tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15738620958648847712024-02-08T02:26:03.806-08:00GeckoAdventureGeckoAdventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272279169206296529noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573862095864884771.post-30917325889290654872014-06-04T15:53:00.000-07:002014-06-04T15:58:07.073-07:002014 March Charity trip to Kg REkom, Pos SImpo and KajangCharity 4x4 trip I put a trip date up on the what’s app group and then our little webpage.<br /><br />6 volunteered and I donated 2 vehicles to the trip.<br /><br />We had a list of goodies needed from one of the villages; I extrapolated it out to include 3 more in the same area.<br /><br />The donations well one guy has a charity group under his wing and donations and pledges came.<br /><br />Someone turned up at my house dropped 50 blankets off - don't tell my wife ever he told my wife.<br /><br />"Tapah" has Blue and a quick check of its WINCH reveals it’s seized solid damn it was working the previous weekend. No time to put the spare in either We go without it RED will have to recover it.<br /><br />We had so many goods we had our Thursday TT (Teh Tarik - or Thursday coffee meeting) in Alan’s factory to load up the goods. I drove up in RED already loaded up with 400kg of RICE and 50Kg of oil. We unloaded 100kg and loaded up maggi mee instead.<br /><br />The vehicles and the people a mix of people from all over the world we call ourselves UN 4x4 team<br />Landcruiser II 13B-T Powered - "RED" - Me (Junglebunny) and Murali From Saturday onwards<br />Landcruiser II 1KZ Auto - "Blue" - Mine I give to “Tapah” and Brian<br />Pajero - "no Name" - Ah Ho and Aw Wah<br />Volvo C303 - "Kewruck" - Annuar and son Adam<br />Hilux Surf 1KZ - "Daffy" - Paul and Peter<br />Hilux Surf 1KZ - "Submarine" - Azhar (AXE), Thanah and Nurani<br />Hilux Vigo - "CurryLux" - Alan and Adail<br />Hilux Vigo - "Robocop" - Paul<br /><br />Red sits easy with 450kg of gear in it. Blue when I had the same in it was really struggling handling wise.<br /><br />8 Vehicles 16 people and 5,050kg of kit are swallowed up into the vehicles then we go to a late TT.<br /><br />Friday I have off work I have things to do, Last minute shopping (collect 4 chickens for the BBQ) I load up another 40kg of rice and 40kg of salt and overload RED (she will take it she has done it before) I just had to make the total 5000kg, Fit the swing aways back to RED after the previous weeks COMP, Collect new Satellite phone sim card and suddenly its 4PM and I'm ready to go but Annuar is not so I wait at the RV point for him for 3 hours eating and relaxing.<br /><br />We are in 3 groups Blue and the Volvo for the long slow drive<br /><br />Red with ““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““Tapah”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””” and The Submarine 10pm departing<br /><br />4.30am the rest chasing us for a 9.00am RV at breakfast<br /><br />Finally 7.00pm Annuar turns up and we eat and depart 8pm within minutes it pours for the next 5 hours and I have my 84 favourite song pouring out of the USB drive and then U2 just to break the rain. A pit stop after 2 hours is required to rest the ears and poor Annuar from the Volvo's noise.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_28_Rekom_DSCF7396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_28_Rekom_DSCF7396.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />We lose 20 minutes at a police roadblock they just wave the 2 heavily loaded 4x4's through.<br /><br />1am the rain has finally stopped and we cruise into Gua Musang 269k from Kuala Lumpur refuel (I take 45 litres) and I load up 25 litres of petrol for the charity. The Volvo sucks in a mighty 80+ litres. Annuar has found leaks in the Volvo he didn't know were there they are both kind of wet.<br /><br />We decide too late to go further and sleep in the cave so well its dry here lets camp right below the petrol station.<br /><br />Simple I roll out the net and the sleeping bag in the concrete I'm asleep in seconds.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_28_Rekom_DSCF7399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_28_Rekom_DSCF7399.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />I awake 7am still tired. There is the submarine and RED (now I can swap vehicles and drive RED) all sleeping in chairs and camp beds<br /><br />The MISSION - Deliver 4,000kg of goods to 4 villages - 3 relatively easy and the 4th well it’s the most remote village in West Malaysia 52k into the jungle and 990 meters up and one stretch of 1k is pure terror in the rain - It's XT only country and a winch useless but necessary. After all that we are visiting a waterfall and the wreck of KN630.<br /><br />Breakfast time and soon we hear voices on the radio they appear to be at the top of the hill some 8k from Gua Musang.<br /><br />Then checking the chickens to swap them to the freezer 2 have gone off oh crap - find 4 more at a shop (frozen) and stop an ICE truck for ICE.<br />9:15am we are all lined up at the new Gua Musang 7-11 and we are off.<br /><br />What a pretty place for the Gua Musang hospital<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_28_Rekom_DSCF7401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_28_Rekom_DSCF7401.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />Daffy loaded up<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_28_Rekom_DSCF7403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_28_Rekom_DSCF7403.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />RED with 400+kg loaded up<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_28_Rekom_DSCF7404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_28_Rekom_DSCF7404.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />At the tire air down point I notice this - oh CRAP.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_28_Rekom_DSCF7405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_28_Rekom_DSCF7405.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />Then we carry on but only get about 10k when a "I'VE LOST MY STEERING" cry over the radio stops the convoy. Submarine has snapped the end of the steering arm off (lack of greasing sigh). Ah Ho and Ah Wah have it off in minutes all the kit for the 1st two villages and we will meet the Stricken Submarine and Pajero at Pos Simpo. That’s the charity convoy rules break and you are left.<br /><br />It's dusty no sign of rain nothing we have to put the Volvo at the front it has no air conditioning and leaks like a sieve. Kampong To hoi and onto the Sg Galas bridge and into Low and the long climb to 450 meters starts.<br /><br />Lorri Hantu (Ghost truck) is the cry - instantly we have to find a safe place to park up<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7411.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />Soon we pass the two developments this is the second one it’s so big it shows on Google earth - sigh<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7415.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />The trip is uneventful apart from the cries of LORRY HANTU and we reach the "Y" intersection and the sign on the hill points to something ominous from 7 villages. Basically if you have come to rob our ancestral lands DON'T enter. We enter the road immediately deteriorates - love it, it means no more logging trucks.<br /><br />Arrive at the lookout (500 meters up) and a new phone tower is present but not functioning yet.<br /><br />3k to the first Kampong Kg Dandut we can see it in the distance on top of the next hill. We descend into the dusty valley and climb and climb the rutty and rough dry track going is now slower than previous trips the track is rough.<br /><br />Dandut appears 1.40pm 3 hours behind already and the convoy rolls in we offload the gear according to the sheet I have. I promise to go back and deliver 10 blankets as we discover Blue is so overfull we cannot reach.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7418.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7419.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7420.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />Then suddenly someone comes out with these hats and puts them on us then we know they appreciate the goods we just delivered.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7421.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />This village Dandut is 50 kids and less than 20 adults.<br /><br />We cruise on Kg Rekom is next we are going to bypass Pos Simpo and return there as we are already 2 hours behind schedule with 15k to go to Kg Rekom. 5k to get to Pos Simpo and then the dreaded 10k into unknown to Kg Rekom.<br /><br />The dusty landslide zone is clear<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7422.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />The landslide with 1.5k to Simpo is not easy but driveable if wet this will be a nightmare.<br /><br />10k to go and we start the relentless slow climb to Rekom (1200 meters then down to 990m). I follow the Volvo. The split rock obstacle is for the first time in years a right side.<br /><br />For everyone this trail has 5 major obstacles apart from the track itself. Which are nicknamed?<br /><br />False SS<br />SS0<br />Then the terrible trio of<br />SS1<br />SS2<br />SS3<br /><br />One has to remember here this isn’t COMP there is no JCB to rescue you here if you screw up everyone is concentrating on not making mistakes, a mistake can be a very bad day here and its over 1,000 meters up here rescue is from your friends only.<br /><br />False SS is conquered and then SS0<br /><br />Top of SS0<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7425.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />SS1 I have the camera running and up we go I get past the worst bit and the little 2 meter steep incline RED suddenly wheel spins I look down outside only 2WD - CRAP its lost 4WD we slide back and then sit digging a hole. I stomp foot on brake to stall. Then the foot goes to the floor and we slide backwards eventually we stop after hitting a rock and the bank moments of oh CRAP oh shit. The truck rocks and rocks on 3 wheels I know we are in the shit it's at the point of tipping over. Murali wants to get out to take pictures - I say 3 words FREEZE FREEZE FREEZE he sits still. I move my head the truck rocks - CRAP!<br /><br />Reach under the passenger seat to grab the strap and shackle - GONE! Longer wait for rescue.<br /><br />We wait as others clear their trucks and leave them secure to assist us. 2 of them hold RED from tipping the seriousness of the situation now understood.<br /><br />My view after we are stuck<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7431.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />The helpers<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7432.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7434.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7435.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />Winching to safety finally<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7438.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><br />After forever a strap is attached to the only visible tree and RED is carefully started to get the god winch connected. It pulls and down comes the front and up we come 2 more times they adjust the strap and we winch ourselves up to safety my worst ever 4x4 incident over.<br /><br />SS2 and SS3 is conquered my poor first time photographer passenger horrified at what we have just passed.<br /><br />One steeper climb and we meet the OA kids from Kg Rekom on the scooters our escort.<br /><br />Then it rains and Annuar looses power and the Volvo dies on a 5 meter incline I try to get past to winch him up RED bangs into the Volvo then he bangs into me reversing then it starts and he can get going and is off again.<br /><br />Now its slippery 1,200 meters comes up and we cross the log saddle then 1115 meters 2 hills to go to Rekom. RED starts the descent and slides - I decide no more for RED we get winched backwards and park it and BLUE up the MT's will go no further getting back the 9k to Pos Simpo will be a nightmare. On the radio we find out the Submarine is fixed and they are both at Pos Simpo.<br /><br />The kit from RED and Blue is unloaded into the remaining 4 cars Volvo, Hilux, Hilux and Surf. They slide off downhill and disappear meantime we wait with our OA escorts and share a cake with them and I give them the 25 litres of petrol I forgot to pass to the Hilux's and the 6 chainsaw files. It rains again the OA guys are shaking with cold still they stay. Eventually the radio cackles to life they have finished delivering and on way back. We video the climb back up the hill. 2 hours to sunset and we have 10 terrible kilometres downhill to get to Pos Simpo.<br /><br />Heading off for the final 1k to Rekom<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7441.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />RED all lonely that it cannot go.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7443.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />Crikey it takes forever to get down RED has to be driven quietly and carefully especially with only 2wd left.<br /><br />Blue at the top of SS3 on the descent<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7450.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />RED descending SS3<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7452.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />RED and Volvo and Blue at bottom of SS3<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7455.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7456.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />SS1 looks like this - yup scary<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7458.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />SS3/2/1 all done easily with no sliding. SS0 however right on dark is a different story RED slides towards the ditch and is winched back while I steer it round on the slippery track. It’s safe then we winch down BLUE until the hilux winch overheats and I am asked to drive it the rest ““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““Tapah”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””” not confident to drive it. The hilux's creep down and its pitch black when we finish SS0. 5K to go to Pos Simpo incident free we pull into Pos Simpo 700 meters up at 8.15pm and we are all staying in the Community hut. Dinner is provided by Alan Curry and rice.<br /><br />It pours just after I hit the sack and the noise of the rain wakes everyone from their slumber.<br /><br />Sunday<br /><br />Morning is nice and clear I run off taking a few pictures and treat myself to muesli for breakfast and hot Milo and share a few cups with the local OA.<br /><br />Dawn at Pos Simpo<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7466.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7467.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7468.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />No water tank<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7469.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />The village above the clouds<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7470.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7471.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““Tapah”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””” freezing outside our accommodation room<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7473.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />Breakfast<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7475.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7476.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7477.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7478.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7479.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />The elusive kids for grabbing a picture.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7480.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7481.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />I investigate the 4WD loss and soon find it. Damn RATS RATS RATS. The Air locker runs at 50PSI as well as the PTO free spool. The 4WD select ingeniously connected to the air supply but it only uses 20psi as used to be vacuum. The hoses too small for clamps has blown off. I reconnect and it appears 4x4 is back.<br /><br />9.30 we are ready and we drive down to the chief’s hut. He is not well 90+ years and 2 strokes have taken a toll on this man who a few years ago used to walk the pants off me. Still it’s a great meeting and we unload 300kg of rice and more goodies mainly from the Pajero to allow it to have more power.<br /><br />The goodies delivered<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7482.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7483.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />The chief Pak Abo and Azhar have a chat<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7484.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7485.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />Pics and then it’s time to head off its 11am and the track has now dried out a little no time for a big coffee session. We have 60k to drive to the next village and were meant to be there last night.<br /><br />We get 1.5k from Pos Simpo and the Volvo pops over the descent to the landslide then it stops before it ROLLS. It also looses power and cannot start. RED pulls it backwards assisted by DAFFY 1 hour is lost while Ah Ho and Ah Wah work on its twin carburettors. Meantime we prepare the track and a guy appears - he is the school bus driver to pick up the Pos Simpo KIDS to take them to school at Kg To hoi. He waits while we fix the track last night’s rain has torn the track apart. Then he ascends on a stock Hilux.<br /><br />Gotta bury my Volvo how deep you say I gotta dig?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7488.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />Broken down<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_29_Rekom_DSCF7489.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />Eventually the quiet rumble of the Volvo is heard and its elected RED go first to allow Volvo to have a winching point if it gets stuck again.<br /><br />RED take the straight line and is safe. The Volvo falls into the RUT and with a struggle difflocks itself out. All the others now have to follow the wrecked line from the Volvo.<br /><br />Incident free we complete the 5k to Kg Dandut and deliver the 10 blankets then we find out they have 50 kids - I feel awful handing over 10 blankets but they are grateful for our caring. WE have a discussion on where government supplied water tanks have gone. No water supply they have moved them down 400meters to collect water and hand carry the water up daily.<br /><br />The Pos Simpo kids on their way to school<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7493.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />My new hat<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7495.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7498.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7499.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />We are then off again and the Y intersection is finally reached 2 hours drive to go.<br /><br />The road is dusty and ok to drive we follow the Volvo.<br /><br />Lorri Hantu's are the biggest concern no problem today. They are parked up leaning on each other.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7501.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />Rats then we meet one<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7502.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />Kg Kajang finally reached 2:30pm and we unload the goodies where did the extra come from we have an extra 90kg of rice and 2 extra boxes of sardines and a whole lot more. The villages are grateful and happy to see so much stuff delivered.<br /><br />Kajang<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7503.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7504.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7505.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />The goods delivered<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7506.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7507.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7509.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />Signing the village guest book<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7510.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7512.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><br />All trucks are emptied and our charity work is over or is it we have to come back and do more work.<br /><br />Finally time to move on and we turn off to the Waterfall 3.8k to go from the turnoff to the waterfall and possibly the steepest track in West Malaysia.<br /><br />Only one tree down to cut and we arrive safely at camp 3.45pm and BBQ and fire is prepared 6 chickens are out and prepared, Chicken curry for 3 and one soy sauced and these are wrapped in foil. 2 are cut open (Gerber machete) and rubbed in Curry paste and salt ready to be dropped onto a grill on hot coals.<br /><br />A gorilla with an axe.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7517.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />Veggies are prepared by Nurlina. Our camp and kitchen and the starter fire.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7524.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />All the chickens turn out delicious they just take a little longer than expected.<br /><br />The chicken cooked in coals<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7529.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />Chicken cooking on the right.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7530.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />Cooked<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7532.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />The fire is huge Robocop chops up a rotten tree with the chainsaw and it's slowly feed to a hungry fire and at 670 meters up we need the fire during the evening.<br /><br />Monday<br /><br />Home day. Breakfast is prepared 8.00am and we are all ready to rock 3 vehicles are leaving 10.00am. The other 5 and 11 of us are going to a walk.<br /><br />9.30am they are all assembled. We hike I lead whacking the trail clear and clearing the leaves from the almost vertical 150 meter climb then it's a nice almost flat walk along the now dry jungle. Nearing the plane I advise walk on the edges. Alan fails to and is rewarded with sinking over the ankles in mud. No rescue for him the camera is rolling. Turn around and there is KN630 (C47 from 25 August 1950) lying on the river bank.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7548.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7549.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7553.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />KN630's final resting place<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7556.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7560.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7561.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7562.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7563.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7564.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7565.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7566.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7568.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />Spa's<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7569.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7570.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7572.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7573.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7574.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7575.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7576.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7577.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7578.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />Yup 847 meters up<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7580.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7581.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />We spend over an hour here relaxing and enjoying the cool water and the peacefulness of the smashed up plane. Time to descend no one wants to go.<br /><br />Back downhill by 12.15pm and its time to pull the cold watermelon and papaya out of the icebox and this is our lunch. Then pack up camp and a swim in the freezing waterfall (19c) and its time for the 8+ hour haul home. Once again no one wants to leave. On the way back we drop into kg Kajang and drop of 3 cooked chickens for them to consume.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2014_03_30_Rekom_DSCF7535.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br />We get to Kg To hoi incident free and then the guys decide to drop of the remaining sweets to the kids, bad move the kids make mincemeat of them they are old hands at this game.<br /><br />Cruise on and pull of the road quickly for a LORRI HANTU Anuar points me at the bank I drop in and almost roll RED again - a long and embarrassing recovery ensues sigh!<br /><br />Within 100 meters of where the Submarine broke down ““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““Tapah”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””” cries out I got no BRAKES in BLUE. Investigate and it's easy the LEFT rear piston has popped out the DISC is about 4mm too narrow something has worn it out. We crimp the line top up the fluid and bleed the brakes.<br /><br />Finally dinner at Gua Musang after refuel and air up. Volvo takes a massive 140 litres - RED sniffs in 45 litres for the 250k round trip.3 days later the restaurant we have dinner at burns down (explodes) as fuel from the petrol tanker filling the petrol station overflows into the restaurant seriously injuring 11 people.<br /><br />Home time I follow Blue and we stop halfway home for a much needed coffee break as it pours the whole way home. Home 3.30am sleep 4.30+ up 7.00am work 9.00am DEAD tired.<br /><br />However we are looking at changing our charity work to more sustainable living we will sort it out before the next trip.<br /><br />The totals of goodies delivered:<br />Rice 1120kg<br />cooking oil 237kg<br />Garlic 41kg<br />Onions 50kg<br />Anchovies 15kg<br />Sardines 4 box's<br />Mee Hoon noodles 30 bundles<br />Maggi mee noodles 3 box's<br />Sugar 310kg<br />Marigold Condensed milk 5 24 can box's<br />Tea 56kg<br />Salt 70kg<br />Washing powder 5 box's<br />Parangs 20<br />Sharpening stones 6<br />Chainsaw files 6<br />Seeds<br />Blankets 50<br />Sweets - unknown<br />biscuits 24 tins<br /><br />Clothes 2 big box's<br /><br />Next trip being planned.<br /><br /><br />[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=/[youtube][/youtube]<br />http://youtu.be/19-b7my0A-s<br />[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=/[/youtube][/youtube]<br />Since they whack videos try this and paste to a new url." http ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19-b7my0A-s " and remove the spaces and "<br />
<br />GeckoAdventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272279169206296529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573862095864884771.post-73454295006810045282013-01-19T03:54:00.003-08:002013-01-19T03:57:09.291-08:00Lata Bereumbun 2013 Jan 9I love GOD winches 600 meters of winching no breaks.<br />
<br />
A simple trip pickup 4 customers from Kuala Lumpur Hotel and a nice drive to Lata Berembun (Berembun waterfall) 2.5 hours away from Kuala Lumpur and 10k offroad all uphill. I was told be wary as there was the usual NEW YEARS EVE party up there and they ran a COMP on day 2 (6 trucks). One of the participants told me we winched downhill it's muddy was all he said and laughed.<br />
<br />
I took my god winched 13B-T powered LC II and the 35" MAXXIS Mud terrain tires since ive stopped using SIMEX XT's. Last 3 trips here I have not winched RED at all only the open DIFFED blue LC II handbag needs to winch on this track.
The track is 10k bottom to top (uphill all the way)<br />
<br />
The first sign of trouble was when the usual rough Y junction turnoff and it as was smooth after that I could see the RUTS damn some serious traffic ( I find out later 40+ 4x4's and 30-50 motorbikes and 6 comp trucks) on it.<br />
<br />
Then the bamboo grove tunnel climb it was GONE replaced by DEEP ruts deep into a trench. The 35" sneakers make it 1/2 way and then I bottom out. The GOD winch comes out only after I climb out the window I cannot open the door. TRees none one already pulled out and a STEEL anchor stake further up hello it's obviously got really bad. I winch out of the first obstacle then the second the strap pulls off the Steel stake and I have to select a tree much further up.
RED finishes the rest of the 100 meter climb under its own power.
