Hill Trek on a holiday

Today is a public holiday on the occasion of Prophet's Muhammad's birthday. We made plans to go hill trekking with Amy and her wards at 7.30am. As it turns out the young ones (Jaecie and Jinn Wuen) rather sleep longer during the holiday. So it was just Amy joining us. We had not been to this hill trek before. There was an article in the Chinese papers with very vague directions on how to get there.

After a couple of wrong turns and asking people where the entrance to the hill trek was, we managed to find it. It is located at the back of the Bukit Ketumbar condo. The start was relatively easy. Tree roots made natural steps in the trail. At some sections, some kind souls had tied ropes to help trekkers to hold on tight as they made their way up and down the slippery slopes.

If I remember my science classes correctly, the mini jungle is essentially a secondary forest. Lots of bushes at the lower levels, with lots of sunlight poking through the foliage. Very early on in the trek, we learn one basic rule of courtesy - greet everyone going up or down with a good morning or "cho sun" (Cantonese for good morning).

We met some hikers bringing along their dogs for the trek. Cute!! (sorry no photos - couldn't whip my camera out fast enough). Even met some familiar faces who were there the first time.Here is Sister Lydia and friend from the church.

As we made our way up, one can take time to reflect on the power of nature. You could still see civilization peeping through the foliage. There was a nest (termite??_ along the path. And this big boulder - split in half by 3 saplings over a long time.

By the time we got down more than an hour later, we were pooped. Took a break at the mamak stall with teh tarik and roti canai. Just had to snap this silly cockerel whose alarm clock seems to need calibration. At 10am, it was still happily crowing away.