Reflections on climb

1. Be Prepared - like all things in life, if you set yourself a goal, then you must prepare yourself for it. i was poorly prepared and was 'punished' with thoughts of quitting and doubts if i could make it.
There's a big difference between a journey where you struggle to reach the goal or one that you can enjoy along the way there. i've done this before and therefore made a conscious effort to enjoy the beautiful trail. on the way down i met with people who did not.
someone once said LUCK is OPPORTUNITY meeting with one who is PREPARED, think about it.

2. Keep Up - try not to fall too far behind. you'll need the encouragements of others to keep you going when you feel like giving up.
i had a walkie talkie and was in contact with the person who went way ahead of me. i would from time to time call in to see where he was, and he would encourage me by lying telling to me how far i was from the next stop, or how was the condition up ahead of me.
at one time or another in our life we'll be needing to do that. have good friends with same goals so that all of you can encourage one another. when learning a new software, i enjoy nothing more that having someone learning it together with me and 'teaching' each other tricks we've learned. i not only learn faster but remember better.
if you're ahead, remember those who are slower, it's a long walk, and you won't be in front all the time.

3. Rest, don't quite. - i sure took lots of rest & if you ask those that went up with me, it was probably more than average. but guess what...... i reached the submit as well. The snails made it to Noah's ark, you know.
rest did me wonders. when i rest on the last leg, i took my mind of the tiredness by enjoying amazing number of stars i could see from up there. it was an awesome sight and refreshed me even in that few minutes.

4. Move up further. - when we reached Laban Rata, our hostel was further up. i sure didn't feel like hiking some more (instead felt like killing the person who made the arrangement) but was rewarded with great view and had the advantage of starting from a higher point then the rest. a good 10 mins climb.
most of the time we're just satisfied with so so, but i'm reminded to go further, sets you apart from the crowds and you'll probably have and advantage over the so sos. it won't be easy but it'll be worth it.

5. Wrap it up. - after reaching Low's peak, we had to come down,....all the way to the park HQ. only then is the journey complete. tired as i was, i had to do it. there were not other way down.
some goals are long term and are will be hard to stick to, well...no way out but to stick to it.

i guess that wraps up my stories from Mt. Kinabalu trip. had to squeeze everything out of it.

post script.
my thanks goes out to Andy and family and extended family for the accommodation, meal and climb arrangements & warm Sabahan hospitality shown to us. Jaya's extended family for a wonderful meal. Fong for sharing her Yoko Yoko. and all at the office who had to do extra work while we're away.