The rest of the climb is uneventful the river crossing is easy and low The mudhole before the river is just deep. The BIG RED climbs out of the river easy for the MAXXIS MT tires.<br />
<br />
Then the big shock the last 600 meters the first 80 meters its just torn up This is where the comp boys turned around on the SS. Yes they used the track as one SS 600 meters down and back up :( .
The uphill mud still to go
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2013-01-09_12.43.48-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2013-01-09_12.43.48-web.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
The view back down and way behind RED
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2013-01-09_12.43.43-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2013-01-09_12.43.43-web.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
FYI from the pic to the top roughly 150 meters or 3 winches took me another 40 minutes of slogging my way through the mud and then 5 more mins or less I was at the waterfall 400 meters away.
I bottom out. Out with the winch and pull a tree over - damn out with the axe as its lying over the track.
Next tree and RED effortlessly pulls itself up and keeps winching. Round the corner I half expected it a war zone a SEA of CLAY I get barely 50 meters and bottom out. 500 meters left I look at my watch 11.00am already 1.5 hours gone 9.5k travelled. I step one step at a time through the MUD pulling a strap and 60 meters of 11mm STEEL cable , back into the truck winch 50-60 meters and do it all again - it's exhausting I repeat this over and over 12 times according to the customers.<br />
<br />
I'm due to meet the wife in the gym tonite 8pm haha I'm doing a gym workout junglegym style. One winch left I manage to get RED to drive 30 meters until it cannot climb over a tree root there is just no grip for the MAXXIS tires.
Winch again. Wow we crest the rise waterfall is 300 meters away and 2 more hours have passed by. Then I see the other SS's wow another war zone.<br />
<br />
I have consumed 1.5 liters of drink in the past 45 minutes the mud has just sapped me my arms ache from hauling the heavy steel cable and jerking it out when it pinches up. Jammed winch cable everything I have dealt with - however RED to me was simply awesome it just did what I expected effortlessly. People say give me AT's and a Winch and you can go anywhere - I say give me RED and it's god winch and I can take it anywhere. That modified 13B-T engine just provides so much effortless torque it barely raised a sweat the entire mud trail.<br />
<br />
Its 1.35pm (wow normally its 1 hour run its taken 4 physical hours I feel it) and I pull out the lunch stuff. I take off my shirt its filthy and no spare have a wash and prepare lunch. The girls tell me to sit down and relax they will cook lunch. We get out the cold drinks from the fridge and celebrate Their first jungle trip in a 4x4 they loving it.
Then they try and guess my age.
Finally its 4.00pm lunch is over the cold GRAPES eaten and the hot pasta lunch and the cold drinks consumed the roar of the waterfall has massaged our ears and the howl of the monkeys and birds in the background is going to become a memory and the truck is quickly packed.<br />
<br />
Time for home. 1 hour and we have slid our way down to the bottom winching once. We cleaned out RED's wheels they were completely covered in thick MUD.<br />
<br />
I realise the brakes are GONE coming down.<br />
<br />
In Bentong 20k away we find a truck wash and I pay $30rm to have it cleaned then continue the last 80k home no brakes only gears.
RED pulls over the 750 meter Genting Highlands climb at 100kph turbo singing hard.
Kuala Lumpur is 8.30pm after crawling our way through rush hour traffic and not using the brakes.<br />
<br />
Dinner with my wife after she yells SHOWER I crawl into bed 11pm exhausted.
4 Sets of PADS and 2 rear DISCS needed to be replaced next morning.
More pics and video later when I get it from the customers.
The customers - they coming back another ladies trip this time 2-3 days.<br />
<br />
The customers or are they my new cooking crew.
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20130109_Lata_Berembun_IMG_0641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20130109_Lata_Berembun_IMG_0641.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
The customers and their chauffer.
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20130109_Lata_Berembun_IMG_0641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20130109_Lata_Berembun_IMG_0641.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
My new cooks and the lunch they cooked up.
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20130109_Lata_Berembun_IMG_0642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20130109_Lata_Berembun_IMG_0642.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
The jungle towers above us
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20130109_Lata_Berembun_IMG_0644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20130109_Lata_Berembun_IMG_0644.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
All I could see of the waterfall I as just too busy to walk to it.
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20130109_Lata_Berembun_IMG_0645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20130109_Lata_Berembun_IMG_0645.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
The pretty river flowing from the waterfall
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20130109_Lata_Berembun_IMG_0646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20130109_Lata_Berembun_IMG_0646.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
The start of the return journey mud slide.
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20130109_Lata_Berembun_IMG_0647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20130109_Lata_Berembun_IMG_0647.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />GeckoAdventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272279169206296529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573862095864884771.post-44833266017482674652012-07-17T18:04:00.000-07:002012-07-17T18:05:02.635-07:00Pokok Cengal Besar (june 2012)An easy tread lightly 4x4 trip cruise over from Kuala Lumpur to visit the Pokok Cengal Besar (TREE Chengal BIG) in Terengganu and back in a weekend. Guided by a foreigner running a 4x4 trip for ACKL on a simple easy track so what could go wrong. Oh yeah toss in an extra challenge no XT's it's tread lightly and I'm taking the stock LC II Auto Diesel.
Saturday
I'm late after reading a last minute FaceBook warning message I have to toss in chains and nails (bridge building kit) so 7.45am arrive at the meeting point at GOMBAK.
At the meeting point the briefing - quick and lets go.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0090.jpg" /></a></div><br>
Wow 6 trucks all Toyota's
2 Hilux's - Paul and Alan in one and the ACKL president his 1KZ powered SR5 and on SIMEX XT's sneakers (wait a minute CHEAT!) along with passengers Elaine and Alan.
3 LandCruiser II's - 2 1KZ Autos (one driven by the foreigner) the other by Sam and Simon Sim and big brother Stiven Sim (both from 4x4 Shoppe) in his 2.7 Prado LC II and Richard.
1 100 Series Driven by Zul and his ex commando driver.
I take one look at the 100 (I immediately knickname it puteh gajah "WHITE ELEPHANT") and crikey it's BIG almost as big as my Volvo - I calculate in my head how many LC II's are required to hold it winching - Minimum TWO.
The flock of followers well for one it's his first time out in the 100 after a 4x4 education weekend. The Adventure Club Kuala Lumpur (ACKL) president decides to cruise along for the trip and also another pair of novices (Alan and Paul) in the other hilux.
All other trucks are on 31/33" AT's or MT's - My job (the orang putai) is to lead the convoy in and out safely. Putting Stiven as tail end charlie and the rest of the herd in between we cruise off.
3 hours later after 50 Johnny Cash songs on my stereo we skip the turnoff to the tree and refuel about 5k past the turnoff and it's now lunchtime 11.45pm a quick lunch and a chat and it's time for the trail. Since I have never seen a puteh gajah in the jungle this will be an experience. 1.00pm at the trailhead easy stuff until the stock HILUX stalls before the entrance to the park and flat battery cannot start. Never mind we will nurse it into the jungle and back out.
The grand entrace to the Cengal BEsar Track
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0100.jpg" /></a></div><br>
The first obstacle
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0170.jpg" /></a></div><br>
The tail end charlie wondering where that pesky lead handbag LC II has gone.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0220.jpg" /></a></div><br>
The first obstacle is the 2008 RFC one which took them 12+ hours to get past and some surrendered. Took my Blue open diffed handbag LC II up the deeply rutted track, the 1KZ purring and the auto making it a breeze in about 1 minute then the fun started - the beginners in the HILUX follow the same line easy. The other LandCruiser II AUto gets stuck at the bottom and is recovered to try again then the SIMEX HILUX it does its best jumping everywhere like a kangaroo and eventually makes the top. I seriously thought it was going to tip over several times. Then the HUGE and I mean its huge for our conditions the puteh gajah makes it slowly to the top with some guidence from experienced heads. Did I mention first trip for him cool he might actually make it.
The second obstacle a small muddy climb takes us forever as my little LC II makes it easy then the HILUX gets stuck and is towed to safety. Then the puteh gajah gets stuck and is recovered by my now busy handbag LC II. The Simex sneakered Hilux tears the track up and then the auto LC II is also recovered.
Trouble for the other Auto LC II at the first obstacle - rescued by 100 series
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0220.jpg" /></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0229.jpg" /></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0234.jpg" /></a></div><br>
The Puteh Gajah (white elephant) starts the same obstacle
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0242.jpg" /></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0245.jpg" /></a></div><br>
The 3rd obstacle where are the 4x4's?
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0250.jpg" /></a></div><br>
Ah the reason the HILUX is stuck FAST.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0255.jpg" /></a></div><br>
After winching up the LC II Auto BLOWS its 80 AMP fuse.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0260.jpg" /></a></div><br>
Obstacle after obstacle is encountered - log bridges then a long rutted downhill. 3 trucks make it easy as we walking up to looksee the rest we get told the HILUX has flipped (chinese they say ching chong). Rushing up yup the HILUX is lying on its side the ACKL president has been kind enough to give the newbies a live demonstration of wrong driving line followed by jungle recovery techniques. Unhurt they are all extracted from the Hilux and tailend Stiven in the LC II has the rescue well under way. Some quick winching and shovel work and the Hilux stays level until it's pulled backwards and can be started. It STARTS no issue and the journey continues.
Richard rushing to get more pics after catching it rolling over on video
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0300.jpg" /></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0310.jpg" /></a></div><br>
Sneakers back on terra firma
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0350.jpg" /></a></div><br>
I wonder if my HILUX can make it with no battery these guys are really nice to us
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0450.jpg" /></a></div><br>
The log bridge over the river is now washed out so it's a real creek crossing in deep rocky water. Bangs and crashes punctuate the air as metal and big hidden rocks and muddy water do battle with the trucks. The trucks win.
The white elephant on a dirt covered log bridge
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0500.jpg" /></a></div><br>
3.45pm arrive at the banks of Sungai Loh, a 1 hour drive has taken us almost 3 we decide tree tomorrow and it's now setup camp and happy hour and a wash in the warm clear water of Sungai Loh.
It's a long evening and capped off late into the nite with the Sim brothers treating us to whole BBQ salted chickens cooked on the hot coals. This one goes in the jungle cook book.
Camp (3 case of beer 3 bottles of whisky 8 bottles of wine and 1 bottle of brandy for 10 people).
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_0930.jpg" /></a></div><br>
Some mothers do have them
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_1000.jpg" /></a></div><br>
mmmmmmmmm bbq chicken
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_1100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_06_30_CengalBesar_1100.jpg" /></a></div><br>
Sunday
Morning comes breakfast and break camp from possibly Malaysia's nicest river campspot and 10.00am we are lined up ready to roll and cross Sungai Loh.
Sungai Loh
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_0080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_0080.jpg" /></a></div><br>
Incident free crossing. Soon a log bridge creaks under the weight of the handbag LC II I decide rebuild as the puteh gajah will just SMASH through it. Out with the AXE and some chains and nails and it's rebuilt.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_0110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_0110.jpg" /></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_0150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_0150.jpg" /></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_0165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_0165.jpg" /></a></div><br>
Axing the tree outta the way to allow the girraffe height tail end to pass.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_0172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_0172.jpg" /></a></div><br>
Bridge Building - notice all the supervisors
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_0178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_0178.jpg" /></a></div><br>
500 meters later the track ends for the day. This one will take hours to repair we decide with the experience (lack of) and the time needed it's now park and walk. 5k to the tree approx. It's stinking hot. No one has driven this track for MONTHS.
The obstacle which made us walk.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_0195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_0195.jpg" /></a></div><br>
We cross the mudhole, Tapir, Gajah, deer, tracks indicate an abundance of wildlife.
We walk on then at a river crossing eveyone is woken up - Pussy cat and kitten tracks however no smell but they are FRESH.
Artistic picture of mushrooms
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_0200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_0200.jpg" /></a></div><br>
Oh wow the tree carpark is reached after an hour of hiking. From the carpark it's 850 meters to the tree. We loose our way at one point due to the huge amount of overgrowth. Then it's the tree. Yup its still BIG and OLD (1333 years) and impressive. A long rest break then it's time to hike back. 70 minutes later we all back at the 4x4's and the grey clouds above turn to a huge down POUR as I shut my door, the track turning to slush in minutes. We cross Sungai Loh as the water rises and head straight out thunder and rain filling the air my stereo drowned out. 500 meters from camp and it's the first obstacle. I slip and slide down a muddy slope followed by the HILUX. Then they deicde to wait with the puteh gajah till the rain stops and it gets a PUNCTURE (mud in the side walls) after recovering the LCII (two winch recovery) which had slipped into the ditch which I had deftly avoided. The PUNCTURE is changed in the pouring rain.
Some walked around the mud
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_0200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_0200.jpg" /></a></div><br>
Others fell in it
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_0210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_0210.jpg" /></a></div><br>
Everyone exhausted trying to keep up with the old trip leader
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_0220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_0220.jpg" /></a></div><br>
The pussy cat prints found here
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_0231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_0231.jpg" /></a></div><br>
Man he does not stop walking
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_0234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_0234.jpg" /></a></div><br>
At Cengal Besar the walkers relax for a few minutes
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_0400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_0400.jpg" /></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_0410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_0410.jpg" /></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_0430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_0430.jpg" /></a></div><br>
Once the rain stops it's easier - we almost loose the 100 at log bridge when the front grabs and it slips sideways - waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah so close to a LONG recovery.
Every uphill and downhill we come to is an obstacle still with much slipping and sliding at one long downhill the HILUX ends up at a precarious angle until its guided quietly to saftey. Then it's the rocky river crossing a little more fun now the puteh gajah makes a lot of metal on rocks noises - the SIMEX Hilux makes mincemeat of everything in it's way. Then on the climb to the RFC obstacle the lead vehicle makes it the Hilux is next - no go it STALLS and is winched backwards till it can be key started. Eventually it has to be rescued by the handbag LC II and is dragged up the hill engine screaming wheels spinning my newly rebuilt 8274 getting a real workout. Next is the LC II auto it also is dragged up by the Handbags 8274 to saftey. Then the puteh gajah it's nose appears around the corner in time for us to HEAR the sound of BREAKING metal and see the front wheels stop spinning. Front PROP shaft is broken (the creek crossing noise). DAMN out with the WARN 9500 from the gajah and it's a two line pull the little handbags winch outpulls the new Warn XD9500i easily. The other LC II hangs onto the HANDBAG to stop it sliding down into gajah. Safe! The SIMEX Hilux eats the obstacle (and then becomes the tow truck) as does the last LC II piloted by Stiven Sim.
The RFC2008 obstacle rescuing the LC II auto
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_3000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_3000.jpg" /></a></div><br>
One more obstacle the RFC 2008 famous one down here the little LCII plods its way down to safety and to guide the rest - everything goes to plan until puteh gajah gets stuck 1/3 the way down and the SIMEX Hilux reverses the hill easier than he drove it yesterday hooks up the stranded gajah and tows it down slowly to saftey.
6 in and 6 out
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_3030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_07_01_CengalBesar_3030.jpg" /></a></div><br>
Wahhooo its 6.45pm almost 5 hours to get out time for lunch oh no!!! it's dinner time. First the 100 series broken PROP shaft is removed before it causes immense damage. The view on the prop shaft joint its too SMALL for the size of vehicle.
and that busted battery on the HILUX well we got them back to Kuala Lumpur and they never used their winch the whole weekend and it never started itself the whole journey.
Dinner in Cukai 8.30pm (40k detour) as the 100 series cannot go faster than 80k it's really sick. 12.45am arrive home in Kuala Lumpur exhausted and clothes still wet from the hike and the rainstorm - last seen the Mat Salleh was looking for his keys to his RED LC II monster he wants to go back and the newbies they asked when is the next trip. I promised them a scenic delight then.
and that little BLUE 1KZ AUTO HANDBAG Landcruiser II with the 33" AT tires it's just awesome.
Damage rollcall - Hilux one BATTERY, SIMEX Hilux mirros and window stuff and dented panel, 100 Series transfer case and PROP shaft and one flat, LC II one tail light lens, LC II Stiven - nothing, Handbag LC II - nothing.GeckoAdventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272279169206296529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573862095864884771.post-46890675761603812742012-05-27T05:50:00.000-07:002012-05-27T05:50:47.776-07:002012 04 28 - Kampong Rekom and C47It's 10.15pm Saturday night, 600 meters up and 60+k into the jungle and its pouring (300 meters from camp), we are stuck Yellow is halfway up a slippery muddy slope it claws it's way to the top mud fly's everywhere. Then we hook up RED and then 2 sick 4x4's toss DAFFY inbetween and the 2 remaining strong ones all strapped together and .. read on to find out why how and what happened.
Kampong Rekom trip been booked for months. Then I got really sick with LEPTOSPIROSIS and 6 weeks later I'm still in recovery. 7 trucks have volunteered and we have two adventurers from Australia joining us. They are tossed into the mighty Modified 13B-T powered RED theirs for 4 days - "ENJOY". I have been sick this is my first trip after 6 weeks of illness and just too phsically weak to pickup anything heavy or walk 500 meters. Thursday and Friday before the trip I finally start getting strong again.
Yellow (now everyone calls it the School Bus) I finished it the day before we go. The RFC 2011 damage repaired, new CV joint, smashed door repaired, pushed up floor (and holed by a tree) replaced, 8274 winch repaired (new cables). It's loaded with 450kg of rice, and then oil and camping kit and spare winch cables etc. Roughly 650kg of kit in the rear.
RED is finished well before (basically as it finished the RFC 2011), everything is checked and all fluids repaired and a new king pin fitted to left front wheel.
It's packed with roughly 2 cubic meters of clothes which we sorted through and is then ready for the ozzies to drive.
Friday starts badly the new Gecko Adventure caps are delivered LATE. Makes me late for the airport and the traffic sucks so the tourists are collected late. Then it's off to the 4x4 shoppe to pay them for the driver training course assist they did. Turns out the tourists know the shop owner damn then we have lunch with them. Then it's back home and traffic still sucks.
Loading up the rest of RED and changing the sneakers we discovered someone has lifted the spare wheel and we also have a flat to fix. Since its now 6pm we get the tire levers etc out and fit a new tube. Finally we have dinner and ready to rock its 9.30pm only 4.5 hours late in leaving.
We pickup the other car in our mini convoy ooops a Petrol Pajero (2.6petrol) it struggles to stay with us as we lope the 280k to Gua Musang in Kelantan the traffic sucks again and it takes us 6 hours including a 1 hour sleep stop (an byeffect of the LEPTOSPIROSIS).
Arrive Gua Musang 4.20am in the morning refuel RED and have the diesel bowser in my hand to fuel YELLOW and the power to the whole town trips off. Convoy 2 arrives as the power trips. RATS! we go and eat food by candle light and I fall asleep in the drivers seat head out the window until 8.00am when the power comes back on and I finally wake up. Refuel and have breakfast and Convoy 3 arrives and joins us. Damn they only took 3 hours to get here. However, there is an issue VQ's petrol Landcruiser engine (22R) is missing badly.
Powers back on 8.00am
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4231.JPG" /></a></div><br>
The convoy
RED - 13/14B-T LJ77 effortless to drive at 100k on 35"XT sneakers
YELLOW 13B-T BJ75 TROOPY also effortless to drive at 100k on 35"XT sneakers
MISS BITCHY PAJERO on 34" JT's struggles to keep up
Convoy 2 (leave 11.00pm)
1KZ Hilux Surf - AUTO on 35"XT sneakers
Heep Cherokee on 31"XT sneakers
Convoy 3 (leave KL 4.30am)
the new DAFFY Hilux SURF 4 door now and 1KZ on 35"XT sneakers
LJ77 - stock on 35"XT sneakers driven by "VQ"
Now its one convoy with YEllow at the front but not without drama. VQ manages to lock his keys in the car engine running at breakfast. 1 minute with a screwdriver and I have the door open.
Action as GeckoAdventure turns car locksmith
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4248.JPG" /></a></div><br>
Finally jungle time 26k to the trail head, air down and cruise on and the track is sticky. We stop at Gua Cha (cave) for sighseeing this is where we were supposed to sleep last night. We give the tourists a lesson in how to operate RED's god winch by parking it in the CREEK for them while they go to visit the cave we are 2 hours behind schedule still.
Never leave you keys in the car haha it may repark itself.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4284.JPG" /></a></div><br>
Good the track is wet NO LORRI HANTU's (Logging TRucks) will be encountered we hope. The trip is uneventful except for the missing and now smoking 22R engine. Now its HOT stinking hot and the track is bone dry.
The view is spectacular from 400meters up
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4292.JPG" /></a></div><br>
1.00pm 20k into the jungle we are getting close to the turn off to the tough part suddenly CRIKEY! LORRI HANTU that was close as the 28tonne monster crawls past.
Slighty wet track
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4303.JPG" /></a></div><br>
1.30pm we cruise into Pos Simpo (650meters up) and drop off 100kg of rice and a stack of clothes from the ailing VQ wagon which is loosing power and smokes up some hills.
Pos (Military Post) Simpo.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4308.JPG" /></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4309.JPG" /></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4310.JPG" /></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4311.JPG" /></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4312.JPG" /></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4313.JPG" /></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4314.JPG" /></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4329.JPG" /></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4330.JPG" /></a></div><br>
We spend almost an hour there looking at crafts for sale on the charity website we are now helping with and discuss supply and quality. We are given BUBU's (fish traps) a whole stack of them to show to the website people.
