In the clouds

Well it has been a busy time here on this side of the world and the computer has not really been a part of the adventure lately. For that I am sorry and will try to update you the best that I can in the events that have happened in the last couple weeks. The first main event was the scaling of Mt. Kinabalu by myself and fellow YAGM volunteers (Erika, Ellen, and Katherine). It was a grand adventure that we have all been looking forward to for quiet a while and at last it became a reality. So in getting ready to hike up a mountain we asked the locals who have done it what we would need. Many of them told us to pack warm clothes and chocolate. Well, packing for Malaysia really didn't spark the idea for a sweatshirt (however a flannel shirt did make it is!) so a warmer layer was borrowed and some chocolate was donated and we were ready. Early in the morning we grabbed our bags and headed to the bus stop to find a ride to the base of the mountain. We arrived around 9:00 am found our guide and headed out. At first we started walking down some stairs (the wrong direction when the goal is to get to the top) but soon after the trail took a turn and it was all up hill from there. From talking to people before hand I was able to learn that much of the trail had been made into stairs and depending on who you talk to these stairs may or may not be steep. Well, they were pretty steep in some parts and not so steep in others. After the first few hours of hiking my legs started to feel that upward climb pretty well and by 5 km my lips were a lovely shade of blue but with only 1 km left to the lodge I was not going to turn back. Finally, there was the outline of a roof when you dared to look up. The last km seemed to take a very long time and was also the most rocky but it was worth it. We reached the lodge mid-afternoon and were very thankful for a warm beverage and a chair to sit in. The four of us had made it to 11,000 ft and were now in the coldest weather we had ever felt in Malaysia. It was time for a little rest. The final leg of the trip would start early in the morning, 2:00 am so now it was time to sit, stretch, and eat.

Early the next morning we all got up and put on many layer

s of clothing because we were told the wind was very cold on top and headed to the lodge to grab some food. I walked down with my friends feeling slightly dizzy but ready to persevere and climb that mountain. Once we got to the lodge and found a table the others grabbed some food and I just sat. My body was not cooperating and the thought of food made me want to hit the bathroom right away. The outlook for me making it was not looking good. The others gave me a package of

crackers thinking that if I could eat anything maybe it would be ok but just thinking about opening that bag and smelling the crackers. . . lets just say it wouldn't have been a happy ending. 2:30 rolled around and it was time to summit. I wanted to go and I wanted to force my

body out of that chair and go but my body wanted to lay down and sleep and just breath. The others got up and left as I remained at the table wishing I was walking with them. I came to Mt. Kinabalu planning on climbing the mountain to the top but it didn't happen. Instead I came to Mt. Kinabalu, climbed to 11,000 ft., watched the sun rise in the clouds (we were literally in the clouds), felt sick most of the time, and had a blast. Would I do this again? You bet! Next time I would just bring along some altitude sickness pills so then there is nothing standing in my way of the top! It was a great trip that I, mostly my legs, will never forget and hope to someday do again.