Bong 4!

To some, it was a great trip, full of new learning experiences, a road of self-discovery, and an enjoyable one at that.

To me, it went on a high, but ended on an all time low.

I guess I'm really lucky to end up here blogging. Really. When people are desperate, they'll do anything to get their way. And I really mean anything.

Anyway, the trip was great, although there was the initial hiccups at the start of the trip which made things a little unbearable, like participants being late, and where we had to split up the entire group into 2 due to a traffic jam encountered by the Causeway Link bus.

Whilst waiting for the bus to Kota Tinggi, we had some entertainment:

Nonetheless, we managed to make it to the Kota Tinggi resort, where there were the usual preparatory work, such as safety briefings and the warmups, and off we went. It started to drizzle a little when we walked in, so out came the rain-covers to protect the bags. The sky seemed fine, with patches of grey clouds hovering in a distance. I made a silent prayer not to rain during the trek up.


Off we go!


Lian Guo and Candice were the front 2 men, with Kheng Hui in the centre and me at the back, as the rest of the comm and ex-comm members were having their lunch due to their delayed bus (but they still arrived in the nick of time). So Heng Jie, Lai Yee, Noel, Suji and Wanling were to catch up with us as we 4 brought the participants up first.

And even before reaching the first waterfall, it was a coincidence that there was another group from Singapore going up (6 people), as well as a large group of Malaysians going up. The Malaysians just hopped around and took all the shortcuts, and I was amazed by how they transported their stuff....by throwing across a river.

Imagine your bag floating down the river should you mis-throw. Haha.

Upon reaching the wall leading to the first waterfall, the remaining group of 5 people actually caught up! We merged with them and successfully reached the first waterfall, where we had fun...for a short while.



Let's go!


Up the rock face


Noel, Suji, Candice, Lianguo


Candice & Me

We went up for the 2nd waterfall, which is just a short journey away, past the valley. The water level is pretty shallow this time round, and it all spells good for our trek up. I was very pleased with the weather, which had ceased to rain, but seemed to be dark only. At the 2nd waterfall, it was fun all over again. And the Malaysian kids passed by us, and went up for the 3rd waterfall effortlessly. I was simply stunned, and amazed. Dang, they're good.


Guess whose leg?


Wanling & I


With the group of Malaysians


And we found JJ's missing slipper

We gingerly made our way up towards the 3rd waterfall, as the path seemed slightly more smooth and difficult to get a good grip already. Weather held on, although rumbling was heard in the distance.

And we pushed forth on reaching the 3rd waterfall, as the weather seemed to be on the brink of raining. Slotted myself between the participants to help them out at obstacles, as the route from the 3rd waterfall to the campsite is quite long. When we reached the top, it drizzled slightly, but no thunderstorm. I heaved a sigh of relief.

However, the rain really dampened the mood a little, and umbrellas came useful (Lesson learnt from Bong 2). We did not set up the tents as it would make the insides wet during the setting up phase. Therefore, Noel, Wanling and I decided to make our own hopscotch to pass time, and it was damn fun playing in the sand! Haha!

After the hopscotch, which WL won easily , Noel & I proceeded to 'teach' her the game "Magic Squares". (Basically, if you attended any reputable FOC they should have taught you, unless your IC forgot the game. Haha.)

Before we knew it, an hour or so had passed, and rain had stopped, which meant that we could set up our tent. After a quick discussion, the tents were set up, sited and secured into place.

Soon, night was falling, and a nice outline of Lumbong was seen.



As the groups set up their cooking and got down to eating, the committee prepared the basha to link both Suji's 2-man tent and our 8-man tent together (below), which allowed us to cook in (almost) all weather conditions. I unpacked my bag to produce the steamboat set which Noel had passed to me in the morning, and the rest took out plastic bags and ice-cooler worth of food...for steamboat! The participants had already settled down to eating and filling their hungry stomachs.



So we cooked...


and we cooked...


and we cooked...


and we cooked (Danny-certified!)...


till the participants even came over to have a look-see!


Not to forget, the bouncing gelato (jelly actually). Thanks to *ahem* for offering her mouth to test the jelly.


And the sumptuous chicken Noel did


When you run out of steamboat gas (cos we just brought ONE, you make do with...burners!) And here's how to do it:


Then there was the Baron's Strong Brew which Noel brought up for our own private consumption. Simply great. And LY, Noel, WL & I just talked the night away. The night was cool, windy and simply great, with the absence of stars later on in the night, sadly.

Nevertheless, I really like the weather. A good time for some self-reflection, some deeper thoughts and a recollection of all the wonderful things which you've gone through thus far.



An interesting breakfast greeted us the next day, where we wasted one egg, and tried to crush a can with a rock which simply split on hitting.


WL & I led the way down, with me being the second man. Being the 4th time up-down Lumbong, I felt more certain of the route already, with the exception of the river crossing prior to arrival to the 2nd waterfall.

It was relatively easier to go down than up, and WL was more familiar with the route, which meant that I had an easier task . And there was more time to have fun at the 3rd waterfall. It was simply theraputic!



Wanling


Liling


Me


Malaysians along the river


Wanling, Liling, Sze Kei, Yusof


LG & I

We managed to be early at the plantation, and changed into our slippers for the trip back. Nothing much which I would like to say regarding the taxi trip, just that it's pretty harrowing and an unforgettable one.

Soon, it was time to wrap up a wonderful Lumbong trek! And off we went...to Larkin and home.



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