Community hut Pos Simpo.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4340.JPG" /></a></div><br>
2.30pm on the road 10k to go and 600meters of climbing and we are dreading the triple SS stage (0, 1, 2, 3) 500 meters of either hell or simple driving. The last group 2 weeks ago took 12 hours to get to Kampong Rekom.
Then its SS0 the warm up climb and VQ in the ailing 22R just makes it up. The rest follow Yellow is almost last. There are 4 orang ASLI's waiting for us they have cleared the track and done a wonderful job we do not have to do any work.
The it's us we are second last and SS1/2 and then 3 all in a row (damn Yellow bottoms out on SS3 - retry).
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4399.JPG" /></a></div><br>
Meantime the Cherokee falls into a RUT and bends the front ARM causing alarm bells to be raised. DAFFY rescues it but its not going far the wheel is bent back.
Easy stuff 3k to the village (Kampong Rekom) up to 1200 meters then down to 1,000 and we are in the village. Goods are unloaded and we have 250kg of rice left in Yellow and REd has some clothes left for one more village.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4415.JPG" /></a></div><br>
Mission Accomplished!!
We decide to stay at Kampong Rekom as the mission is accomplished and it only took us 6 hours. We decide to visit the rubber plantation we helped purchase last trip - wow 15 minutes walk later and I'm standing beside a 2 meter rubber tree which was only 10cm when I last saw it 9 months ago. They have had 100 die but the other 300 have started growing and are all over 2 meters tall. I decide we will purchase 600 more.
Right the walk to the garden was 15+ minutes
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_Steve_IGP4428.JPG" /></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_P1020929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_P1020929.JPG" /></a></div><br>
Me with a 9 month old Rubber plant
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_P1020926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_P1020926.JPG" /></a></div><br>
The CORN seeds and others, oil, tinned fish is handed over and we discuss sustainability with them and how we can assist. They have proper water but no power not even solar. Then its a tour of the water supply and the issues.
We setup camp back down the river 100 meters below and cook dinner and finally get to relax.
Despite the altitude I sleep without a sleeping bag and only have a US military net for warmth. Sleep comes easily for all of us.
7.30am up and start breakfast and 9.30am we are about to leave when the blind chief turns up with crafts and another discussion with tea/milo ensues.
Ok he was big - as big as my hand.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_P1020946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_P1020946.JPG" /></a></div><br>
The view 1,000meters up at Kampong Rekom is awesome.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_P1020955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_P1020955.JPG" /></a></div><br>
Now we are very late and have some 40k+ to travel to the next destination.
Descending SS3 we realise our error the track is wet here and DAFFY slips sideways and has to be rescued.
Daffy being rescued
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_29_Rekom_Steve_IGP4488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_29_Rekom_Steve_IGP4488.JPG" /></a></div><br>
While this happens it rains more and the next vehicle the Miss Bitchy slips into the TRENCH at the bottom after sliding down the slope and missing the crossover turn RATS DAMN RATS CURSES WE have a precariously rescue to do. Customers car is next and we have to rescue him. Roll out 40 meters of winch extension straps and the GOD winch, YELLOW anchors me and then VQ and then the HILUX surf to anchor YELLOW. I drive RED and PULL the PAJERO it all strains and the PAJERO suddenly POPS free then the GOD WINCH lets go (later find needed to hold it in) and the PAJERO flies back into the DITCH - RATS!!!
To make it worse we are all attacked by BEES they are in the cars they are on us - I get stung in the neck. Most unpreasant recovery.
The stricken Miss Bitchy
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_29_Rekom_Steve_IGP4497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_29_Rekom_Steve_IGP4497.JPG" /></a></div><br>
PLAN B we HOOK YELLOWS winch to RED on double line pull and move forward a few meters and hook 50 meters of strap to the PAJERO. Yellows winch starts SPARKING we just keep pulling.
YELLOW WINCHES and I reverse slowly RED Sinks and claws its way to the edge of the bank then backwards and finally the PAJERO moves backwards FREE then the rain stops. Yellows mighty 8274 winch is DEAD.
YELLOW Crossing the crossover at the obstacle
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_29_Rekom_Steve_IGP4503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_29_Rekom_Steve_IGP4503.JPG" /></a></div><br>
RED is next down the track followed by YELLOW then VQ and the HILUX (we almost loose it also the auto runs away).
Ok one SS of terror over 2 to go.
All easy and then SS0 and we are safe. Rest of the drive is incident free.
Back down to Pos Simpo and we take the first timers down to see Perias River we have to rescue the Pajero on the trip up.
Perias River
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_29_Rekom_Steve_IGP4547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_29_Rekom_Steve_IGP4547.JPG" /></a></div><br>
Then it's back on the road and all obstacles are easy except the MISS BITCHY gets badly stuck and is recovered by the JUNGLE bashing RED the customer is getting the hang of the RED bulldozer.
However the view at the "LEFT" turn is spectacular.
In the clouds at 500 meters.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_P1020992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_P1020992.JPG" /></a></div><br>
"Left Turn" view.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_29_Rekom_Steve_IGP4588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_29_Rekom_Steve_IGP4588.JPG" /></a></div><br>
Up to the "Y" intersection is fun YELLOW is in its element 4 wheel drifts uphill in a BJ75. The 13B-T purrs as it slides along.
YEllow having fun
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_29_Rekom_Steve_IGP4608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_29_Rekom_Steve_IGP4608.JPG" /></a></div><br>
We drop the HEEP at the "Y" its going no further until the return journey.
RATS its 6pm we are over 4 hours behind time 1 hour of daylight left and 25+k to travel or more.
Downhill we go then the UPHILL not for long first YELLOW has to use both lockers just to move. DAFFY is right behind doing same and using all 3 lanes.
Then the call VQ is stopped no power. YELLOW cannot move it and we (DAFFY) double strap pull it to the top. Then NEXT the PAJERO drops its 4x4 and is stuck. YELLOW gets it less than 200 meters and has to call for DAFFY again.
That does it VQ is on the STRAP behind me and the PAJERO behind RED.
It's a crawl long uphills TOW and TOW as DAFFY plays scout.
Yellow TOW service
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_P1030005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_28_Rekom_P1030005.JPG" /></a></div><br>
Delivering good to Kampong Kajang
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_29_Rekom_Steve_IGP4623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_29_Rekom_Steve_IGP4623.JPG" /></a></div><br>
8.45pm we roll into Kampong Kajang and deliver 270kg rice, cooking oil, blankets, clothes and tinned fish, soap. They are very happy. There is no men here only woman and kids the men are all off collecting RATAN.
Next its off to the waterfall once we reach this turnoff it's 3.8k to CAMP. This is STEEP and I mean steep over 40deg slope for 400 meters up over 3 climbs. one is over a 1k.
Then it rains 1/2 way up and before then VQ is on the back of YELLOW and PAJERO on the back of RED.
It's late it's 10.20pm Saturday night, 600 meters up and 60k into the jungle and its pouring, 300 meters to camp we are stuck Yellow is halfway up a 80 meter slippery muddy slope (we left VQ at the bottom) it claws its way to the top then we hook up the 2 sick 4x4's and then its decided the 3 remaining strong ones all strapped together and YELLOW starts to pull slowly then we move and stop - (later I find out VQ's engine died) and slowly the LOCKERS grip and the 40 meters of strap behind me slowly inches RED up. Once RED is upp its easy the 2 mightly 13B-T's PULL HARD and its over straps are freed and we cruise into CAMP its 10.50pm.
The camp is destroyed 3 bulldozers have wrecked where we normally camp. We pull down a bamboo frame and erect our camp on MUD.
11.45pm PASTA meal is served. 1.00pm we are all in BED exhausted and covered in mud.
We wake and breakfast is served and we decide not to stay the whole day we will WALK to the C47 and then lunch and swim and depart some have to go home. We are heading to GUA CHA to camp for the night.
Paradise ruined
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_30_Rekom_P1030015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_30_Rekom_P1030015.JPG" /></a></div><br>
First the walk of the 14 people 6 decide to walk. 38 gruelling minutes later we are at the C47 we spend and hour there taking pics and pulling weeds from the engines for better pics.
The tail of KN630.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_30_Rekom_P1030020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_30_Rekom_P1030020.JPG" /></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_30_Rekom_P1030021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_30_Rekom_P1030021.JPG" /></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_30_Rekom_P1030023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_30_Rekom_P1030023.JPG" /></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_30_Rekom_P1030024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_30_Rekom_P1030024.JPG" /></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_30_Rekom_P1030028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_30_Rekom_P1030028.JPG" /></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_30_Rekom_P1030032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_30_Rekom_P1030032.JPG" /></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_30_Rekom_P1030035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_30_Rekom_P1030035.JPG" /></a></div><br>
It's actually a wonderful spot it's a pity it was a war zone.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_30_Rekom_P1030037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_30_Rekom_P1030037.JPG" /></a></div><br>
When its back down using a rope for the last bit and a SWIM and LUNCH. Pack and wait for the track to dry. By 2pm its safe to descend and we end up back at Kampong Kajang for a chat on how they are surviving. We have some stuff to assist them with for the next trip as most of them got arrested in the recent logging blockade.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_30_Rekom_P1030043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_30_Rekom_P1030043.JPG" /></a></div><br>
Camp packing
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_30_Rekom_P1030050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_30_Rekom_P1030050.JPG" /></a></div><br>
Group pic Lata (waterfall) Pendat
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_30_Rekom_P1030051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_30_Rekom_P1030051.JPG" /></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_30_Rekom_P1030054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_30_Rekom_P1030054.JPG" /></a></div><br>
The reverse trip is easier DAFFY removes the engine breather from VQ's its pouring out oil. Then white smoke - a dropped valve seal and a piston ring by the looks. The the Yellow submarine pulls the top shock mount off and we fix that and also have to now stop the axle pulling the steering arm off.
You just never know what you will meet
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_30_Rekom_P1030057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_30_Rekom_P1030057.JPG" /></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_30_Rekom_P1030060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_04_30_Rekom_P1030060.JPG" /></a></div><br>
Wet parts of the track provide ample fun and we cruise into Gua Cha (Cave Cha)right on dark. The rest leave and 3 of us camp for the night. Dinner under a shack and we sleep in the open limestone cave. Simply awesome.
Our Camp a Cave
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_05_01_Rekom_P1030062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_05_01_Rekom_P1030062.JPG" /></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_05_01_Rekom_P1030065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_05_01_Rekom_P1030065.JPG" /></a></div><br>
Tuesday is simple pack and breakfast in Gua Musang leaving one vehicle in the car wash - sweet chicken curry and rice for breakfast then back to Kuala Lumpur via cameron Highlands the tourists loved it with a quick stop at the hot springs and then for hot corn and icecream.
and the tourists well they booked last year for once in a lifetime trip and then they booked again for 2013 for another 4 day trip same trip please they request!
and to cap it all off they think that RED is far superior to their NISSAN PATROl hahaha.
Damage roll
Yellow SUbmarine - shock mount
Daffy rear window randomly worked
Yellow - winch
REd - Nothing GOD winch works still
Heep - Front Trailing Arm bent and torn - drivers ego busted
VQ - 22R engine very sick, rear sway bar lost.
Pajero - 4x4 randomly fails.
Pendat Waterfall - RUINED for YEARS we almost all cried.GeckoAdventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272279169206296529noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573862095864884771.post-51113690382002489692012-03-21T08:00:00.000-07:002012-03-21T08:00:54.174-07:00LOng weekend what to do 4-7 February 2012 - Adventure Thats whatLong weekend coming up 4 days - I need some me me time out in the jungle so I decide to do some exploring a quick SMS gets me a couple of GPS points from a fishing friend.<br />
<br />
Friday nite finish the day job at 9.30pm so I elect to have a quick sleep before I head off to the resort to do the Rafting and Riverboarding activities. Damn if I wake up at 7.00am shit I'm late. Holiday traffic sucks and RED takes forever to drive to the resort and I arrive 11.30am RATS riverboards are already out out so my guide is already out with customers.<br />
<br />
They come back with very happy customers then they scoot out on the ATV's leaving me to ponder why RED now has a FLAT tire and I do some welding in the equipment hut until I have to go saftey guiding for the rafts at 2.30pm<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_04_Rafting.P1000040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_04_Rafting.P1000040.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
Fun trip until I get a smack in the eye from bamboo which leaves my eye bruised and red.<br />
<br />
Sleep in the open equipment hut overnight wonderful and the squirrels and the birds are a welcome morning alarm. The wild boar which fought with the dogs across the road all night were not mmmm do I sense a hunting nite coming up - YES!!!!!!!!!.<br />
<br />
Sunday morning Riverboarding customers<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_05_Riverboarding.IMG_0359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_05_Riverboarding.IMG_0359.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
and then out on the ATV's then it's time to pack ah yes a KAYAK and paddle would be smart. I pack the 9foot mini-x as its LIGHT and easy to manouvre but a real drag to paddle as you have to paddle constantly to keep the momentum.<br />
<br />
I take my guide out for dinner after we have to change 4 tires to put on the 35" XT's as the puncture cannot be repaired today so we remove the XT Sneakers from the now WRECKED GREEN (YEs GREEN is Wrecked) and by 10.00pm I head off to the GPS point about 140k away of which 80 is all alone in the jungle just me and RED and that purring 13B-T diesel.<br />
<br />
Lasah passes then I know this area damn the road will be CRAP and it is BONE shattering blacktop riddled with potholes. I hammer RED through it into the night. Then at the GPS point on my tips it states road dies - it does wonderful now its 4x4 track and i do not notice but I'm climbing the track is easy except for the odd mudhole and long open clay climbs RED slides around corners in 3rd HIGH wonderful way to visit a new track - I do notice no winching points close even for the GOD winch one off here I'm in trouble. 5 river crossings and 2.30am I cruise through Pos Khmer village and I have arrived at the southern most tip of TASIK (lake) Temenggor and follow the track around and abruptly it STOPS at the end of the bridge the road is covered with water the water is up some 5 meters. Ok so camp here BED on bridge and I cook dinner on the bonnet in the middle of nowhere at 2.45am all alone apart from the owls and bats and it doesn't get better than this.<br />
<br />
Morning wake 9.00am to being cooked in my bed by the hot sun, cook breakfast baked beans and chicken curry awesome, pack up my bed and drive back 100 meters and launch the kayak I'm in the water by 11.00am hunting SNAKEHEADS (Toman) - I find groups of fries (babies) but no takes. I keep paddling into the wind and then while chasing a lone TOMAN a fast group goes past I change lures and loose site of them damn my best chance of the day gone. Time for lunch and a packet of sultana biscuits in the shade of a bamboo grove. I'm still paddling out east and not reached the wide part of the lake. 4pm and I look up and the sky is darkening time to head back for the 4-5+k and yup the storm catches me I shelter under a BIG TREE until a BIG DEAD BRANCH falls into the water 10 meters behind me I move on quietly and you guess it the WIND turns around also and I'm paddling into the wind again. Soon as you stop paddling you go backwards.<br />
<br />
<br />
2.45am in the morning my campsite<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020530.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
My bedroom with a million stars for the nite and the moon the bridge with the water 1 foot below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020531.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
The moon is also out<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020533.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
Next morning<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020536.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
The end of the road<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020537.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
Breakfast on the mobile kitchen.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020538.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<br />
Toman fries but no parents<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020541.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
Jungle everywhere<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020549.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
Orang Asli settlement.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020550.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
Then it rained<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020554.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
But only on me the other side of the lake sunny<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020555.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
Mr cool came down and wanted his pic taken<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020557.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
My dinner at the lake while I decided to stay or go then I made up my mind when I saw this 400 meters of net being layed out. I GO where - of course last weekends lake some 150k back down the trail (Air Kuning near Teluk Intan).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020558.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
The reason I left 400 meters of nets being layed out.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020559.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
The southernmost tip of Tasik Temenggor<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020560.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<br />
Muddy track ahead.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020562.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
They call this logging I call it RAPE.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020563.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
One of the 5 river crossings<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020564.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
More slick muddy tracks<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020566.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
The view west at 1,145 meters up at sunset<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020567.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020569.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_06_Temenggor_P1020571.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
Then it's down down down the slippery track and onto the BUMPY road. 9.30pm I stop for hot chocolate and a meal then carry on. 20k down the road my body has had enough and I pull over for a sleep on the side of the road and fall asleep in the drivers seat.<br />
<br />
7.00am next morning I waken up FOOD needed into GOPENG 30k away for a huge breakfast and then onto a small ex mining pond for some Toman hunting.<br />
<br />
10.00am I'm in the water but its hot really hot so 11.30am I find a shady tree and sleep in the kayak for 90 minutes soon as I'm paddling again I spy 3 groups of Toman FRIES one has the Parents. I circle round and wait for them to come to me 3 casts and I have a huge hookup I estimate 2.5-3kg. I land it on a small island and weight it 4kg awesome I'm stoked and then release it back to its babies, However she ain't finished and surfaces 15 seconds later and STARES then dissappears.<br />
<br />
undaunted and the wind comes up I decide to head out looking and fishing slowly back.<br />
<br />
On the way home it's a stop to see the mother in law and dinner with her and dad in IPOH then back to Kuala Lumpur.<br />
<br />
11.00pm I'm back in Kuala Lumpur 800+k gobbled up by the mighty RED truck, I could just turn it around and go again the same 4 days again totally enjoyable.<br />
<br />
RED for its effort in got 10.0k a liter on the trip up and 6k a liter in the jungle and 10k a liter on the way home what more can you ask from a worked 13B-T.<br />
<br />
The small part of Air Kuning and a white egret in the background.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_07_AirKuning_P1020580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_07_AirKuning_P1020580.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
The 4kG Toman<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_07_AirKuning_P1020582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_07_AirKuning_P1020582.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_07_AirKuning_P1020583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_07_AirKuning_P1020583.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_07_AirKuning_P1020583w.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_07_AirKuning_P1020583w.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
Toman being landed<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_07_AirKuning_P1020604w.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_07_AirKuning_P1020604w.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_07_AirKuning_P1020605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_07_AirKuning_P1020605.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<br />
And it weighs in at 4kg exactly wahoooooooooooo.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_07_AirKuning_P1020611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_07_AirKuning_P1020611.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
Since its an air breathing fish might as well get its length also.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_07_AirKuning_P1020613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_07_AirKuning_P1020613.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
The small part of Air Kuning<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_07_AirKuning_P1020614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_07_AirKuning_P1020614.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
This young water buffaloe bull not happy to see me as I disturbed his mud bath<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_07_AirKuning_P1020629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2012_02_07_AirKuning_P1020629.JPG" /></a></div><br>GeckoAdventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272279169206296529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573862095864884771.post-87589485652305981722011-07-08T06:19:00.000-07:002011-07-08T06:20:29.137-07:00Charity trip to Kg Rekom and Volvo's first outing.Volvo is loaded up - wait a minute a Volvo for a offroad trip - YUP my 31 year old Vovo C304 Military truck on it's first jungle trip. Great 3 days away from the rat race of Kuala Lumpur. Wait for Tappa my winchwench for the weekend and he arrives 5pm late due to the traffic then we Head to Karak 70k away to pickup 500 rubber saplings for my CSR project for the blind village 52k deep into the jungle of Kelantan. <br />
<br />
God it's going to take us hours. Paul in DAFFY with Annuar is some 2-3 hours behind us playing catchup as the Volvo only cruises happily at 71k. Karak 70k away and 90 minutes later at the nursery and 475 rubber saplings are loaded in and we wheel around and head back to the Bentong exit and head North with the sun fading fast. We stop at Bentong for last minute supplies MILO and water and tea bags and dinner (for me its breakfast and lunch also) then back on the road this time Tappa is driving and we test out the newly adjusted 100watt headlights and new spotlights - PERFECT we can see. After 11 months of fixing the Volvo up to a reliable state I hope it will be ok.<br />
<br />
loaded up and ready to rock where is TAPPA?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_01_Rekom_Pendat_P1040195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_01_Rekom_Pendat_P1040195.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Tappa with cancer stick and loading the rubber plants.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_01_Rekom_Pendat_P1040197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_01_Rekom_Pendat_P1040197.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_01_Rekom_Pendat_P1040198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_01_Rekom_Pendat_P1040198.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We cruise on alone then the world lights up behind us - damn DAFFY has caught us man he musta been flying. Shortly after the noisy belt under the engine suddenly goes BANG and then the engine is quieter the noisy BELT has come off DAFFY informs us. I drift in and out of sleep as much as one can in a vehicle which makes 747 Jumbo Jet sound quiet then 40k from Gua Musang the there is a downshift a jerk then the Volvo slows - NO DRIVE ses Tappa - #@#@ I say. A check reveals yup no gears at all - clutch no the truck is stuck in neutral and we decide DAFFY once again has to tow a GeckoAdventure truck - this time DAFFY cannot pull the Volvo without being in LOW range - so its a 35k an hour tow into Gua Musang where they drop me at the workshop it's now 1.30am and I inform them they must continue on and take the rubber saplings and Tappa with them and I will catch them up later in the day. If I not there tomorrow nite then not coming. Satellite phone is our communication tool as we both have one. I sleep in the back of the Volvo awesome just rollout the US military matress out with a sleeping bag and SLEEP in seconds no putting a TARP up - love it. The workshop comes alive 9.00am and they muck around for hours finally they disconnect the HI/LO lever and the Volvo springs to life shifting manually at the gearbox. I cruise off for food and they fit two new Belts and its 1.00pm. A quick test drive with the mekanik grinning like a chesire cat its good to go refuel wow only 49 liters for 281k good stuff. I get a sat call from Paul they finished the charity work and heading down so they will wait for me at the big "Y" intersection. <br />
<br />
I finish fueling and tell them 90 minutes I will be there. Later interrogation revealed the Kg Rekom Orang Asli crew made the track so good there was not one obstacle on the trip in and no one got out of their trucks no one got stuck - simply awesome job to clear 10k of track with only hand tools my hats of to them. I was also dissappointed not to get there so I will be taking more goodies up on my next trip.<br />
<br />
The Volvo enters the jungle and I cruise in high range stopping at a logging point<br />
<br />
The Volvo resting at log collection point.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_02_Rekom_Pendat_P1040199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_02_Rekom_Pendat_P1040199.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_02_Rekom_Pendat_P1040200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_02_Rekom_Pendat_P1040200.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
