We did it!

We did it, by the way. We made it to the peak of Mount Kinabalu dressed in our costumes and and raised a little bit over RM15k for the host country venturer programme.

I must say, if it wasn't for my guide, M, I would've probably turned back, especially when we were climbing the second half the next morning. I was tired and achy and people were overtaking me by the dozen. My team was in the front of everybody else, and that made me feel even more of a granny. I was going too slow for anyone in my team to be climbing with me, but I needed company (and someone to carry my bag) and M was perfect - he didn't say a word except for a couple of occasions to tell me to rest and take it one step at a time.

So to the top all of us got, and only 5 days of aching after the climb. Here are a couple of snapshots from the climb. Only three, but enough to prove we wore our costumes, we did it and that it was beautiful!

This is us at our dress rehearsal

Just below the peak.Beautiful weather on the way down but it was too cloudy for sunrise

 Me, resting halfway down the granite surface of the mountain. Awesome view. 

Well, that's all from me tonight. Hope you're having a wonderful Christmas. Happy holidays to the rest of you.

Yolanda's Guide to What to Pack for Mount Kinabalu

So we climb Mount Kinabalu in just 4 days' time!

Every one of the 10 of us have mixed feelings about the climb. We're excited, we're apprehensive. We can't wait to do it, we can't wait for it to be over. Hell, YEAH!, Oh no...

In preparation for the climb, I've put together a kit list for my colleagues and myself. Thought it would be useful for anyone else planning to climb the mountain in the future so I'll post it here as well.

So here it is, Yolanda's Guide to What to Pack for Mount Kinabalu

Attire

From Timpohon Gate to Laban Rata (6km)

1.  Good boots
2. Waterproof jacket
3. Shorts
4. T-shirt
5. Light jacket
6. Underwear
7. Socks

From Laban rata to Low’s Peak (2.5km)

1. Warm jacket – it’s most likely to rain on the mountain, which will make it colder. Temperatures can reach 5C or lower, some reports say they reach minus temperatures combined with wind chill. BRRR!
2. Beanie
3. Warm gloves
4. Longs

If you are worried about being cold, pack more wooly clothes, including a scarf.

Equipment

1. Camera and spare batteries/power cable
2. Personal first aid – to include paracetamol, altitude sickness pills, plasters, sunscreen, insect repellent
3. Head torch – We start the 2^nd part of the climb at 2am the next morning
4. Trek poles – they reduce muscle soreness and take pressure off your lower joints by 25%
5.  Wash bag
6. Water bottle and Puritabs – there are water stations along the way, supplying water from rainfall and waterfalls
7. Plastic bags for your rubbish
8. Drybag to pack your stuff in

Food

A snack pack consisting of chocolate bars, dried fruit and nuts.  

Bring some money. Meals are provided but who knows what else there is to buy. 

We've got most of our elf and santa outfits, thanks to Sabahan fashion stores in Centre Point. Who knew they'd have stripy sleeves and leggings in red and green!

I'm starting to get excited about the climb now! 

Wish us luck! (And donate!)