Nuang Conquered!

On Labour Day, I joined a group of 13 others to climb Gunung Nuang, in Ulu Langat. The mountain is the highest peak in Selangor and I am told its peak marks the border between the State of Selangor and Pahang, respectively.

And boy, did we labour! Or more precisely, I really laboured to climb that mountain. I think giving birth (the other kind of labour) is probably easier! Heh heh!!!

But I did it!!! Despite being the last to summit and almost the last to descend, and not to mention a badly injured knee (I sprained the insertion of the left tensor fascia-lata), I conquered Gunung Nuang.

Anyway, let’s dispense with the statistics first.

Time waiting at meeting place: 4.20 am
Time actually departed from meeting place: 5.30 am
Time reached foot hill of Gunung Nuang 7.20 am
Time started climb: 7.40 am
Time upon reaching Kem Lolo: 9.40 am
Time upon reaching Kem Pacat: 11.30 am
Time upon reaching Puncak Pengasih (which is the ‘false peak’): 12.50 pm
Time upon reaching peak of Gunung Nuang: 1.30 pm
Time started descend: 2.00 pm
Time upon reaching Puncak Pengasih: 2.45 pm
Time upon reaching Kem Pacat: 4.15 pm
Time upon reaching Kem Lolo: 6.30 pm
Time upon reaching back to base: 7.00 pm (no, I did not suddenly acquire super-human speed nor did my knee miraculously heal, though I did pray for healing; but because I was given a harrowing ride back to base on the back of a speeding motorcycle with bald tires controlled by a half-maniacal good Samaritan!). Had I walked, I would probably touch base at 8.00 pm!

So, in summary, time to summit: 5 hours and 50 minutes.
Time to descend: 5 hours (aided in the last part)

The statistics are hardly impressive compared to my fellow climbers. Read KK’s blog for a good account of the climb and be amazed at the time he clocked (next time I shall pack what he packed and eat what he ate!!!).

Continuing with the statistics:

Water consumed: 3.5 L (750 L had ORS mixed inside it)
Food consumed: 2 energy-bars, 1 Gardenia Banana Quickbite, 1 pack of fried rice, 1 apple and 1 pear.

Damage to body:

1. One sprained left knee which occurred just before reaching Puncak Pengasih and contralateral muscle sprain as I had to hobble with an ‘antalgic gait’ all the way down.

2. Stomach cramps due to mild food-poisoning from the contaminated roti canai I had for breakfast.
Damage to ego:

None, but instead it felt real good to have summited this legendary ‘tough’ mountain! And more importantly, I did it with NO LEECH BITE!!! So my record is still intact!

Will I go again?
I seriously doubt it….

The pictures will have to come later. I am too tired and too much in pain to sort them out now!

Sat, 030508 @ 0700