and Gua Cha which I find now disgustingly dirty since the logging trucks started using it as a resting point. Malaysian's take your rubbish HOME.<br />
<br />
Gua Cha<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_02_Rekom_Pendat_P1040202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_02_Rekom_Pendat_P1040202.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_02_Rekom_Pendat_P1040203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_02_Rekom_Pendat_P1040203.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_02_Rekom_Pendat_P1040204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_02_Rekom_Pendat_P1040204.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_02_Rekom_Pendat_P1040206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_02_Rekom_Pendat_P1040206.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_02_Rekom_Pendat_P1040207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_02_Rekom_Pendat_P1040207.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_02_Rekom_Pendat_P1040208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_02_Rekom_Pendat_P1040208.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
and then when everything in the back moves after a huge hole bounces the Volvo all over the road. Then it's the Sungai Perias log bridge and i'm encountering lorri hantu's the progress is slow in the Volvo most hills taken in 1st and slow but the Volvo is very easy to drive. 4.50pm I arrive at the "Y" and collect Paul and Tappa and Annuar. We cruise off with the other 8 vehicles in the convoy just in front somewhere.<br />
<br />
The Broken Miss Bitchy convoy<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_02_Rekom_Pendat_P1040210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_02_Rekom_Pendat_P1040210.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_02_Rekom_Pendat_P1040211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_02_Rekom_Pendat_P1040211.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_02_Rekom_Pendat_P1040212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_02_Rekom_Pendat_P1040212.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We find them well 3 of them Miss Bitchy's one a STORM has tossed it's FAN then the radiator mounts break off. A repair is being effected with wire and we wait to escort them. They are stunned a Volvo wow and then it starts raining damn that's not in the plan that's going to ruin a few peoples day's. Then the Vovlo is leading a small convoy of 5 and we reach the watefall turnoff and chat to the village people first and greetings exchanged and some gifts.<br />
<br />
At the village and turnoff and yes thats rain clouds in the background.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_02_Rekom_Pendat_P1040215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_02_Rekom_Pendat_P1040215.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Into Low range and up the hill 400-500 meters to climb in 3k with 2-3 seriously steep ascents awaiting. The Volvo does it albiet slowly no issue with grip its ponderous 2,700kg ensuring all sneakers stay on terra firma.<br />
<br />
It's steep and the track easy then we hear on the radio the convoy is stuck at a climb - I know which one too hahaha then gridlock on the track. Chaos 4 vehicles stuck on the slope. One winching up and almost at the top, the other winching of it and a Ferozza stuck against the bank. The last another Pajero unable to move as it slides backwards each time they move it. We guide this one out the way. I bully past the sticken Ferozza and park behind the Landcruiser II being winched up. 60 minutes later its out of the way and they have two at the top of the first climb. Then I push the Volvo up the slope from dead stop several times up and up 4,000revs or less first gear and lockers engaged front and rear slowly I make it. Daffy is next and it demolishes the hill the XT's providing awesome grip and the 1KZ the power.<br />
<br />
The traffic jam<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_02_Rekom_Pendat_P1040218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_02_Rekom_Pendat_P1040218.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
The second landcruiser ahread of me I pull up beside it and park unable to pass the winch cable.<br />
<br />
Volvo victorius at the top of the slope 3 more to go.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_02_Rekom_Pendat_P1040220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_02_Rekom_Pendat_P1040220.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Yup its a long way down that slippery slope.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_02_Rekom_Pendat_P1040221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_02_Rekom_Pendat_P1040221.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Then the problem 1/2 of them want to stay and 1/2 want to leave they have our tarp so Paul goes back down to collect it and back up. Then the Volvo winches down the Landcriuiser 80 Series and then the second Landcruiser II and my PTO jams winding the cable back in #@#@#@##@ Damn. By this time its dark and its raining again upwards we climb in the dark 800 meters to CAMP and the track is a SLIPPERY mess the Volvo sits on 3,800-4,000 revs first gear low lockers engaged engine screaming and slowly crawling up catching DAFFY the track is destroyed someone has bulldozed it what a mess. Then we see lights (wah lights who from) and a camp and we are at the waterfall. The camp is a MUDDY mess and we see the reason an excavator. We pitch camp right in the sea of mud opposite the wonderful Lata (waterfall) Pendat.<br />
<br />
Dinner is cooked for me as I relax with a cold beer. 3-4am I am woken by a huge rainstorm pounding our camp and water flows freely under our beds. Morning reveals all the damage to this little paradise is immense a complete bank destroyed and the track which leads to the crashed C47 Dakota all gone and the HUGE bambo plants all ripped out in the name of a temporary shelter. We are camped in 3-4 inches of mud. They are putting a building up for 150 school kids for a research camp for 5 days - unbelieveable damage for a 5 day camp.<br />
<br />
The magnificient first 30 meters of Lata Pendat the rest climbs another 70+ meters up the hill.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_03_Rekom_Pendat_P1040222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_03_Rekom_Pendat_P1040222.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Anyway we relax even if the Volvo is leaking oil from the front axles and the whole day is spent sitting at the waterfall or in the shade of camp talking crap and putting up ideas for the customisation of the rear of the Volvo and relaxing and eating.<br />
<br />
<br />
Our mud camp at 665 Meters.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_03_Rekom_Pendat_P1040223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_03_Rekom_Pendat_P1040223.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_03_Rekom_Pendat_P1040224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_03_Rekom_Pendat_P1040224.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_03_Rekom_Pendat_P1040225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_03_Rekom_Pendat_P1040225.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_03_Rekom_Pendat_P1040226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_03_Rekom_Pendat_P1040226.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Soon it's Monday no one wants to go home but it's time to head back to the rat race we have breakfast and slowly pack up camp and try and fix the PTO - ooops we make it worse and now the PTO cable is jammed. We depart knowing this place will NEVER NEVER be the same again and is ruined for 10+ years we will have to find another secret location to camp at.<br />
<br />
The apprentice cooks - basic cooking roti chennai and curry beef and baked beans and other simple meals hahaha.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_03_Rekom_Pendat_P1040223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_03_Rekom_Pendat_P1040223.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
That impressive Volvo<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_03_Rekom_Pendat_P1040229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_07_03_Rekom_Pendat_P1040229.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Down the big hills and it's all drying out so the track is easy. We reach the exit to the track and yup it starts raining so we stop and talk to to the villagers who are upset with what happened to their waterfall and their tribal land - I sense a legal battle looming as they have landrights over it.<br />
<br />
<br />
Ok so it's pouring when we depart the village and driving the Volvo becomes hairy only twice do we really run out of control downhill one caught on video the other only the start of the sliding chaos still I managed to keep the Volvo straight even with no power steering. Soon the Volvo is completely covered in mud and the rain abates and we have a very narrow miss with a wildy out of control Lorri Hantu flashes past our front on a corner all 10 wheels locked up as it slides downhill and stopped with both front wheels on the edge of the bank. Stunned we carry on even more careful. Then an awesome sound the straining of a DIESEL engine and we see it a lorri hantu with two massive logs on it and one little balancing log. It takes us 5 minutes to pass it as it is just so wide. Once back down at Sungai Perias log bridge we relax only 20k of easy road to go. haha never say that we encounter a tree down but its actually 4 and it takes us 45+ minutes to clear it with two chainsaws going flat out and the winch to pull the logs off the road then we encounter a flooded road and we are out 3 hours later. Time for a comulsory car wash before entering Gua Musang and then a well earned meal its 7.30pm when we sit down for dinner. 281K to go home at 60-70k its 4-5 hours driving. Ps The Volvo consumed some 80 liters for fuel for the 180 round offroad trip basically 45liters per 100k hahaha totally worth it. 2.30am we roll into my driveway and unpack the Volvo completely then its sleep time. The next trip to the Village will be in October 2011.s<br />
<br />
<br />
The Volvo went to the shop next morning the jammed PTO cable was cut out and the PTO got a cage to stop the 11mm steel cable flicking out ever again. The axles seals both sides replaced and its ready for the next trip and I'm taking a set of axle seals for the next trip just in case. The grand total 791Kilometers travelled by the Volvo almost incident free maybe next time - maybe.<br />
<br />
<br />
Roll on the next trip.GeckoAdventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272279169206296529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573862095864884771.post-61803854772605429882011-06-14T10:06:00.000-07:002011-06-14T10:06:06.591-07:002011_05_13 Gunung Ais 4x4 TripSimple trip - Pickup the tourists from KLIA and take them back to the house give them GREEN (1KZ powered auto LJ77) take them to the jungle for 3 days and then back home.<br />
<br />
How wrong could I be after all it was Friday 13/5/2011.<br />
<br />
Friday (Black Friday 13/5/2011 - oops)<br />
<br />
We decided to on the way home drop in and collect RED from the workshop and park it at home. At the workshop we meet Paul (DAFFY 1KZ Powered Hilux Surf) and he is fitting the new 120AMP alternator before scooting over to our place to join the trip.<br />
<br />
Packed and ready to rock we wait for Paul and Tappa to turn up. Paul rings I'm going to be late the brand new alternator is not working they have to get another.<br />
<br />
Ok so off to the ice cream shop to wait.<br />
<br />
5pm rolls around and we are now 2 hours late in leaving soon its a lot later and Paul turns up and we depart Kuala Lumpur 6pm right in the middle of rush hour. In our trucks we don't care we just bully our way through and reach the Chenor turnoff by 8.30pm and then its a refuel at a little known place called Jengka and only 30k to the trailhead from here. A quick meal and a hot drink and its time for the road.<br />
<br />
So its DEATHSTAR (me), DAFFY (Paul and Tapa) and Green (Steve and Sharon from Oztralia)<br />
Roll into the trailhead 10pm air down and lock the hubs and give the Aussies a demo of how GREENs 4x4 system works.<br />
<br />
The first 20k is logging truck road - uneventful until I run into a herd of Elephants and the screams of Elephants off both sides of the track can be heard - and monkeys alerted by the screaking from the Elephants. Engines off we sit quietly for 10 minutes then move off quietly.<br />
<br />
After 20k we come to the massive cleared area from a previous logging camp and then the track narrows to what we expected.<br />
<br />
Suddenly the road in front dissappears and the first obstacle a washed out bridge and a drivearound is available - feet wet crossing time.<br />
<br />
Destination is River crossing 1 for tonite's camp and finally we reach it damn camp is being used by University Malaya so we cross the river and camp on the other side. Erect the jungle hilton and it time for a coldie a quick meal and then a well earned rest.<br />
<br />
<br />
Deathstar is the chuck wagon also.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_P1030910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_P1030910.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
The slightly yummy licious meal.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_P1030911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_P1030911.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<br />
Saturday<br />
<br />
<br />
Saturday morning the mist is alive with a chorus of birds.<br />
<br />
Breakfast after doing the dishes - yum ommelettes and sausages and milo or tea.<br />
<br />
The dawn mist in the Malaysian jungle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_P1030912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_P1030912.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
Then 10.30am on the road, the track is easy then the first obstacle a mudhole and DEATHSTAR gets stuck twice (then GREENS winch fails rescuing DEATHSTAR) before I decide enough is enough and use brute force to clear the mud out.<br />
<br />
Then we climb the uphill bridge which is now gone and its down past the left/right fork the left fork leads to Gunung Ais and Sungai TEkai and the right more adventure - we head right and soon is the second river crossing which we find out later is called Sungai Song.<br />
<br />
Then the WAR ZONE 100 meter descent on the crest of drop offs big ruts and and the bottom is a 1/2 log bridge its aptly named. DEATHSTAR promptly breaks the bridge and is inches from disaster and I drive out.<br />
<br />
Green cruising the easy jungle tracks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_P1030916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_P1030916.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
Daffy playing tail end charlie.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_P1030919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_P1030919.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
The black rock pass.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_P1030923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_P1030923.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
Disaster as GREEN almost topples into the gully.<br />
<br />
Rescued by DAFFY.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_P1030924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_P1030924.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<br />
Bridge being repaired.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_IMGP0406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_IMGP0406.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_IMGP0406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_IMGP0406.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Lunch point at Sungai Song.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_P1030926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_P1030926.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<br />
We repair it and GREEN with the Ozzies is in a lot of trouble the main log collapses and GREEN is left precarious for 20 minutes while we fix it then winch GREEN backwards. We repair the briodge again and retry - yup it breaks again and GREEN is across. Then we repair it and DAFFY crosses - same result CRACK. Damn rebuild when we return.<br />
<br />
slippery uphill then its Sungai Song and we decide time for lunch in the shade back on the other side. However DAffy decides to try the lockers out and climb the bank he ends up with a bent up rear and whacked updoor before giving up.<br />
<br />
Lunch is filled with the sounds of birds and Johnny Cash. Post the pasta meal its time to dive back into the river and head into the wilds aagin, Soon we encounter a blockage in the track manmade I walk past it so does Steve however Paul walk over it and is rewarded with a steel wire round his foot and is pulled of his feet DAMN a TIGER TRAP. The 5mm steel wire is freed and the wire and trap put into GREEN for handing over. TrAck cleared we carry on<br />
<br />
A long uphill climb slippery and rutty is followed by the stinky Elephant crap log bridge crossing it really stinks. Then its the first of the 4 gullies easy one to warm up second a little harder and the 3rd then the toughy the 4th a tree root across the track on the other side is the only winching point even with lockers front and rear its a tough climb.<br />
<br />
The tiger/Tapiar trap after Paul got snared<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_IMGP0410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_IMGP0410.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_P1030929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_P1030929.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_P1030930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_P1030930.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_P1030931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_P1030931.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
Daffy with the broken steering in V-gully 4.<br />
<br />
394<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_P1030934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_P1030934.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<br />
Convoy at the start of V-Gully 3<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_IMGP0413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_IMGP0413.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
DAFFY goes first so I can winch off him and then pull GREEN up. We don't get there DAFFY Snaps the steering arm on the SURF winching up. Recovery takes and hour and a lot of hard work by DEATHSTARS 8274 eventually DAFFY is secure - help is needed we do not have a spare steering arm it was a brand new piece fitted :(<br />
<br />
Satellite phones out DAMN Paul has no credit and mine has gone FLAT. We decide to empty DAFFY and head back to Sungai Song at least one hour away and then drive out in the morning for parts to be driven up from Kuala Lumpur we know where the spre part is and one sitting on a Hilux Surf in the workshop.<br />
<br />
The return journey takes us into the night and 90 minutes later we find outselves at Sungai Song setting up camp and a late dinner of curied chicken, vegs and rice.<br />
<br />
DEATHSTAR climbing V-Gully number 3 on the retreat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_IMGP0414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_IMGP0414.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_IMGP0415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_IMGP0415.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_IMGP0416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_IMGP0416.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
The all important nite cooks hard work<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_IMGP0426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_14_GunungAis_IMGP0426.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
The delicious chicken curry.<br />
<br />
<br />
Sunday<br />
<br />
Next morning to a chorus of birds we have breakfast and head off at 10.00am by 10.49am we are at the war zone and a bridge has to be built this time to last. 1 hour later we have rebuilt it and levelled the ground and its crossable - up the war zone and its a bumpy 30k still to town. On the logging trail I encounter a wild boar man its 70+kg and a solitary heavily loaded logging truck.<br />
<br />
1pm highway and still no reception eventually we get reception and organise parts they will be arriVing at the workshop 3.30pm to strip the SURF in the shop and leave about 5.30pm. So we wait in JENGKA how many MILO ICe's and food can you eat in 5 hours. I check GREENS winch its dead 1volt flowing into it. Bugger and the spare motor is at home. They have left Kuala Lumpur. Then they are at the Chenor exit. So we move to the petrol station 10 minutes later the howl of a 7M appears out of the dark only 1 3 LED sidelight working. Gods its Wild Bill driving the mekanics Angry Hornet (ah yes Wild Bill busted his 7th diff in 2 years) and the mekanic and the lead mekanic. Soon its cutting of wires and a joining and they have headlights again. It's just going to be one of those trips. Dinner and we are on the road 10.00pm and just to spice it all up its raining.<br />
<br />
Soon its the trailhead we all stay in 2WD for fun on the wet track. DEATHSTAR in the lead the visitors in the middle and the two rescue vehicles (Angry Hornet II and A Pajero(Miss Bitchy) ).<br />
<br />
Near the end of the logging track it gets real slippery especially when a wild boar runs out.<br />
<br />
Into the abandoned logging Kongsi area and slip the hubs into 4WD. This is going to be fun. DEATHSTAR leads out 2 hours at least to go. incident free even on the slippery track the stinky elephant log bridge passed easily then Sungai Song and then the 3 gullies and the long uphill ascent. Then trouble I clip a rotten log lying on the ground and result a flat tire.<br />
<br />
Then finally Gully 3 comes up and we know only 2k to go. Then Daffy is in sight. Camp is erected and cold drinks to celebrate its 2.30am. Ah Haw and Ah Wah supposed to open the workshop tomorrow looks like that ideas out the window. 9 of us sleeping under a 30*20foot tarp beside a narrow valley with a little stream in the bright moonlight - MAGIC.<br />
<br />
Monday - Home day<br />
<br />
<br />
Morning 9.30am all up breakfast and into the repair.<br />
<br />
Back at V-Gully 4 to fix the stricken DAFFY.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_16_GunungAis_P1030935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_16_GunungAis_P1030935.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
Our campsite view from V-Gully 4 and the track we missed on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_16_GunungAis_P1030936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_16_GunungAis_P1030936.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_16_GunungAis_P1030937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_16_GunungAis_P1030937.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
Then the horror emerges the steering arm on DAFFY was modified to cater for extra leaf's and is higher. The new part from the other SURF does not fit. We have to grind out a part and then press it out. No ginder what to do? Ah Wah has a 100mm cutting disk in his tool kit. I have a grinding disc and a sanding disc also. Simple off with the axle stub and bolt the cutting disc to the end of the axle. Put DAFFY into 4HI and jack the rear up. 4000REVs in 4th at 110k and we have a grinder. Simply unbelieveable we are all stunned.<br />
<br />
By 2pm we realise the situation is hopeless. So a decision is made out to Jerantut some 3-4 hours away over to Ah Wah's brother engineering shop push out the part and slip in he modified bush from DAFFY and return. So off whizz the Pajero and the Angrry Hornet II. ETA 11pm back here. As soon as they leave the heavens open and our TARP collapses.<br />
<br />
Campsite expanded to cater for the 4 rescuers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_16_GunungAis_P1030939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_16_GunungAis_P1030939.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
Ah Wah grinding using the worlds biggest grinder<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_16_GunungAis_P1030940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_16_GunungAis_P1030940.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
Wild Bill looking on with amazement<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_16_GunungAis_P1030941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_16_GunungAis_P1030941.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
Paul looking worried - what if the truck drops.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_16_GunungAis_P1030942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_16_GunungAis_P1030942.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<br />
Drawing up the mods to the rear of DEATHSTAR while they go back to town.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_16_GunungAis_P1030955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_16_GunungAis_P1030955.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
Jungle by moonlight<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_16_GunungAis_P1030957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_16_GunungAis_P1030957.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
Moonlight dinner - once again curry chicken.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_16_GunungAis_P1030958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_16_GunungAis_P1030958.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_16_GunungAis_P1030959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_16_GunungAis_P1030959.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_16_GunungAis_P1030960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_16_GunungAis_P1030960.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Dinner at camp for the remaining 4 is yummy curry chicken and potatoes and vegtables.<br />
<br />
Just as the rescue convoy deadline approaches the radio springs to life - were coming in followed soon by the sound of a howling 7M engine. They turn up hyped. The Pajero is sick. It fell of the stinky elephant log bridge and broke its wishbone took them an hour to find bolts to fix it.<br />
<br />
Then the rescue squad arrives 10.00pm with KFC.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_16_GunungAis_P1030961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_16_GunungAis_P1030961.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
And the jungle workshop opens again<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_16_GunungAis_P1030962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_16_GunungAis_P1030962.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<br />
They repair DAFFY I'm asleep before they finish it.<br />
<br />
<br />
Tuesday - Public holiday<br />
<br />
<br />
Up early breakfast and pack meantime the busted (Miss Bitchy) Pajero is jacked up and the wishbone<br />
<br />
So 4 vehicles out and the Pajero is left the repairs to be effected at Jerantut again and return.<br />
<br />
Stinky Elephant bridge<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_17_GunungAis_P1030968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_17_GunungAis_P1030968.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<br />
Incident free but the old DEATHSTAR shows the padi farmers how to climb V-gullies without revs and wheelspinning and we turn off at the Sungain Tekai turnoff we turned right and the rescuers and Daffy go straight on. We encounter a large Tapiar track and follow it along the track then a group of hunter 6-8 armed to the teeth with shotguns and radios not happy to see us and their 4x4 is hidden in the long grass and we cruise past no smiles or exchanges.<br />
<br />
Tapiar tracks<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_17_GunungAis_P1030970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_17_GunungAis_P1030970.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<br />
Next is the bridge is down over Sungai Tekai the alternate rossing is a long shallow crossing.<br />
<br />
<br />
Poachers on the lower part of Sungai Tekai<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_17_GunungAis_P1030980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_17_GunungAis_P1030980.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_17_GunungAis_P1030981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_17_GunungAis_P1030981.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<br />
Green on sungai Tekai Track<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_17_GunungAis_P1030971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_17_GunungAis_P1030971.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
