WeeK 9  - 21st February '99

Mountain Bikers - A day of Changes in travelling plans

A couple of weeks back, Paul and I had agreed to track to what appears to be the largest fall in Peninsular Malaysia-the Berembum or Klau waterfall. I was sceptical. The last trip we made was really a back breaking task, to spend 3 hours walking in and then another 3 hours coming out on the same day! Anyway as there were little opportunity to go into details, we confirmed the arrangement. As a contingency, I thought I would have the place checked a week earlier and also looking forward to some backup from the transport operator.

Things started going bad! In our recce trip done with Khoo yesterday , I found that the track was in horrible state, though still passable on foot. The transport operator could not provide the back up as a log had fallen across the track and not passable to vehicular traffic. On the eleventh hour, Joyce disagreed with my arrangement and would not back me up on taking the group in.

On Sunday the original plan set the meeting time at the Genting toll at 6.30 am. We eventually left Bentong at 9.15am to arrive at the foothill at 9.45 am.

Under that scenario, the group decided on a last minute to change the plan and made a detour for the picnic area at Sungei Chalit instead/

1 My Beetle on the bridge

The bridge of wooden logs signifies the end of navigable trail. This is the picnic area.

2 Group having fun time

The walking distance from the point where we stopped was only one kilometer. On that day the surrounding was beautiful, there was plenty of cool, clear water. I brought my car to the picnic spot as the camping area is just after this bridge.

Trouble started again when I was trying to lead the group in through the bushes walking on a precariously high water pipe to some falls further upstream. The path was blocked and the wasted efforts threw everyone into frustration and went back to the original spot.

3 FK showing off his outdoor skills

FK was very nice; he made us coffee and tea with his camping set.

4 Group enjoying the day's outing

The Cycleflex group too enjoyed the cold water to finish the food they brought. After an hour or so fun, they packed up and left.This is a vibrant group with plenty of energy.

 

They were prepared for outings and getting ready for their meals.

5 Met up with the largest wild Caladiun

For me, I saw the largest "horse face" leaves that close to a meter long, while walking along the water pipe.

All ended up well that day/ This is an example of a planner outing but failed in reaching its objective

Khong's Travel Guide