Today the Hunters trekked out of the jungle to their next destination of the Orang Asli where they can learn exciting things such as using a blowpipe and using traps to catch wild animals.
Before they could reach the Orang Asli, the hunters had to trek 8 hours out of the inner jungle. The trekking is definitely a very difficult task as they are required to trek long distances. The heat, fatigue and leeches in the jungle made the journey even more arduous. It must be quite an experience for the hunters to see so many leeches and to be bitten by them but this is really part and parcel of jungle trekking. One of the girls from the Explorers was even bitten twice and though she was afraid, she learnt resilience to overcome her fear and enjoy the activities in the camp.
One of the greatest lesson that many hunters have learnt is that they should appreciate everything that they have in the very safe and comfortable environment in Singapore. Some even mentioned that the camp made studying so much easier because prior to this camp, studying seemed to be the most difficult thing to do.
All in all, everyone is safe and sound as each group has at least 1 porter and 1 guide to take care of them. About 70 hunters are travelling together accompanied by more that 10 guides and porters(amongst them are 4 wild life rangers) and they are led by one of the most experienced guide of the forest. So don't worry, the hunters are fine!
Thursday, 24 May 2007
Wednesday, 23 May 2007
The morning after - Day 2 activities for Explorers
After a well deserved rest in their cave accomodation after their long journey on the first day, the Explorers showed their courage and mental strength to abseil down rock walls. They spent half the day to prepare for this challenge to ensure that each and every one was proficient enough to undertake the challenge. A safety breifing were conducted before the Explorers were taught the basic skills of abseiling. These included gearing up with thebsafety harness, proper rope grip and release technique, pushing away from the rock face and signalling techniques. This was to ensure that the Explorers were sufficiently prepared before proceeding with the actual activities. The Explorers showedw their mettle and everyone abseiledat least once and came away unscathed.
Tuesday, 22 May 2007
The morning after...Day 2 activities for Rangers
Rangers
One Half:
The cycling expediton was flagged off at 0900hrs under fine weather condition. After a night's rest of sleeping in tents at the sand bank of Pasir Sia, one half of the Rangers were raring to go.
Along the 54 km route, Rangers were treated to sights of the countryside but had to negotiate challenging terrain which included avoiding potholes and cow dung. Muscles strained as Rangers toiled to take both man and machine uphill and downhill to cover their distance. At about 4pm, the last of the Rangers (the remaining half) crossed the finishing line to show true resilient spirit.
One Half:
The cycling expediton was flagged off at 0900hrs under fine weather condition. After a night's rest of sleeping in tents at the sand bank of Pasir Sia, one half of the Rangers were raring to go.
Along the 54 km route, Rangers were treated to sights of the countryside but had to negotiate challenging terrain which included avoiding potholes and cow dung. Muscles strained as Rangers toiled to take both man and machine uphill and downhill to cover their distance. At about 4pm, the last of the Rangers (the remaining half) crossed the finishing line to show true resilient spirit.
The other half:
The weather was very fine in the morning, when the Rangers set out to fly, cross and paddle against the non negotiating strength of the river. One half of the group was geared up to conquer their fear of heights by attempting the Flying Fox. Their flight would require them to scale up a tree, soar over the river and land on the opposite bank. They then had to challenge the strong current of the river with just the help of a rope to get back to base.
Rangers then gathered at the river bank to start off with the water confidence course, which enabled them to be one with water and to harness its power for their benefit. They then proceeded to white water raft, rafting their way in between the rocks and amongst the current. By evening, they went back to their campus to wash up and prepare themselves to depart to their next destination..... their next challenge..... Their Cycling Expedition!
.jpg)
.jpg)
The Oracle speaks
Having survived the hunger pangs through the long journey, the students finally reached the first stop at Yong Peng where they had their breakfast and toilet break.After at least 12 hours of sleeping on the bus, they finally reached their destination where they would set up their tents for the night. I was really excited as this is my first time to Pahang.
I was paired up with Sara and the first group we were checking was the Rangers at Pasir Sia. By the time we reached the jetty, it was already pitch dark. We were supposed to get across the river in this small local village boat where the campsite was. We waited for a while for the boatman to arrive and we were flashing our torch lights to communicate with our teachers across the river. While waiting in pitch darkness and listening to the music made by the insects, I was starting to wonder if there were crocodiles in the water. We finally boarded the boat and made our way across the river. The entire area was full of students, not just Temasekians but also students from 2 other schools. Our students had already set up their tents and all of them had gathered in their groups sitting on the sandy shore. Some groups were cheering while the rest were simply chit-chatting with their friends and teachers. Most of the students looked fine and comfortable though many expressed that they are exhausted from the long bus journey. Not long after, it started to drizzle and lightning could be sighted. I started to get a little worried as I looked out for trees that might have caused possible danger. After seeing that the tents were far away from the trees, we were assured that the students would be safe. As we getting ready to leave for the second destination of the night, the students were returning to their tents getting ready for a good night’s rest.
After about half on hour of car ride, we reached Kota Gelangi where the Explorers are camping. Wow, the cave was magnificient! The students' tents were all inside the cave, protected, and safe from the rain and strong wind.No worries from falling trees finally! Going back to the hostel, not hotel like what Anthony had promised.. tired.. but looking forward to tomorrow's programme. :) Nite!
I was paired up with Sara and the first group we were checking was the Rangers at Pasir Sia. By the time we reached the jetty, it was already pitch dark. We were supposed to get across the river in this small local village boat where the campsite was. We waited for a while for the boatman to arrive and we were flashing our torch lights to communicate with our teachers across the river. While waiting in pitch darkness and listening to the music made by the insects, I was starting to wonder if there were crocodiles in the water. We finally boarded the boat and made our way across the river. The entire area was full of students, not just Temasekians but also students from 2 other schools. Our students had already set up their tents and all of them had gathered in their groups sitting on the sandy shore. Some groups were cheering while the rest were simply chit-chatting with their friends and teachers. Most of the students looked fine and comfortable though many expressed that they are exhausted from the long bus journey. Not long after, it started to drizzle and lightning could be sighted. I started to get a little worried as I looked out for trees that might have caused possible danger. After seeing that the tents were far away from the trees, we were assured that the students would be safe. As we getting ready to leave for the second destination of the night, the students were returning to their tents getting ready for a good night’s rest.
After about half on hour of car ride, we reached Kota Gelangi where the Explorers are camping. Wow, the cave was magnificient! The students' tents were all inside the cave, protected, and safe from the rain and strong wind.No worries from falling trees finally! Going back to the hostel, not hotel like what Anthony had promised.. tired.. but looking forward to tomorrow's programme. :) Nite!
The road to Pahang is paved with ...
276 initiates set off for Pahang at 0745 to learn skills that would equip them for modern life. One of the first obstacles they had to overcome was the massive jams at both immigration checkpoints. Having cleared the bureaucratic hurdle, the intitiates transferred to Malaysian buses to continue with their quest.
2 pitstops and 1 bus breakdown later, the cohort arrived at their respective destinations safely after 12/13 hours on the road.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
The Society for Modern Living thanks you for coming
I will be everything I want to be. I will be strong. I will be determined. I will become resilience itself.