Gunung (Mountain) Ais 901 meters high.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_17_GunungAis_P1030973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_17_GunungAis_P1030973.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Climb climb climb is the long climbs to 470 meters and we stop for a view of Gunung Ais then it's onto the Camp site at Sungain Tekai Upper once again we have no time to drive further rats another trip required here hahaha.<br />
<br />
Sungai Tekai (Upper and the start of Sungai Tekai) and lunch time<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_17_GunungAis_P1030975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_17_GunungAis_P1030975.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Lunch is delightful then its time for home and we will wait for the rescue convoy at Jengka. We meet them at the logging kongsi clearing they coming in fast with new parts for the Pajero. We will wait for them at Jengka if not there by 7pm we will come back into the jungle to search for them.<br />
<br />
Jengka and we have hours to kill so we make the video of the trip and relax. 7pm is the cutoff if they not out we have to go back in.<br />
<br />
by 8pm they still not back and we head off back in we get 10k and the radio crackles to life they are out refueling at a little village.<br />
<br />
<br />
We turn back and wait at the coffee shack.<br />
<br />
<br />
Jengka and the story comes out. The Pajero repaired broke it's steering in V-gully 3 crossing then minced a CV joint and then ran off the track at the war zone as he only had 2WD and drove of the track going to fast denting all doors and panels.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_17_GunungAis_IMGP0428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_17_GunungAis_IMGP0428.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_17_GunungAis_IMGP0429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_17_GunungAis_IMGP0429.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_17_GunungAis_IMGP0430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_17_GunungAis_IMGP0430.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_17_GunungAis_IMGP0431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2011_05_17_GunungAis_IMGP0431.JPG" /></a></div><br><br />
<br />
<br />
The recovery was spectacular.<br />
<br />
<br />
They cruise off and we wait another hour then head off into a pouring thunderstorm and then DEATHSTARS alternator fails I drive the remaining 170k home on sidelights only. 2.35am I drove very happy customers at the hotel one day late and went home for a well earned sleep.<br />
<br />
Next day I dealt with the poachers.<br />
<br />
I cannot wait to go back again and I have several people wanting to tag along.GeckoAdventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272279169206296529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573862095864884771.post-33782363608278417522011-02-22T20:56:00.000-08:002011-02-23T17:52:24.624-08:00Kg Rekom Charity Trip 13-14 November 2010Thursday Night load up Deathstar with 320kg of Rice which is mainly stacked in military boxes 30kg per box.<br />
<br />
Then a stack of 70 liters of oil and finally the fridge and the camping kit we can spare. The rest is to be stored in Daffy and the 2-3 cubic meters of clothes well they can go in the small Petrol vehicles and I will take their Rice and oil etc.<br />
<br />
Where we going with all this 6 vehicles loaded to the axles with Rice, Cooking Oil, Salt, Clothes, sardines etc.<br />
<br />
Well Kampung Rekom 52k and 1,000meters up into the jungle from the end of the blacktop or 82k from Gua Musang deep in Kelantan, Malaysia had a small problem a herd of Wild Boars destroyed their mountain rice crop and ate all their sweet potatoes crop their main source of food.<br />
<br />
Since they have our numbers and know we have helped them in the past we volunteer to do it again. It's the middle of the monsoon season and 13-14 November 2010 is the date selected.<br />
<br />
6 Brave volunteers from www.offroadershack.com offer their vehicles to help me subject to the requirements requested and other donate food and clothing and rice. I get a phone call one afternoon what's your address? I tell her and she turns up next night with 150kg of rice and clothes and cooking oil. I'm once again stunned with the generosity of some people. She wants to come but we have no seats left. Next time I will take her along.<br />
<br />
Friday night rolls around and I do the final shop and we are waiting for the RV at my house at 10.00pm however all are late ha-ha its 11:55pm before we have finally got everything to fit into the 3 vehicles. One more to meet in Gombak and 2 more from Penang to meet in Gua Musang at 3.00am. Deathstar has 480kg of Rice now tucked into it and 100+ liters of cooking oil and its normal recovery kit making it with about 700-800kg of kit plus us with fuel just over its max weight.<br />
<br />
Our pesky neighbor does not relent and stares at us for over an hour until we all give him the 1,2,3 WAVE and then sing out "hello Mr. Grumpy" he still does not budge ha-ha were happy he is obviously really angry ha-ha oh oops who cares.<br />
<br />
RV and its refuel and food time I have not eaten all day too busy at work etc.<br />
<br />
Finally on the road at 1.00am and the 3.00am RV time is gone. I lead the others follow. We cruise along at 85k a convoy of 4 laden 4x4's. Hunger and a need for a drink grab me and we stop somewhere between RAUB and Gua Musang and have Fried Rice and a drink then its back on the road. Daffy decides to get a puncture a sudden one and it’s a quick change as we all play safety sitting way behind to give plenty of warning on the dangerous narrow road.<br />
<br />
Gua Musang finally arrives at 4.30am and we refuel at PETRONAS. Deathstar takes in a remarkable 30liters for 290k considering its hippobottomous weight. Then we wait for the Penang crews to arrive. They arrive 5.15am yeah 2+ hours late ha-ha and we decide it’s too late to go to Gua Char for camping as it will be dawn when we get there. So Railway station it is then and we all pitch camp in the car park no tarps just in the open. Grab a nice beef curry and rice for breakfast and then bed I'm asleep in seconds and woken at 8:15am by someone waking us all up time to roll.<br />
<br />
Refueling 4.00am Gua Musang<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_Rahgu_IMG_2137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_Rahgu_IMG_2137.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The wonderful location for a railway station is this Malaysia's most scenic station.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_JB_P1000610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_JB_P1000610.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Paul gets up eventually and heads off to fix his puncture (later we find someone fitted a tube 2" too small and it exploded in the tire). A truck tube is fitted. What a majestic place to camp a huge limestone hill above the Railway station and wonderful hawker stall food.<br />
<br />
<br />
Rolling at 9.30am the convoy is off with Deathstar in the lead and everyone trying to keep up.<br />
<br />
Soon its trailhead time and air down the tires and engage 4x4 etc. We stop at archeological site of Gua Cha (Tea Cave) for 15 minutes to let everyone play tourist. Back on the road and we stop at Kg ToHoi for Azhar to drop off medical supplies then we are mobile again.<br />
<br />
Gua Cha<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_Rahgu_IMG_2173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_Rahgu_IMG_2173.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Kg ToHoi Orang Asli's processing bamboo<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_JB_P1000616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_JB_P1000616.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The Sg. Perias log bridge appears and up we go. Deathstar starts to get hot at the top ah what it should not so we stop and investigate - I find an oil leak and pop in 1.5liter of water to the radiator. Time for me to head out and investigate. We (Daffy) leave the convoy and I hand over convoy lead to Kewees - they are to go straight up and deliver goods and come back down. We will be back tonight 7.00pm else we coming back in the morning. If not up by 11am the next day were not coming back in.<br />
<br />
<br />
Deathstar after overheating<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_JB_P1000622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_JB_P1000622.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
With that we head back to town. We find one problem the sudden oil leak is from the crankcase seal not serious. However there is a steering issue to be fixed and that’s found and rectified. Then the cooling issue. Find it - a new radiator cap with 3mm longer reach is required so the search around the spare parts shops is done and the problem is solved. Then its food at a Chinese restaurant and were off and its 4.00pm 2 hours to Pos Simpo we will just make it before dark.<br />
<br />
We cruise back no issues check the Radiator and it makes that nice pssssssssssst sounds as I undo the cap - cool no need to check any further its pressurized and working. The clouds look ominous we come across two lorri Hantu’s parked up. Time for a safety briefing for the two tourists on recovery and what to do and what not to do.<br />
<br />
Winch Safety Briefing for the Bangalore brothers by the 3 seniors<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_Rahgu_IMG_2232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_Rahgu_IMG_2232.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Paul fixing the stuck diff locker<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_JB_P1000624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_JB_P1000624.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The Lorri Hantu's<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_JB_P1000627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_JB_P1000627.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The Bangalore brother's admiring the Lorri Hantu's<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_JB_P1000629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_JB_P1000629.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Soon it’s the lookout stop and we stop to admire the clouds and have radio contact with the others they are below Pos Simpo on the river. We stay and watch the clouds on the next hill over Kg Dandut and its getting close to dark. We head off - DAMN too late it rains and the track instantly turns to slush. The tricky climb I watch Daffy claw its way up the difficult route and I follow up the easy route and get stuck. Damn we realize I have not engaged the hubs quick fix engage the hubs a 1 meter winch and it drives out and I slide across the track into the next rut. We unhook then realise I’m still stuck this time a longer winch is required and I pull DAFFY backwards also but out it drives.<br />
<br />
Wahoo onwards.<br />
<br />
The rain clouds above us and we watched much to our stupidity<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_JB_P1000638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_JB_P1000638.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Victor running out the winch cable to recover Deathstar<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_JB_P1000642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_JB_P1000642.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Yup Deathstar is stuck<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_JB_P1000643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_JB_P1000643.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Winch<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_JB_P1000648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_JB_P1000648.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Climbing to Kg Dandut<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_Rahgu_IMG_2243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_Rahgu_IMG_2243.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The tourists<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_Rahgu_IMG_2249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_Rahgu_IMG_2249.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
It's just about dusk as we pass the Million dollar view village and the water fall view at Kg Dandut Baru (Baru=new).<br />
<br />
Onwards to camp no issues straight up the landslide and then the last 2k into Pos Simpo and it’s still raining. Tomorrow will be Kg Rekom. Its 7.15pm time to get the camp out.<br />
<br />
Night camp<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_JB_P1000658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_JB_P1000658.JPG" /></a></div><br />
After dinner chat.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_JB_P1000663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_13_KgRekom_JB_P1000663.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Daffy becomes the chuck wagon and kitchen is setup and for dinner prepared my infamous Chicken Curry's. The others setup camp, Raghu, Ashwath, Victor and Paul while I start the meal prep. Then we realize we have 480kg rice in the truck and none for us. We have rice cooked for us by the nice crew from Penang.<br />
<br />
Cold beer and chicken curry at camp in the pouring rain does life get any better - I think not.<br />
<br />
12pm its lights out for me I'm totally exhausted.<br />
<br />
<br />
Morning I'm up 7.00am but cannot cook anything or have a hot tea, Paul has setup his bed in the kitchen ha-ha. Stupid me forgets to go bludge hot water from another campsite.<br />
<br />
Paul sleeping in the "kitchen"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000670.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Early morning coffee.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_Rahgu_IMG_2273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_Rahgu_IMG_2273.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Pre breakfast walk.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_Rahgu_IMG_2280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_Rahgu_IMG_2280.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Breakfast is late and we have the usual chicken sausages, omelet’s and hot drinks and also leftover chicken curry mmmmmmm delicious.<br />
<br />
11.00 were ready to go just rewind the Deathstars winch cable as it has loops in it and air down the tires to 20psi for more grip.<br />
<br />
11:30 trail bound and we are off 10k to Kg Rekom and 500 meters up the mountain to go. We drop 100kg of rice at Pos Simpo. Since it rained last night we are not sure of the track conditions.<br />
<br />
The walk to inspect obstacles SS1/2/3.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_Rahgu_IMG_2330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_Rahgu_IMG_2330.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Wow the ruts are that deep.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_Rahgu_IMG_2337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_Rahgu_IMG_2337.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Soon its SS1 and we walk SS1/2 and 3 before driving them huffing and puffing I realize how steep the 3 climbs will be - least the walk down lets me catch my breath. Daffy wheel spins its way up the 80 meters of no mistake or long recovery then its followed by Deathstar which according to the video's does it in 1/2 the time and does not wheel spin. However I slip on the rock climb and slide backwards then realize NO BRAKES Shit! A rock is used and I have another go and make it. Our escorts Kewees and VQ follow in the HEEP and LC II respectively then its SS2 and once again Daffy literally claws its way up - it’s too light. Deathstar does it easier however sliding sideways and wheel spinning the ponderous weight and lockers give it more traction. Kewees slips and slides his way up as does VQ (the Silverstone MT 117 EX's not giving a lot of grip). That’s as far as they are going out escorts watch as we ascend SS3 - Daffy gets stuck and several attempts he is up. Deathstar follows what we don't see till after is the bank collapsing and the cave-ins dropping underneath it in the video clips - YIKES!<br />
<br />
Climbing past the narrow SS1 climb<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_Rahgu_IMG_2361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_Rahgu_IMG_2361.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Climbing SS2<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000677.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The ruts<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000680.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The goodies unloaded from Deathstar and Daffy<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000684.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The blind chief showing us Sokoi which they pound into a tapioca type paste to eat.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000686.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Deathstar climbing the dangerous SS3.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_Rahgu_IMG_2374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_Rahgu_IMG_2374.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Then with cheers of good luck etc we are own our lonesome 2 vehicles 3 experienced guys and the 2 work tourists with the Orang Asli on their scooters behind us head the last 7k to Kg Rekom. At 1,000 meters up and 52k into the jungle it does not get much more remote than this place in West Malaysia. I'm immensely proud of all the participants and donors. The rest of the track is easy compare to the last 3SS's and we make Kg Rekom by 1:19pm and we are unloading at 1.30pm Kg Rekom is about 40 people 10 families and roughly 30% of them suffer from hereditary blindness. 52K into the jungle and being blind is not something I could handle. I cannot get over how resilient these little people are. 420kg of rice is delivered 380kg from Deathstar and 40kg from Daffy 100 liters of cooking oil and salt etc. Then I look at the pile and I open up my Coffee box and empty the contents and then the emergency box and food boxes and all the unused food and cans are passed over. Why you ask. The Asli's slaved for 8 days with 7 of them to clear SS1/2/3 so we could get to them and all I can deliver is 380kg of rice and the cooking oil I felt so bad. Still I feel hollow and I decide we must come back in March - we get a list from them.<br />
<br />
Last night’s camp was in that grass clearing 500 meters below.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000682.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Kids outside a hut<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000683.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The asli's who cleared the track for us with the chief.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000687.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The tools they need to replace.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000688.JPG" /></a></div><br />
This is how they carry the kids around<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000689.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Chunko's, tools and I will also bring blankets for the kids and other stuff. We take 3 chainsaws away to be repaired as there is no way anyone is going to make it up here in a vehicle after we have gone until a bulldozer fixes the track.<br />
<br />
The chief's house<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000691.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The shower<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000692.JPG" /></a></div><br />
A very nice hut<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000693.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Note the swollen bellies on the kids - malnutrition.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000695.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The supplies after being unloaded<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000696.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The village guest book<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_Rahgu_IMG_2393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_Rahgu_IMG_2393.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Soon it’s time to do the picture thing and head off at 2.40pm and promise to be back up in March somehow, I did not tell them but I’m going to try and drop the repaired chainsaws off in late December.<br />
<br />
The return journey down SS3<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000698.JPG" /></a></div><br />
By 3.15 we are back at the bottom of SS1 and I really have to fix the brakes our escorts are waiting for us as we find the brake issue a steel hose has broken off. We clamp it and continue the journey. 3.40pm and we have passed Pos Simpo and down to the river for a wash and a swim. Not before Paul how is driving Deathstar gets it stuck in the creek and I cruise across in Daffy two 4x4's so far apart in terms of everything ha-ha.<br />
<br />
The brake repair.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000700.JPG" /></a></div><br />
4.10pm its time for home clean pants, shirt, sox and I’m ready to see little Yoke in 7 hours time. Little did we know what was about to happen.<br />
<br />
The raincloud over Kg Rekom<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000703.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Crossing Sg. Perias<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_Rahgu_IMG_2400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_Rahgu_IMG_2400.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I cross Sg. Perias as the clouds on our left at Kg Rekom look really menacing and I know it’s raining up there. Then I cross the creek no problem and lay into the gas to slide Deathstar up the 1k climb to Pos Simpo for a bit of fun. Nothing happens the mighty diesel engine coughs and dies - FUEL FILTER FULL :( oh No. I play around and it starts again and we get to Pos Simpo after 2-3 goes.<br />
<br />
Then it’s up and over and down to the landslide and then it POURS, Kewees ascends and is gone. Then VQ and then the radio crackles VQ is in a ditch. Daffy goes down to assist and I follow damn its bad he is over almost 45deg.<br />
<br />
The thunderstorm<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000706.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Then we see VQ's truck stuck in the ditch<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000707.JPG" /></a></div><br />
We try and pull him out backwards no use stuck firm. Then frontwards - no use Daffy cannot get grip and Deathstar will not start so I cannot assist. 30 minutes later the rain stops and we work it out two longs into the ditch and VQ winches downhill of Daffy and he slowly comes out and is free but not safe.<br />
<br />
When the rain stopped it had tipped over even more.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000708.JPG" /></a></div><br />
He slips and slides the last 50 meters of the landslide then we see there was a real landslide in the rain and we take the bypass track out to meet the others at the logging kongsi.<br />
<br />
Deathstar STOPS dead and is put on tow :( .<br />
<br />
The busted Deathstar<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_Rahgu_IMG_2433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_Rahgu_IMG_2433.jpg" /></a></div><br />
It (DEATHSTAR) however starts and runs downhill - so a plan is hatched tow uphill release and let me drive downhill and then tow again when it stops only 42k to the trailhead and another 26k to Gua Musang to go it’s going to be a long night.<br />
<br />
3-4 times Deathstar is too heavy for Daffy and has to be assisted by Kewees in the HEEP for a double tow.<br />
<br />
The night drive<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_Rahgu_IMG_2436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_Rahgu_IMG_2436.jpg" /></a></div><br />
This vicious cycle of tow-unhook-drive is repeated until poor Victor is so tired he drops to sleep and is replaced by Ashwath.<br />
<br />
We cruise into Gua Musang at 4.00am but not before being stopped by the police who do not want us towing until Kewees explains we have done this for 69k what’s 3 more k's until we reach town. Bemused and shocked they let us carry on. Daffy is also stuck in LO range and will not budge out.<br />
<br />
Finally sanctuary outside the workshop<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000721.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Daffy also outside the workshop.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_11_14_KgRekom_JB_P1000723.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I fall asleep sitting in the driver’s seat at the servo. Kewees and Victor and Azhar head back to KL. Ashwath, Raghu and Paul pull out pillows and sleep on the concrete ground. 7.00am they go get food I stay with the trucks and then we drive to the repair shop. I send the boss a message I’m not coming to work today.<br />
<br />
I buy the parts for the Brake and fit them and we have brakes. They cannot fix the fuel - I buy two filters and still it will not run clean. They replace the bleed plunger claiming its busted (12 months old how can it be) then it starts and runs. 12.05pm we are on the way home Daffy in LO 2WD (max 42kph) 10k out of town it DIES again so we tow it back to town, put Ashwath and Raghu in a BUS and a mechanic appears out of nowhere and asks what’s wrong and ses he can fix it.<br />
<br />
one hour later he has indeed (after confirming with my Kuala Lumpur Mechanic he agrees the guys knows what he is doing) and I get a lesson on filters there is more than I realized or the other shop knew.<br />
<br />
We take it for a 20k thrashing the mechanic grinning he likes the 13B-T. It runs time for home and its 3.30pm 290k to go at 40k and hour :(. I play fighter escort for Daffy in front, behind and generally making sure he is ok. His xfercase and gearbox whine away something has gone towing the DEATHSTAR.<br />
<br />
1/2 way home it’s time for food. Delicious a chicken curry and rice. Then it pours for the next 4 hours to KL and we cruise into my driveway at 9.45pm time for a cold drink and food and to see Yoke and bed.<br />
<br />
I'm woken 8.20am the next morning exhausted still - hey time for work.<br />
<br />
I can’t wait for the next adventure - oh rats yeah there's none I'm river boarding every weekend on a contract for a long long time.<br />
<br />
End of Part 1 a GeckoAdventure production<br />
<br />
All participants from www.offroadershack.com and www.geckoadventure.netGeckoAdventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272279169206296529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573862095864884771.post-83994610502762394942010-10-19T08:51:00.000-07:002010-10-19T08:51:36.563-07:0010.00pm depart Kuala Lumpur the touring Dag Tiwok Kayak all loaded up on the ever faithful workhorse GREEN. Fuel and food and cold drinks in the fridge. I wonder how far I will paddle this weekend 200k would be a dream more like 140-160k? The goal is to paddle 220k or as far as I can towards the South China Sea in Pekan Pahang Malaysia from Kuala Krau 1k up past my endpoint (roughly kilometer 171) from the first part of the trip. This weekend im supported by another expat Robert who is an avid traveller of Malaysia.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The GPS is set and guides us towards GPSPoint TMNG111 whch is under a bridge on the river which Robert (my landsupport for this trip) does not believe exists on Sungai Pahang (Pahang River).<br />
<br />
1.30am we cruise past Kuala Krau out the other side and a right turn and there is the bridge WOW so big eventually we squeeze past a locked gate in GREEN and pitch out camp under the bridge no need for a TARP and a hot drink and a Sustagen energy drink and its time for bed at 2.00am.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
6.00am Damn whats that horrible noise? oh RATS is the iPhone ALARM screaming get up get up.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Breakfast is cooked big tin cold baked beans, sustagen school energy drink hot team, final check of the kayak, put on the kit, sunscreen and load up 9 liters of water and we carry the kayak to the water and a quick RV of the maps and a lunchpoint is agreed on 40k south "Temerloh" in about 5 hours time. 7.25am I head for those first 4-5 wobbly strokes off 25 minutes later than I wanted.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Packing the kayak<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang_050003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang_050003.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
That first wobbly paddle<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang_050013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang_050013.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Im off on that mighty big river<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang_050020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang_050020.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Its nice cruising along I average 7.5k for the first hour then I have a toilet break at a little jetty however the current tips me over after I have lifted the skirt off im over and in standup its too deep real deep over my head deep under I go again. Spluttering I reach the bank 1 meter away and sink past my knees in SOFT MUD. It takes me over 15 minutes to empty the kayak and clean myself up and yeah go to the bathroom. My average speed plumets to 7k.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I decide no more stops and plan B is used. Recovering I stop to wash my glasses and spot a troop of monkeys and a troop of otters (family) under them however my noise makes them dissappear before I can take a picture. Wow otters cool really cool.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Salvage Crew?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang.040004.P1000408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang.040004.P1000408.JPG" /></a></div><br />
