional slump.

Sensations we once held to be exciting become less so.

Is it worth it? Like they say, "It's better to have loved (traveled) and lost (come home) than never to have loved at all."

Once we have eaten from the tree of knowledge, we cannot go back to ignorance.

While on expeditions, our attention is intensely focused and nothing else matters, but back home it is difficult to concentrate on what we are doing.

Our successes strongly reinforce our self-esteem. We can do anything, but we find we don't really want to do anything but explore.

We dream of more adventures, and when preoccupation turns to obsession, we are bound to realize them.

We are fascinated with the stories of other explorers and we plan our expeditions to avoid their misfortunes.

Are we escaping from something or have we been unfortunate with normal life? The true weight of these factors lies hidden from us.

What do we search for? We don't really know, until we find it.

Ultimately, we explore to find ourselves.

Our passion for adventure continues...

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Adventure Team

BUKIT KUTU

Gunung Bunga Buah, Octorber 2009

Bukit Tabur, Sun Rise 01-01-2010

Enjoying the Holidays in Iowa

Winter is here!

ICEHOTEL, Sweden

Climbing & Culture in Alaska: The Final Days

~♥World HELLO Day~!!♥~

~***Christmas Time and my Kiddies***~!♥♥♥

Get Out and Explore the World!

~Christmas Time and my Kiddies~!♥♥♥