It takes me the rest of the morning to get the average back up to 7.5k. I stick tot he left bank its shaded and the current is usually good, the middle is a mess of eddies whjch errupt and pull you around in circles and slow your progress.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Pleasant weather not hot and not cold. Then the best boat house I have ever seen 3 huge logs with a house built on top.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang.040007.P1000411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang.040007.P1000411.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang.040008.P1000412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang.040008.P1000412.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Soon I pass under the ECE bridge at Lanchang wow not so big from down below.<br />
<br />
ECE Bridge<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang.040010.P1000414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang.040010.P1000414.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Then I pass a fish cage being transported on top of two 15hp boats<br />
<br />
Fish Cage<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang.040012.P1000415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang.040012.P1000415.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
I get a call from Robert have to reach the bridge yet - yes about 400 meters ago - oh rats im stuck at roadworks and cannot get to there for ages. He has had a sweet teh terrik (Tea and Mil with sugar) boiled in wood fired stove at a run down shack haha.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang_050024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang_050024.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang_050026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang_050026.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
I continue on my downstream journey - Im starving what's for lunch as I have almost paddled 40k talk about read my mind the phone goes "just before the Termerloh jetti lunch is right there" - cool and damn/rats its on the other side of the river 200 meters away and about a kilometer downstream.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Me from 800mm away via the camera lens at Temerloh<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang_050032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang_050032.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
The pesky noisy ferry<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang_050042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang_050042.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Me arriving at Termeloh for Lunch!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang_050070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang_050070.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
This little guys was having lunch also mmmmmmmm insects.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang_050079_WEB.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang_050079_WEB.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
And his buddy also<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang_050115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang_050115.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
1.30pm and lunchstop is finally made - Wah step into knee deep mud and take my now dirty clothes into the restaurant bathroom to wash them. What luxury a 40foot log canoe is in the restaurant its upper class huge trees outside making this a pleasant place to stay for an afternoon. However, i'm on a quest and the South China Sea beckons. Lunch is the usual fare of sampling Nasi Goreng Ayam (Fried Rice and this time Shrimp) with an egg on top - my my delicious. I spend too long here and 1 hour 15 minutes later (1.45pm) im on my way with Camp to be somewhere near point 245k and 250k some 35k down the river to be confirmed by Robert when he reccies the area.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
You think I can reach K260 hahaaha<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang_050125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang_050125.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Departing Temerloh.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang_050131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang_050131.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Wahoo 11 minutes before sunset I slip down the side channel and there is camp.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang_050140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101009_SgPahang_050140.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Camp<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101010_SgPahang.040018.P1000418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101010_SgPahang.040018.P1000418.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101010_SgPahang.040020.P1000419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101010_SgPahang.040020.P1000419.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sunset is 18:59 and no moon so I cannot be late. No sooner I start paddling than the current stops flowing as the river widens - RATS! I cruise on making good time in the slow current and paddle down the right this time which is also the road side and the river bank/cliff is adorned with scruffy buildings and rubbish :( .<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Message at 5.00pm RV at 250K or 245K a quick calculation 245k im not going to make 250k before sunset.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A thunderstorm starts in the distance I wonder if im going to get wet or beat it. My back hurts there is something wrong with the seat and im tired and hungry 4 hours sleep is not enough with only 10k left to paddle. Phone goes again take far right hand channel at two islands as I pass fisherman after fisherman. TIme passes slowly as I race the thunderstorm and there is Robert snapping away happily the bright orange shirt a little beacon to aim at. I exit the water 6.47pm and at the K248 mark and struggle to get out of the kayak yet again the mud is horrendous i fall in and struggle to get out yet again im just tired I guesss. Not bad I have knocked off 36k in 4 hours wow and my average has increased to 7.6k per hour for the day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Camp site is a disused ferry crossing point it has shelter but the toilets etc are destroyed. We pack the kayak onto the car for the dinner trip which is down in a little kampung where Robert got destroyed playing checkers with the locals this afternoon. Then we see why my back hurts the seat back has flipped over.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Nasi Goreng Udang again (Fried Rice and Shrimp) and Milo on Ice. Im exhausted but we have to pull out the maps for the locals to view.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Soon its bed time I really gotta get some sleep. The kayak is unloaded again and prepared for tomorrow and I crawl into the sleeping bag and no alarm is set we both need sleep. 9.30pm and im asleep before I zip up the sleeping bag.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
7.00am wakeup and prepare breakfast yes baked beans cold and lots of brown bread and hot tea washed down with the usual sustagen school energy drink. Fix up Roberts stupid Nuvi GPS which will not show any points kast K200 even after deleting points K005-200. We elect to use the maps for the land support. im finally on the way at 8.45pm. Lunch RV is to be K290 and the end goal today is K310 or close.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Wow scenic paddling little houses adorn the banks and people are fishing from every possible spot. Most people say hellow and surprisingly most speak english doesn't matter I know enough Bahasa to communicate.<br />
<br />
I whack in 8k for the first hour then the river flow slows. Cruising on the biggest bend of the whole trip (300+ meters wide) I realise too late and have paddled the long way round.<br />
<br />
Phone goes as I paddle out of the bend - no food after K275 lunch will be early.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Me approaching Chenor from over a kilometer away.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101010_SgPahang_050188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101010_SgPahang_050188.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Paddling back upstream as I drift too far down<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101010_SgPahang_050206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101010_SgPahang_050206.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Lunch restaurant.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101010_SgPahang_050217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101010_SgPahang_050217.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Chenor from the kayak<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101010_SgPahang.040032.P1000425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101010_SgPahang.040032.P1000425.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
The kayak after lunch<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101010_SgPahang.040034.P1000426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101010_SgPahang.040034.P1000426.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
12.45pm I have padddled 28k in 3 hours Robert meets me at the jetty "Chenor". Wow nice old town right on the river reminds me of that Gerik rundown look. Lunch is Rice and Kurry Chicken no Fried Rice available here and Robert has the Patin (local fish) and rice. The locals were nice they thanked us for visiting their town.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
They got a shock when Robert spoke bahasa to them<br />
<br />
Im back in the water 1.45pm RV at K315 or K320 and off cruising slowly little do I know whats going to happen next. 2.45pm I send the hourly update K280 passed "damn no signal" . I cruise on there is almost no sign of life houses are indispersed every time I try to send an hourly update I get no signal - oops. I pass an otter barely 10 meters away he flips under a overhanging tree and I try and take clip of him then 2 more otters and a huge water monitor lizard which just watches as I slip by barely 5 meters from it. The litle monitors however crash into the water from whereever they are 2-3 meters up a tree crash they drop straight into the water. Troops of monkeys everywhere and the river is now very wide.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Try and cross to the other side to change current is fraught with fun the middle is even more dangerous than before huge whirlpools erupt under you or in front of the kayak pulling it round even if you keep paddling.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Me leaving Chenor<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101010_SgPahang_050223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101010_SgPahang_050223.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Domestic rubbish wow aren't we clean people<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101010_SgPahang.040040.P1000429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101010_SgPahang.040040.P1000429.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
The bank is the safest place. K300 passes and hunger sets in and I polish of a whole packet of oreo biscuits for a 10 minute break. Still no reception. Under a large pair of trees a troop of monkeys sound the alarm and drop down the branches directly above me and scurry of I get a great view that I forget to get the camera out.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
My arms ache a sign I have not eaten enough or just getting old.<br />
<br />
Gunshots punctuate the afternoon until one stretch where the continuious blasts of a shotgun sounds like a shootout.<br />
<br />
My average is slowing 7.5/7.4k/h K310 comes up and this would be a good place to stop and its 6.30pm but I cannot get hold of Robert I get a in message anmd then loose the signal :(.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
My view just after sunset.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101010_SgPahang.040044.P1000431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101010_SgPahang.040044.P1000431.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Paddle on to K315 and its almost dark as the sun sets at 6:58pm. K315 I get reception im at K316 on the right however I cvan see nothing its pitch black I head over to the right and at K317.5 and still no reception again. Then the phone rings im now at K318 on the left at a Jetty - rats $@$@$#$@. I tell him to put the car lights out over the water so I can see them and start paddling the 300 meters across the river to the left and round a bend and there is a Jetty and a torch shines in my diretion and the beam hits me from 200 meters out.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101010_SgPahang.040046.P1000434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20101010_SgPahang.040046.P1000434.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Sanctuary at 8.05pm struggle out of the KAyak (the GPS telling me im at marker K320) in the swift current round the jetty and a batch and change of clothes load up the Kayak and press the "HOME" button on the Nuvi and the voice directs us out of Kampung Chini Jetty towards KL. A quick check of the GPS shows 148K for the weekend and 76 yesterday and 72 today the last 5k taking me over an hour to accomplish. So 83K left to the South China Sea target date for the 1 day sprint to the Sea is 30th October. I don't care I just want food and sleep. We find sustanence at Marang R&R old town and test the you guessed it Nasi Goreng Ayam.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
12.00am Cruise into the driveway home having slept most of the way home. Unload the Kayak and leave the rest of the kit in the truck. I just fall asleep on the lounge and wake up 8.00am and cruise to work - its a different world.GeckoAdventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272279169206296529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573862095864884771.post-53080746043911688312010-09-29T10:35:00.000-07:002010-09-30T19:51:45.901-07:00Gunung Ais An Elephant Adventure 20100910Thursday nite 5.00pm Race home change the sneakers on DEATHSTAR removing the 33" MTs and put them on GREEN and leave that for the future wife to drive. DEATHSTAR meantime gets its 35" jungle sneakers slipped on. 6.30pm all sneakers done and KK helps me with the last 2. Soon its the rattle of DAFFY and Paul and the mekanik Jason show up with a 1/2 (child) in tow). <br />
<br />
Where we going - Gunung Ais (Mountain Water or Water Mountain) to get to the end of the track - according to the Mekanik Jason only one difficult gully to cross.<br />
<br />
Nite drive to the first x-logging kongsi (loggers longhouse camp) and camp then continue on on Friday, Relax saturday and home Sunday. By 10.30pm we have had dinner and talked crap and ready to rock. 80k and hour we head out into the pouring rain for 120k East along the East west highway from Kuala Lumput to past Temerloh then it almost due north I curse and swear at the iPhone as we cannot catch a lightening flash in the video as DEATHSTAR purrs along the IPOD playing John Williamson and any other Australian music I have. By this time its way after midnite and the storm still rages outside. Most people would have stayed at home but this is Malaysia so what were going jungle. 2.00am we reach the jungle turnoff pop in the hubs and head off. By 4.30am we are stuffed and finally the camp is in sight and we are exhausted the storm still rages so we sleep in the trucks no one wants to get wet.<br />
<br />
On this trip we have<br />
the mighty DEATHSTAR (Yellow and Black Toyota BJ75) with Kantha Driving and me as bangla for the trip in<br />
DAFFY being driven by Jason (the Rawang mekanik) with Paul playing BANGLA and video man) and the "1/2" jasons nephew.<br />
<br />
<br />
The nite drive<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_09_10_GunungAis_IPOD_TMG_PICS_010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_09_10_GunungAis_IPOD_TMG_PICS_010.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Dawn - yeah way after dawn and we going that way.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_09_10_GunungAis_IPOD_TMG_PICS_011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_09_10_GunungAis_IPOD_TMG_PICS_011.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Our camp site - yes we slept in the jaloppies at 4.30am to 9.30am. Basically we were just not in the mood to get out and get soaked in the pouring rain haha hardened jungle men my @rse hahaha.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_09_10_GunungAis_IPOD_TMG_PICS_012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_09_10_GunungAis_IPOD_TMG_PICS_012.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Breakfast in the kitchen.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_09_10_GunungAis_IPOD_TMG_PICS_013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_09_10_GunungAis_IPOD_TMG_PICS_013.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
9.30am awake refreshed - first FOOD out we roll the new rollout kitchen for the DEATHSTAR and cook up a storm. Omelletes (capsicum, tomatoes and onions), sausages, toast, hot drinks.<br />
<br />
Then pack the DEATHSTAR and fix the broken winch - yes the mighty little Warn M8274 has the brake incorrectly fitted and has to be working as we will definately need it today. Almost 2 hours pass and we play pickup 52 ballbearings of the ground several times getting it right we have everything required, grease, vice grips etc to get it fixed. 2.25pm we are on the road.<br />
<br />
The jungle repair to the M8274.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_09_10_GunungAis_IPOD_TMG_PICS_014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_09_10_GunungAis_IPOD_TMG_PICS_014.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
First river crossing<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020000.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020002.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Life is incident free until here at the first obstacle the uphill bridge when DAFFY's temp gauge goes through the roof and straight into the RED - we add fluid and it pours out. Wow easy find the axle bar has been twisted off the front axle/chassis and gone through the radiator hose. Simple cut the hose - remove the bracket and fill up the radiator with water and continue.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020004.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020005.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020017.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
No more incidents please then the next obstacle the first gully crossing lucky the track has dried out here.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020018.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020027.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
This is the 2nd river crossing and our lunch stop - yum yum beef randang and chicken rangdang and lemang rice recooked in the wok so sweet.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020031.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020034.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020036.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The new chef and driver of the DEATHSTAR - nope just a helper hahaha.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_09_10_GunungAis_IPOD_TMG_PICS_021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_09_10_GunungAis_IPOD_TMG_PICS_021.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Chefs victim<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_09_10_GunungAis_IPOD_TMG_PICS_022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_09_10_GunungAis_IPOD_TMG_PICS_022.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Then we amble on then there is almost a disaster. DEATHSTAR breaks the small bridge and Kantha puts the boot in smartly saving the day. Ps we break the same bridge on the way out.<br />
<br />
<br />
Hence our slowness sometimes we are almost 50k into the jungle with NO ONE on the track the whole weekend except us so recovery of DEATHSTAR by DAFFY is impossible due to the almost 800kg weight difference we took more care than normal.<br />
<br />
Cruising on next is the LONG rut lucky once again it was now a dry sandy track. First its the light DAFFY.<br />
<br />
Followed by the DEATHSTAR<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020018.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020027.JPG" /></a></div><br />
More creek crossings<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020042.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020046.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Then it was another gully this time shorter and possibly more nastier but we cruised down - imagine this one in monsoon season (no I don't want to)<br />
<br />
<br />
Then the second gully which was a little tougher than number 1.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020050.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020054.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020058.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020060.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020063.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020064.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
then the grandaddy 3rd gully winching point is only a 4" tree root on the ground which some idiot had attacked with a Parang :(. There was nothing else for over 50 meters away. Daffy had all sort of issues here - the XD9000 would just not pull even after a rebuild and a clean. Double line pulling it barely made it. Next was DEATHSTAR and the 8274 did a good job until the snatch block jammed - hence me yelling STOP. A quick rebuild of the snatch block and 5 minutes later I had it so Kantha could winch again.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020066.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Our view from inside the DEATHSTAR<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020070.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Getting the winch out<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020073.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020075.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Repairing the jammed snatch block<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020078.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020083.JPG" /></a></div><br />
And finally out<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020091.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Cruising on and no idea where camp is going to be we come to what we reaslise is a HILL of shale rock.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020094.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020095.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Just after I turn the video on Kantha drops DEATHSTAR into what turns out to be a wheel swallowing hole. all 48 meters of 8274 cable is rolled out and a PLASMA rope and the PLASMA snaps to. Then a 20 meter strap is rolled out and the video just catches the final retrieve right on DUSK (7.15pm).<br />
<br />
The hole<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020098.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020100.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020103.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Daffy playing in the ruts<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020108.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Minutes after this the sunset and it was just hell for 200 meters driving 2-3 meters at a time by torches in shale which collapsed as you walked on it. No TREES to winch off so it took ages to get through<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020109.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020110.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020111.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Kantha picks up a passenger in the DEATHSTAR and drags it along the track for 100 meters - oops.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100910_GunungAis_020112.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Camp was 9.00pm when we came to a busted bridge and decided this was it as we were all tired and hungry and the hungry vote won.<br />
<br />
Camped there cooked up jasmine fragrent rice, honey chicken and vegetables and for ontree cooked up potatoe chips while we washed it all down with really cold beer.<br />
<br />
We turned around the next morning after voting to find a nice river to relax at.<br />
<br />
Camp<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100911_GunungAis_020113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100911_GunungAis_020113.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100911_GunungAis_020117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100911_GunungAis_020117.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Left Camp after a leisurely breakfast consisting of omelettes and peppers and onions and sausages and tomatoes and pita bread cooked in olive oil and filled with margarine and hot tea/chocolate/coffee. Then a wash in the mucky river and a change of clothes and an inspection of the busted bridge reveals good idea to turn around and relax somewhere else.<br />
<br />
<br />
We chase DAFFY back up the shale ascent with me driving today and KK relegated to the winch wench seat.<br />
and we chase DAFFY up the slope ignoring all ruts but the descent side brings the dramas. At the top I slip on a slide slope and DEATHSTAR charges sideways to the rut I gas it and bring it round and eventually drive out of the rut without tipping DEATHSTAR over (close ha-ha) then its the scene of the night climb last night. Caution on the way down as DEATHSTAR as crumpled a lot of the track on the way up. DAFFY is lifting wheels and dancing its way down. DEATHSTAR with its ponderous weight just crushes the shale and soon we are at the 3rd GULLY.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100911_GunungAis_020127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100911_GunungAis_020127.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100911_GunungAis_020129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100911_GunungAis_020129.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
The Shale gully drop. DAFFy on it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100911_GunungAis_020152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100911_GunungAis_020152.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100911_GunungAis_020155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100911_GunungAis_020155.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100911_GunungAis_020164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100911_GunungAis_020164.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100911_GunungAis_020165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100911_GunungAis_020165.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
3rd Gully emerges.<br />
Will we have to winch? No DAFFY cruises quietly down and flies up. Monkey see monkey do so I follow suit so no time for a decent video of the climb out. Looks like we will not have to winch on the way out after all.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100911_GunungAis_020168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100911_GunungAis_020168.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100911_GunungAis_020173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100911_GunungAis_020173.JPG" /></a></div><br />
2nd Gully comes up and DAFFY flies down and up we just get their as they descending.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100911_GunungAis_020177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100911_GunungAis_020177.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
1st Gully comes up and DAFFY flies down and up<br />
<br />
<br />
Showing off we decide to ascent slowly and see if the lockers will pull us through :( - no we need a little bit more. Reverse down and nail it - easy.<br />
So Jason calls us "dickhead" hahaha and we go down again for a rerun.<br />
<br />
Then the long gully - oops this one is trickier and we slide up the long climb and run off the track recovering ourselves we continue to the broken bridge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100911_GunungAis_020195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100911_GunungAis_020195.JPG" /></a></div><br />
We repair it and cross - DAMN if it doesn't break again I just gas it as I hear the crack and lurch out to safety. We repair it for DAFFY to cross.<br />
<br />
Then is the two log bridge with crumbling dirt on top, damn tricky stuff one slip and it’s a really bad day. I stop to help DAFFY get across and wwwwwwwoooooooooooo on the dirt is something you don't wanna see - TIGER tracks (I sniff the air no cat smell) and worse a baby beside it that means she will be dangerous if around - that wakes me up.<br />
<br />
This is all too easy we cruise on only interrupted by the long LOG gully which proves to be trickier on the way out<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100911_GunungAis_020203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100911_GunungAis_020203.JPG" /></a></div><br />
and then the downhill log bridge which flexes as DEATHSTAR tries to be weightless over it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100911_GunungAis_020212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100911_GunungAis_020212.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Then we find the turnoff (we are still more than 20k into the jungle) to Sg Tekai (Tekai River) and sure enough there it is. Nice and shallow and clean and warm. We cross the river and I bend up the rear of DEATHSTAR on the river bank - oops. We elect to continue further in and explore as we can always come back to camp here. Then the track becomes steep up and down for miles heading basically due north. After 30+ minutes or more than 20k we come to the river again my my Sg Tekai again and a giant log bridge (rumoured to be the highest log bridge in Malaysia at over 20 meters high its imposing). We decide to CAMP here as its 3.15pm and we can relax and have happy hour etc. Exactly 4.00pm the camp is set at 400 meters up - the beds out - the tarp up - the chairs out - the rollout kitchen setup - even if there is 4 giant elephant tracks in the camp which means the big grey fella is prevalent here - time for HAPPY hour and really cold beers.<br />
<br />
Our camp beside whats rumoured to be the biggest log bridge in Malaysia<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100911_GunungAis_020241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100911_GunungAis_020241.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Our neighbours have big feet yup thats the big grey fella or mr long nose or the asian elephant weighing in at a mere 4 tonnes hahaha.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100912_GunungAis_020277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100912_GunungAis_020277.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Time for food - a snack - I cook up potatoes then fry them up with onions mmmmmmmmmm chips and onions and tomatoes’ sauce luxury.<br />
That’s the entree demolished.<br />
<br />
A swim in the river is refreshing - so what’s for dinner - wow I find a curry chicken sauce - so it’s chicken and vegetables and yummiest jasmine rice washed down with cold beer so by 8.00 we are all happy and satisfied except for one thing - no sign of the big grey fellas.<br />
<br />
Sleep takes me just after 10.00pm and I’m asleep in my bed. The others stay up until it’s only Jason he is wary of Elephants so he does not sleep well. A very big tapiar is spotted across the river at 1.30am and it scurries of when the torch beam lights it up. It doesn't matter Jason falls asleep and two elephants sneak past the camp the footprints over our tyre tracks show they only 10 meters from camp.<br />
<br />
I’m up at 7.00am and the kettle is fired up and breakfast is prepared once all the other lazy bones drag themselves out of the sack. Late breakfast ah this is the life the last of the sausages and eggs and toast (toast of course friend in olive oil in the wok). A long swim/bath in the shallow refreshing water and its time to pack up camp then we notice the elephant tracks hahaha.<br />
<br />
Yup they came calling in the nite and walked over the tracks of DEASTHTAR<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100912_GunungAis_020274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100912_GunungAis_020274.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The dish washing crew.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100912_GunungAis_020275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100912_GunungAis_020275.JPG" /></a></div><br />
12.15pm we are ready to roll back to Kuala Lumpur the spare jerry can emptied into the fuel tanks. I’m driving damn of the brakes in DEATHSTAR take 3 pumps to make them work - how does it happen? We climb and climb until we spy Gunung Ais (Mountain Water or Water Mountain in English) and stop for a picture the area is full of elephant dung. 1 hour later we are at the junction and its still 20+k to the trail end. We cross the 2 rivers without incident (wheel wash and underbelly wash ha-ha). Jason decides at 3.15pm its time for lunch and out come the two minute noodles and we put him to work bleeding the DEATHSTARS brakes - it improves them to two pumps to make them work - man its going to be fun on the highway. We realise no one has been in the jungle all weekend one set of tire tracks come in and turn around they had filled with mud and become useless.<br />
<br />
Gunung Ais<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100912_GunungAis_020281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100912_GunungAis_020281.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The mekanik working on DEASTHSTARS brakes before we feed him lunch.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100912_GunungAis_020283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100912_GunungAis_020283.JPG" /></a></div><br />
By 4.15pm we are back on the blacktop and 30k later its time to refuel and put air in the sneakers for the long haul home then it pours down all the way home - no problem it washes all the mud of DEATHSTAR and we all just want to turn around and go back to the jungle and camp in that wonderful spot again.<br />
<br />
Another trip is being planned we have the end of two tracks to get to still :). Then its the long list of items broken in the DEATHSTAR to attend to urgently starting with the leaking front hub and the bent rear bumper.GeckoAdventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272279169206296529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573862095864884771.post-48950029833735331192010-09-27T22:27:00.000-07:002010-09-29T03:08:11.921-07:00Jungle Trip to a crashed DC3 from the Police EmergencyTrip to a secret location in the jungle to find a crashed DC3 for four days myself in the GREEN Mardi Gra Float and (don't ask the DEATHSTAR still has broken axle and RED is still blacklisted by road transport).<br />
<br />
Met Zafrul at 5pm at home 6:15pm Friday nite the D90 announcing its arrival with the massivley noisey diesel donk.<br />
<br />
Wild Bill drops by in the Angry Hornet he is coming up tomorrow he has the spare car on the roof - no he's taking the go kart to the workshop for some mods.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a .20100827_dc3trip_01041.jpg.?="" href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100827_DC3Trip_01041.JPG" /></a></div><br />
We are on the road for curry chicken dinner at Raub to break fast.<br />
<br />
A slow trip to the secret town the little D90 is not as fast as GREEN. A hot drink at Secret Town and refuel and its time to roll into the jungle.<br />
<br />
We camped at the nite camp as planned and got there before midnite - awesome. No need to put the TARP up just camp under the pergola they have up.<br />
<br />
The camp site at the cave.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a .20100828_dc3trip_01043.jpg.?="" href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100828_DC3Trip_01043.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Cave is covered in trees behind the camp.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a .20100828_dc3trip_01044.jpg.?="" href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100828_DC3Trip_01044.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Sat morning breakfast and walk the cave and get attacked by BEEs at the far end - run run run to safety - then headed in and got to a remote Kampung before we turn off and do some exploring before we meet Wild Bill around 7.00pm as they were very very late.<br />
<br />
Cave<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a .20100828_dc3trip_01056.jpg.?="" href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100828_DC3Trip_01056.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a .20100828_dc3trip_01058.jpg.?="" href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100828_DC3Trip_01058.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Zafrul's D90 started making noises going up the first hill climb :( oops after the log bridge.<br />
<br />
The Bridge<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a .20100828_dc3trip_01068.jpg.?="" href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100828_DC3Trip_01068.JPG" /></a></div><br />
We stopped and checked.<br />
<br />
The breakdown for the D90<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a .20100828_dc3trip_01069.jpg.?="" href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100828_DC3Trip_01069.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I got hold of Bill on the Phone via SMS and then damn it it rang at 500 meters up and 20k into the jungle he gave us an update so I ordered DIFF oil for the D90.<br />
<br />
On the road again we headed in the direction we carried on the exploration following a water tank.<br />
<br />
The delay until the bulldozer clears the logged tree from the track.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a .20100828_dc3trip_01079.jpg.?="" href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100828_DC3Trip_01079.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a .20100828_dc3trip_01070.jpg.?="" href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100828_DC3Trip_01070.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Me removing the drive shaft from the D90. Yes the rego plate is a ex-Peragu Dam project Landrover.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a .20100828_dc3trip_01087.jpg.?="" href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100828_DC3Trip_01087.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Logging is destroying large quantities of jungle (>400 hectares at a time)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a .20100828_dc3trip_01074.jpg.?="" href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100828_DC3Trip_01074.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The front prop was loose as was the rear :( . Checked the front DIFF and its a COFFEE colour oops time to remove the front PROP as maybe its lost the bearings already so better not damage the crown and pinion. Took me an hour to remove the PROP and tighten the rear - second time round lock nuts :( ?<br />
<br />
The million dollar view at the lookout 500 meters up.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a .20100828_dc3trip_01097.stitched.jpg.?="" href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100828_DC3Trip_01097.Stitched.JPG" /></a></div><br />
We headed deeper into the jungle until 4pm when we got we got to a nice flat muddy part followed by a long climb and the D90 would not move any more on the flat so we turned around and headed back to Secret Village for camp (it was 4pm by this time and Secret Village was over 3 hours away).<br />
<br />
This is a PTO winch - check the hook.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a .20100828_dc3trip_01114.jpg.?="" href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100828_DC3Trip_01114.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Check the log bridge out a double decka.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a .20100828_dc3trip_01120.jpg.?="" href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100828_DC3Trip_01120.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Alsi Villagers<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a .20100828_dc3trip_01122.jpg.?="" href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100828_DC3Trip_01122.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
A beautiful River but we could not camp on it nowhere was accessible :(<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a .20100828_dc3trip_01146.jpg.?="" href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100828_DC3Trip_01146.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The D90 on a muddy track<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a .20100828_dc3trip_01147.jpg.?="" href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100828_DC3Trip_01147.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Around this time on some of the hills I could catch Wild Bill on the radio as it turns out he was over 20k away and eventually we meet up just as it started to rain (it poured as I was climbing the hill and it chased me up) at 7:10pm Secret Village is roughly 13k (exactly) away at this point or ½ hour normal jungle drive. We head off into the now rapidly setting sun.<br />
<br />
We don't even get 100 meters and the D90 is in trouble it cannot move downhill without spinning around - Ray rescued it, but Bill being crazy goes to rescue it also leaving a trail of destruction as he backtracks. Once rescued the D90 I put in on the back of Green or in front depending on the hill and tow or hold him back. The Silverstone 35”XTs bite and pull the D90 around like a kid pulling a toy on a string. 5 minutes of RAIN caused absolute chaos to the track I was shocked as to how little rain turned it to almost impossible to drive on. MT's wow seriously no good at all.<br />
<br />
The D90 held back on a descent.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a .20100828_dc3trip_01154.jpg.?="" href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100828_DC3Trip_01154.JPG" /></a></div><br />
It's pitch black and not its still raining steadily when we reach the steep Secret Village track turnoff and Zafrul has another problem SPARKS flying out underneath again it was not a mirage I saw. On this climb he gets stuck and Bill following right up his @rse decides to go left rather than wait or even go right which is the best way -- BILL There's a DITCH howwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwll engine screaming crash bang - yup he's in the ditch engine screaming. Its going to be a long night sigh! 320HP a monster PTO and a crap load of ECU’s and stuff ain’t going to get you out of this one real quick.<br />
<br />
Wild Bill trying to recover using GREEN as the anchor no use it did not move GREEN is pulled down the hill.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a .20100828_dc3trip_01157.jpg.?="" href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100828_DC3Trip_01157.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Zafrul's stuck (he’s the easy one to recover). Up ahead on the left track I can see a HILUX stuck also in a ditch and BILLS in the ditch also. Ray comes past me. Bill decides he WANTS to drive out - CRUNCH GRIND - wow somethings not working front locker and PTO - PTO Winch is rolled out and attached to the HEEP - meantime since he does not want my help I rescue ZAFRUL and tow him to saftey he drives of to give us room to rescue the ANGRY hornet. I check on the loggers they are in the cr@P and up on 3 wheels also and I tell them I will rescue them after Bill - they are happy. Back to Bill - still mucking around - After he then realised his LOCKERS not working and engine oil pressure getting low he decides he needs help. He tried to get Ray to rescue him - no use the JEEP is way top light - Finally I offer to rescue him he agrees - I really think he hates having a stock little green wagon run rings around his $$$$$$$ toy. <br />
<br />
I line it up with Ray for an anchor and wind out the full 35 meters of cable and slowly out he comes one hour later. They turn around and they head off I go rescue the loggers once again a full 30 meter winch recovery - GREEN just pulls and the batteries last. No sooner had I turned around on the steep slope from the loggers I get a radio message ZAFRUl's D90 is stuck and Bill cannot climb a slope. Hang on hang on hang on I will be there in a few minutes flat out I fly up the track sliding and the little 1KZ screaming away having a ball on the track - there they are stuck at the bottom of a steep climb I slip GREEN in front of the D90 hook up the strap tell RAY to GO - Tell Bill to Go (he does at 7000+ revs in rear wheel drive locker on and MUD everywhere - the loggers next - I drive GREEN from exactly where it is in the muddy slope and pull the D90 up the hill at 3000 revs damn its so impressive effortless it barely feels the D90.<br />
<br />
I just leave the D90 on the strap the next downhill to the loggers camp is terrifying I use every piece of driving skill I have to drive and me sliding sideways down the slope holding the D90 from spinning sideways - quite possibly the best driving I have ever done and we are safe at the loggers camp for a TEH TERRIK and Bill to sort out his expensive problem. By this time its 11.30pm. Then the story comes out the loggers had cooked DINNER but discovered no RICE hahaha - so what to do drive 52K each way and get 2 bags. Simple but on the way back to save a minute they took the shortcut and dropped into the ditch. The loggers advise take the RIGHT up the landslide - I let the others go and hooked up the D90 again and up the landslide - I missed the right turn and holy cr@p trouble however GREEN just pulled the D90 up the steep rutted and bumpy slope and never missed a beat. Then real trouble a side slope ending in a ditch realising I would never make it I stopped and we dug a trench for the right wheels to sit on and GREEN once again shocked me it started on the slope and just pulled us through it but I stopped too early and ZAFUL could not drive and I could not move either. SO unhitch drive up the slope turn around come down and winch him. (No help Bill and co had driven off and left us alone) they radioed do we want help - nope im fine I know exactly what I am doing (helping a friend). I rescue the D90 turn around on the slope and hook up the strap again and FLOOR it we climb out of the landslide and Secret Village is only 500 meters away its 12.00pm over 5 hours to travel 13k and GREEN simply awesome for a stock truck. The Villagers recognise me and we are offered the community center by Amit.<br />
<br />
Secret Village at 660 meters the hill above is almost 2000 meters high.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a .20100829_dc3trip_01168.jpg.?="" href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100829_DC3Trip_01168.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Next day its up and fix the LANDROVER and put fresh oil in the DIFF but leave the shaft off. Then ZAFUL finds the sparks - the power steering pump has come undone and lodged against the chassis and worn a hole in it with the pulley :( . He has a new belt so I fix it. Ray's power steering in the HEEP is leaking. GREEN is the only one intact. We pickup a guide from a nearby village to help us find a waterfall and camping spot. The Track the loggers has been bulldozed they used their bulldozer to clear the track up at the crack of dawn.<br />
<br />
The D90 at the landslide our tire tracks from the nite before still visible oops.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a .20100829_dc3trip_01172.jpg.?="" href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100829_DC3Trip_01172.JPG" /></a></div><br />
On the way GREENs AUTO plays up and overheats. Damn im in HI RANGE and have cooked it on the long hill climbs for the past 20k. I give it 15 minutes - no good. I elect to pull out and dump AMIT (guide) in the HEEP. I decide to sleep to let it cool down before heading out as if one can sleep in the stinking hot sun but I do. 75 minutes later I pack up the bed and put GREEN into LO and head out - its fine. I get a message on the radio they’re at camp. By this time when the I have travelled 10+k. I elect to turn back as GREEN is now faultless. DAMN a bulldozer on a lorry goes past as I am turning - I follow this to way after my turnaround point taking video clips etc. Soon im close and they give me instructions - turn left at the village with the CAT996 at it. Soon I am at camp and have travelled some 30k by myself including a monster steep uphill of over 400 meters up and the little GREEN wagon open diffs and auto just ate it all up.<br />
<br />
The Bulldozer passes me as I turnaround :(<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a .20100829_dc3trip_01186.jpg.?="" href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100829_DC3Trip_01186.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The gateway to a nice camp hahaha.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a .20100829_dc3trip_01195.jpg.?="" href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100829_DC3Trip_01195.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I find the camp site by. Wild Bill went in search of fuel and they manage to buy 65 litres and they still might run out on the way out.<br />
<br />
Shifting house because it flooded.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a .20100829_dc3trip_01218.jpg.?="" href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100829_DC3Trip_01218.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The river below camp a nice cool place to relax with a beer.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a .20100829_dc3trip_01214.jpg.?="" href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100829_DC3Trip_01214.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Camp and the fire<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a .20100830_dc3trip_01244.jpg.?="" href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100830_DC3Trip_01244.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Jungle hike<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a .20100830_dc3trip_01255.jpg.?="" href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100830_DC3Trip_01255.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
THe crashed DC3 - mission accomplished<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a .20100830_dc3trip_01266.jpg.?="" href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100830_DC3Trip_01266.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Inside the wreck<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a .20100830_dc3trip_01272.jpg.?="" href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100830_DC3Trip_01272.JPG" /></a></div><br />
One of the engines.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a .20100830_dc3trip_01277.jpg.?="" href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100830_DC3Trip_01277.JPG" /></a></div><br />
We spent over an hour up there exploring.<br />
<br />
After that we hiked out and we spent the day in the river and camping water and relaxing and stoking the huge fire. Thats was day 3 gone.<br />
<br />
How do you scare WIld Bill - answer I toss gas cannisters in the fire hahaha then tell him.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100830_DC3Trip_01300.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100830_DC3Trip_01300.JPG" /></a></div><br />
This is how he gets us back - petrol<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100830_DC3Trip_01306.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100830_DC3Trip_01306.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Day 4 home day. On the way out hilarious Oh year Wild Bills battery was flat despite not using it from Sunday - looks like he has an earth problem. We started it with the FLURO battery from GREEN.<br />
<br />
A burrowing shrew so young its suckling the arm.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100831_DC3Trip_01356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100831_DC3Trip_01356.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I pickup Ray’s front left Shock and mount off the road, then I dropped the guide off<br />
<br />
Dropping the guide and goodies back to Secret Village.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100831_DC3Trip_01366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100831_DC3Trip_01366.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
The waterfall near Secret Village - next trip im walking to it. Taken with a 800mm lens from over a 1,000meters away.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100831_DC3Trip_01374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100831_DC3Trip_01374.JPG" /></a></div><br />
and Bill said they might wait for me in Secret Town but I will be going too slow as they travelling faster than me so see them in KL - hahaha - 11k from Secret Town and I’m running on "E" for the past 43k freewheeling downhill and only 2,000rpm uphill when a tall Indian guy steps out to the road and waves - wait I recognise him its Ganesh. Turn around - Wild Bills in a workshop Bonnet up Left front wheel hub off rear just being jacked up.<br />
<br />
Greeen after the trip yup it was a muddy one<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100831_DC3Trip_01379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100831_DC3Trip_01379.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100831_DC3Trip_01380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100831_DC3Trip_01380.JPG" /></a></div>HEEP having the shock reattached.<br />
<br />
The busted window.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100831_DC3Trip_01383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100831_DC3Trip_01383.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Problems - SMASHED WINDSCREEN on the ANgry Hornet from Ray towing him - Front left HUB is DRY (its not been greased when repaired on Friday morning) and worse the circlip is off so no axle will work its hub is turned its MUSHED and ROsak. The rear DIFF is non existent all the teeth are broken.<br />
<br />
The FRONT hub cannot be fixed - ROSAK so cannot go home we have to repair the rear. A Toyota dealer has a new pumpkin (on a public holiday and all) so Bill buys it and a new 8/39 front pinion and crown set. Its installed by this time its 6.00pm. Next a wrecker has a new window he will wait for us and install it. 8.30pm window fitted and ready to head back to KL we left Secret Town at 8.45pm and arrived in KL 11:47pm -<br />
<br />
I flew in the little green wagon.<br />
<br />
<br />
Ps Green only gets 3k a litre in the jungle 300k travelled and I used 97 liters LOL. Time for a manual gearbox and a 8274 winch for it with twin electric motors for GREEN.<br />
<br />
I cannot praise a stock vehicle more than this one. GREEN is a delight to drive flick it into a corner and it slides wherever you point it and the gas peddle in 4WD its even more balanced what a wonderful little 4x4 to toss around it has enough power to slide the back around.<br />
<br />
On the way back I flew 3 hours 2 minutes home from Secret Town.<br />
<br />
Return trip in November probably - I hope we can take the rebuilt Volvo.GeckoAdventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272279169206296529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573862095864884771.post-29099037933715515062010-09-27T10:08:00.000-07:002010-09-29T03:08:57.672-07:00Chengal Tree - Malaysia's Biggest Tree 19 JUne 2010It started out with few trucks going to the TRee and then it dropped to just Zafrul in the Landrover D90 and Zafrul's kids - his Twins and (ah crikey twins) and Myself in the now ever on the road Madri Gra Float and<br />
<br />
We elected to go as the kids had never been camping before and I did not want to let the kids down.<br />
<br />
8:15Pm we are packed and leave my house 6 hours drive at 80kph to go to the nites camp spot.<br />
<br />
I elect to skip dinner and have to stop for takeaway doughnuts at Gomback. I get an interesting look from the policemen with their MP5's as they are buying doughnuts also I guess I look a mess - CAMO pants, black GeckoAdventure shirt with CREW written on it and the tatto's haha.<br />
<br />
We cruise up the Genting hill all 750 meters of it the GReen LC II pulling away steadily from the LandRover. 3.0 Diesel beats 2.5 anyday.<br />
<br />
Then the handheld radio dies then another and finally the 3rd handheld dies - looks like someone I lent the radios too put them all away flat and the recharge has failed :().<br />
<br />
Oh well least I have my IPOD over the roaring of the Silvertone 35" XT's the IPOD keeps me occupied and homesick for OZ and cruising at 85kph its a long slow 322k to the camp site.<br />
<br />
50k before Gambang we stop for the last fuel stop fuel and then continue its only 50k to the end of the highway. Turn left into Terengganu and the toll. Then the highway becomes a nasty single track highway full of LORRi's we have another 51k to travel before the turnoff a roadside stall beckons and a welcome cold chocolate drink and a break is called for. 30 minutes late and sick of watchign a stupid black and while horror movie on TV we continue.<br />
<br />
Soon its the turnoff - blink and you miss it. The signs tell us 35k to go. Windy wide road damn its better than the highway we turned off.<br />
<br />
One big climb and there is Lata Cemerong Tourist spot. We negotiate with the guards to let us in and we are allowed to use the pergola to let the kids sleep in. Unload the kids and camp beds and happy hour with potato crisps to unwind.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100619_ChengalTree_00007_Let_the_Kids_out_3am.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100619_ChengalTree_00007_Let_the_Kids_out_3am.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Sleep beckons by 3.30am.<br />
<br />
Saturday morning.<br />
<br />
We awake 9.00am and decide to foridge for food back at the village rather than cook.<br />
<br />
The Restaurant<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100619_ChengalTree_00009.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100619_ChengalTree_00009.JPG" /></a></div><br />
What a disaster the restaurant has no food only noodles and they are all Curry (Kari) and the kids hate curry. THey get plain noodles and some vegies. I knick name this the foodless restaurant (I believe its actually Kampung Pasir Raja).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100619_ChengalTree_00011.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100619_ChengalTree_00011.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Back on the road - no no the kids have to ring mum and rats no fone reception here. oh dear pay fone needs to be found.<br />
<br />
Finally we on the way and into the jungle - damn 11k its going to be easy its still suffering the niceties of being bulldozed 2 months ago. Green lopes along rather fast and I have time to play on obstacles I should not (steep banks etc). Then we encounter a washed out bridge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100619_ChengalTree_00014.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100619_ChengalTree_00014.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The detour log bridge is the only challenge so far and yup you could drive it in a Kancil also.<br />
<br />
The turnoff before the tree.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100619_ChengalTree_00016.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100619_ChengalTree_00016.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100619_ChengalTree_00017.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100619_ChengalTree_00017.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Soon we come to the turning to the tree - nah lets carry on and explore we give ourselves till 2.00pm we have 2hour almost to play.<br />
<br />
We find ourselves on a overgrown long rutted narrow climb after taking a left fork 2-3k of narrow tracks polishing the paintwork. I get over 1/2 way up and realises its getting worse and the rut ont he left well would take me forever to get out of if I could find something (a tree to winch off). Zaful does not have a winch so that settles it REVERSE and another day to explore this. We go back and take the right fork and wow a small river crossing appears undaunted across we go and yup GREEN gets stuck on the exit - diff and suspension hooked up and open diffs and GReen is parked up on the bank meaning only one thing - WINCH!<br />
<br />
Green Stuck<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100619_ChengalTree_00018.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100619_ChengalTree_00018.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100619_ChengalTree_00019.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100619_ChengalTree_00019.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Easy winch out and Zafrul after a bit of mucking around gets the short D90 to climb up the CDL in the D90 making Green look stupid.<br />
<br />
Another narrow track and we hack our way along then I spy a hard right dissappearing down I take that. Hacking rattan out the way with the parang we descend and then left or right - right and we end up at a little boulder strewn creek - time for a lunch break fruit and a cold drink.<br />
<br />
Lunch spot<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100619_ChengalTree_00020.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100619_ChengalTree_00020.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100619_ChengalTree_00021.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100619_ChengalTree_00021.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100619_ChengalTree_00022.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100619_ChengalTree_00022.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Where the hell are we. wow GPS shows us to be real close to Taman Nagara border.<br />
<br />
What can be better than this sitting on a rock eating fresh cold fruit and a cold drink out of the fridge. SOme guys walk down the river hah its the middlew of knowehere they are casting a net as they travel down no fish though. Soon time to continue on and head to our real destination the TREE. driving back up we realise the left and tright forek is a loop hahaha.<br />
<br />
Then its the small river crossing and GREEN gets stuck again on the exit - however letting 10lb of air out of the tire changes the traction level and GREEN walks out - so does the D90 but does it a little tougher some days LWB is best.<br />
<br />
D90 stuck<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100619_ChengalTree_00023.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100619_ChengalTree_00023.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Left turn to the Tree camp and a very MESSY camp site greets us (more later). Straight into the river and cross one at a time all too easy but good video.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100619_ChengalTree_00025.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100619_ChengalTree_00025.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100619_ChengalTree_00026.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100619_ChengalTree_00026.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100619_ChengalTree_00027.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100619_ChengalTree_00027.JPG" /></a></div>Sg Loh<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100619_ChengalTree_00028.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100619_ChengalTree_00028.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The track to the tree has been bulldozed last time and all the difficult parts gone damn. We come to a big mud hole and take the log crossing chicken track. Then we meet the Univertsity Malaysia camp doing a study of the tree and the wildlife and plants around it.we have to cross the river as they using the bridge for their camp. Then a long muddy climb - lucky for the D90 its dry.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100619_ChengalTree_00029.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100619_ChengalTree_00029.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Park the toyz at the carpark and walk the last 850 meters. Damn I almost walk into a finely placed net - they using it to catch big insects and bats and birds. 400, 300, 200, 100 meters then the TREE is in front of us - just as I remember IMPRESSIVE and IMPOSING.<br />
<br />
We sit there for 30 minutes just admiring this 1300 year old living thing, remember it was planted in 700AD.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100619_ChengalTree_00030.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100619_ChengalTree_00030.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100619_ChengalTree_00034.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100619_ChengalTree_00034.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The drive back to the camp uneventful rats all too easy. Crossing the river and wow neat the University team camping on the riverback camp have left - wow what a disgrace playing card - decks of them everywhere food, cans everything just discarded. Malaysians do you have no pride in your own country.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100619_ChengalTree_00037.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100619_ChengalTree_00037.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100619_ChengalTree_00038.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100619_ChengalTree_00038.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100619_ChengalTree_00040.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100619_ChengalTree_00040.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100619_ChengalTree_00045.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100619_ChengalTree_00045.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100619_ChengalTree_00046.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100619_ChengalTree_00046.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The jungle destroying neighbours<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100619_ChengalTree_00044.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100619_ChengalTree_00044.JPG" /></a></div><br />
We erect the jungle Hilton camp crikey a 18*24 foot tarp for 4 of us and then elect to cleanup before we leave in the morning. Its a great spot the river is so clear we can see 200 meters across the river into the bottom.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100619_ChengalTree_00043.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100619_ChengalTree_00043.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The kids collect fire wood and we show them how to build a rock circle for the fire and start one - no I don't use petrol or diesel to light it. Once burning we show Alif the exploding green bamboo trick he likes that. However, the exploding empty gas canister tricks are not allowed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100619_ChengalTree_00050.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100619_ChengalTree_00050.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100619_ChengalTree_00058.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100619_ChengalTree_00058.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Dinner is cooked and mine well im not going to mention it as I survive on the rations I still have from the RFC 2009 trip and nice cold beers from the fridge.<br />
<br />
Sunday morning - low mist and quite cold especially 5.00am.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100620_ChengalTree_00063.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100620_ChengalTree_00063.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Arise and put on the kettle and take a few pictures the river is wonderful low cloud and the chorus of mother nature - birds. Breakfast is the traditional ommolettes , bakes beans and hot tea.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100620_ChengalTree_00070.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100620_ChengalTree_00070.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Packup camp and then cleanup the mess the difference to the campsite is amazing not one bit of rubbish left.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100620_ChengalTree_00071.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100620_ChengalTree_00071.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100620_ChengalTree_00072.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100620_ChengalTree_00072.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100620_ChengalTree_00075.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100620_ChengalTree_00075.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Soon we are off and heading downhill we take a left turn to a disused track which leads to the river? No its a dead end but I spy a camp site on the other side of the river - I wonder how they get there - next trip more exploring needed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100620_ChengalTree_00078.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100620_ChengalTree_00078.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100620_ChengalTree_00082.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100620_ChengalTree_00082.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Then another stop at a high cliff spot and way below us is the river still clear we can see right to the bottom of the river. Soon we are out as its only a 11k trip down and back on the blacktop for a few k's then a left turn and follow the track and we arrive at Sg Loh Bridge<br />
<br />
Camp was up there<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100620_ChengalTree_00083.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100620_ChengalTree_00083.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100620_ChengalTree_00085.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100620_ChengalTree_00085.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100620_ChengalTree_00084.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100620_ChengalTree_00084.JPG" /></a></div><br />
and before we can take a few pics we have to move so its down to the riverbed where I do doughnuts and wow the polis can not stop this it ain;'t a public road. However the D90 cannot do it the dam CDL takes all the fun out. The green mardi gra however runs rings around the D90 literally and is totally at home spinning 35" sneakers on soft gravel/sand in 2WD. Video coming.<br />
<br />
Fun over or is it we head of down the track I scoot off at silly speeds sliding happily through the corners then there is a sharper one i touch the brakes and step on the gas flick it into the corner - oops damn whats wrong then my super brain remionds me we in 2WD not 4 and I change driving style mid corner and im safe then the bridge looms up slip across sideways and round the corner all to the audience of the loggers who clap and cheer as I scoot past in a cloud of dust and flying gravel - I continue this pace for another 15k the little GREEN wagon is a dlight However I stop and put it into 4WD its much more safer and fun to drive - squirt - dab the brakes flick it out and pour on the gas the auto and the diesel happy being flogged and dancing along the slick gravel roads covered in Elephant Dung.<br />
<br />
Soon we arrive at SG Kelemin - I wait for Zafrul and I wait and wait hahaha. He pulls up and the loggers scoot past not over the bridge but through the river they wave us to follow.<br />
<br />
Tapiar tracks<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100620_ChengalTree_00090.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100620_ChengalTree_00090.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
We corss and then pull into a camp spot further up Zafrul takes the D90 into the river for a picture session haha then he realises why I will not drive in its soft and deep.<br />
<br />
We carry on we have till 2.15pm to either make it or turn around and head home. 7 gullies and 30k to cover. Well Gully 1 and 2 have been bulldozed and widened. Then after 2 it narrrows and GREEN is bashing jungle again. Gully 3 do I cross or not - Yup in and winch out -<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100620_ChengalTree_00091.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100620_ChengalTree_00091.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/".20100620_ChengalTree_00092.JPG." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100620_ChengalTree_00092.JPG" /></a></div><br />
We decide its time to head home as the next 4 are also going to be winching and they get harder from here.<br />
<br />
Zafrul is also winched across and out then we turn around and winch back out - stupid exercise no I have to dive into the mud to attach the winch cable to the D90 dam up to my knees in mud - the D90 is easy for GREEN to winch and it makes good video.<br />
<br />
Well the reverse trip is the same the gravel road fast and furious and this time im in 2WD for a change then I meet the grader - yikes - and I reverse and part up - stupid stupid stupid I drop it into a ditch damn cannot get out until its in 4WD.<br />
<br />
Back to the blacktop how to get home? No! food first and we are not eating at the restaurant of no food - Zaful wants seafood - what he sets course EAST for CUKAI - damn thats over 50k in the wrong direction we live WEST and we end up on the east coast at about 4pm sitting on the edge of Sg CUKAI (CUKAI in Bahasa means TAX the river name coming from the drownings yearly on the river the deaths being seen as a TAX) having a Chinese meal.<br />
<br />
Soon its time for the long haul home the GPS tells me 9.04pm arrival.<br />
<br />
We drone along incident free. Oh the noise did I mention the noise. If Zafrul is standing outside the D90 when its idling you can yell at him he cannot hear you hahahah hand signals only. I think the LR engine project engineers were all deaf when they built the prototypes hahaha. Spying a storm I ring Zafrul to warn him he doesn't hear the phone. At Lanchang (120k from home) we stop for a really cold drink from the fridge. The D90's air cond is gone they are running on fans and open windows. He spots the missed call - what ya ring me for - "to warn you off the STORM but it doesn't matter we found it".<br />
<br />
Soon its 9.20pm (a ha the GPS was wrong) and im back in Bukit Damansara and I ring the GF where are you im in Decanter - Ah yes the upmarket restaruant - PERFECT - pull up and PARK the mud splattered GREEN monster right in front surrounded by Ferrari's and Beemers and hop out knees down covered in mud. I get a distained look from the group using the IPAD and discussing world events haha I just seen possibly the oldest living thing on earth the IPAD is insignificiant. I scoff two pie main meals and desert the waiter tried to argue with me the pies were big haha one look at my clothes he gave up served the beer and dissappeared.<br />
<br />
Another weekend is planned but the D90 needs a winch hahaha.GeckoAdventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272279169206296529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573862095864884771.post-80774875426139958282010-09-24T06:18:00.000-07:002010-09-29T03:10:27.276-07:00Kayaking Taman Negara - Sg Tembeling a revisit 20100724Taman Negara weekend trip take the 4x4's to the wooden bridge some 65K into the jungle dump the kayaks into Sungai Tembeling and paddle down to Kuaka Tahan. Easy ha!<br />
<br />
Totally exhausted is all I can say I am completely stuffed. So those who think Taman NEgara is a easy trip need to rethink right now it s mess and really rough and dusty on the vehicles suspension etc.<br />
<br />
We left late friday nite 8.30pm due to the really bad traffic delaying everyone from getting to my house. Then the issue with YELLOW was finally resolved by the house visiting mekanik at 8.00pm then we could go shopping and leave - dinner to be in Jarantut some 165k away.<br />
<br />
<br />
Paul is driving the GREEN Mardi Gra Wagon with 4 kayaks on the roof and I am driving YELLOW (Kantha has pulled out as a driver at the last minute) at long last its back on the road after 8 months off.<br />
<br />
<br />
Arrived Jerantut 11.00pm then food and 1 hour for the next 70k of narrow winding, cow riddled road to Kuala Tahan.<br />
<br />
<br />
Finally its the trailhead. After several ciagrette breaks to retie the kayaks as the road was well to say the least really bad we were averaging 15k an hour and I was spending most of my time in 2nd gear. We got to camp at the wooden bridge (4K past Kuala Sat) at 5.30am time to roll out the beds - Brenda asked what were we sleeping under? Our reply was a million stars look up it beats your 5 star Shangrala Hotel. What if it rains? We get wet and pull out the tarp. Sothe track took us 4.5 hours to drive 70k and yes it was really badly hacked up and a quiet beer as a final salute to a long day and I was asleep before I lay on the bed. Cannot wait to try the track in the monsoon rains in 2 months time hahahaha.<br />
<br />
<br />
We woke up and 10.30am and cooked breakfast ommelettes and sausages - engery food I think not.<br />
<br />
<br />
The dust is horrendous its in everything inside and out of the kayaks and the jalopy's.<br />
<br />
No tarp just slept under the sky. We woke up and 10.30am and cooked breakfast.<br />
<br />
<br />
The luxurious campsite.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003513.JPG imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003513.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Breakfast preparation by the Taman Negara famous chef.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_1841790_n.jpg imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_1841790_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_3227012_n.jpg imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_3227012_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
The infamous wooden bridge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_4160367_n.jpg imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_4160367_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Giving Paul navigation instructions to Kampung Pagi and how to use a GArmin GPS 76CSX.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003525.JPG imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003525.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Weather girl predicting the wind direction and rain prediction :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003524.JPG imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003524.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Soon its time to setup the 3 kayaks and break camp. A change of plan is decided and Kg Pagi is now the goal on the kayaks and not Camp Nusa. However we have to get GREEN out of the camp first and Paul does it well with a lot of right foot leaving me with the potential to have to winch out later.<br />
<br />
<br />
In the water finally at 12.30pm (5 and a 1/2 hours late hahaha) and paddle off on the kayaks and Paul left for Kamgung Pagi in GREEN soon after to meet him at 6.30pm leaving YELLOW at the wooden bridge some 42k down the river.<br />
<br />
Peace at last from the dust on the water.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003529.JPG imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003529.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
The river was nice apart from being slightly hot as we had missed the early morning cool air. The water level was also even lower than my last visit. We cruise along quietly as Brenda on the short kayak will have trouble keeping up otherwise. Meantime im getting used to paddling a narrow touring kayak and not tipping it over. The current comes and goes and we have to tack all over the river to stay in the current.<br />
<br />
Almost no wildlife (sounds but no sightings) but the scenery is nice. I have no GPS so no idea where we are until we reach a joining river (what a nice place to camp out for a nite on the next trip) and I realise I am 5k+ out in my estimations :( oops it means we are borderline to arrive at 7.30pm even. Brenda is stuffed paddling the little Kayak has worn her out it also means these kayaks are out for any other long distance trips also.<br />
<br />
<br />
Water taxi anyone?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003534.JPG imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003534.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
The scenery.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003535.JPG imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003535.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Paddlers on the water.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003547.JPG imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003547.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003553.JPG imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003553.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Lunch at 3.00pm on a island.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003558.JPG imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003558.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Water Buffalo<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003575.JPG imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003575.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Log Jam on top of the rocks<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003584.JPG imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003584.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The first rapid coming up (bump)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003587.JPG imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003587.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003591.JPG imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003591.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Then we encounter the first rapid of the day or should I say bump in the water. Then its the "Z" turn and I know only 1 kilometer or less and its almost 7.00pm cool.<br />
<br />
<br />
We docked at Kg Pagi jetti at 7:10pm tied the kayaks off and lifted the new Dag Tiwok tourer out of the water as it has no skirt. We had dinner (and very very nice kampung food it was I can recommend this remote village for food) and then went to collect YELLOW from the wooden bridge at 9.30pm. We arrived at the wooden bridge almost midnite - had to use lockers in Yellow to get it out of the "car park" hahaha we spotted a spotted leopard cat on the drive that was quite cool but not one Elephant even though we saw signs of fresh droppings. Arrived back at camp 1:59am and then compulsory 3 beers each on the jetti steps and bed at 3.30am once again sleeping out in the middle of the village under the stars.<br />
<br />
Arriving Kg Pagi.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003609.JPG imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003609.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003610.JPG imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003610.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Our support Crew.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003612.JPG imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003612.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Our support crew still sleeping sunday morning 9.30am.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003616.JPG imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003616.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Awake 9.30am in the hot sun (except Paul he is still sleeping) and have breakfast at Kampung. Then its a shower and packup the kit and on the kayaks in water (Brenda pulled out and drove Green) at 10.30am (once again we are late 7.00am would have been really nice but sleep was more important).<br />
<br />
Waiting for a taxi to pass before we start a rapid.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003620.JPG imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003620.JPG" /></a></div><br />
This was a pleasant kayak lots of little rapids and prolonged spots of flat slow moving water as the river fans out and narrows :( - except the CAMP NUSA one which is the longest one of the journey. I had to bail out the kayak after each rapid as the water piled in where the skirt should have been hahaha.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The nastiest rapid we stopped after it to take pictures and Tim is holding onto a massive log canoe when suddenly it starts moving as a passenger boat wash stirs the water up. He ties to paddle it back to shore - uh uh uh its way too heavy - I hurl him a throw bag and pull it (the rope straining with the weight) in meantime another passenger boat goes past and tips the open waterproof camera box into the water retrieve it and another boat does the same seconds later ggggggggggggggrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Rescue Tim and the dugout then have to dry the camera box out. We try and beach the dugout more it must weigh 300+kg slowly I get it to beach more.<br />
<br />
The water taxi on the chicken chute on the nasty rapid.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003626.JPG imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003626.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Tim on the chicken chute - note the wooden canoe which was about to cause chaos.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003633.JPG imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003633.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Tim trying to hang onto the wooden canoe and paddle hahaha no chance.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003639.JPG imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003639.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
The rescued wooden canoe and my touring kayak side by side friends for life haha.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003643.JPG imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003643.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Me Running a rapid<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003650.JPG imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003650.JPG" /></a></div><br />
And smiling<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003654.JPG imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003654.JPG" /></a></div><br />
This is how you do the same rapid in a water taxi.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003659.JPG imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003659.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Passenger boats wave and cheer us on and we must be on many YouTube videos and facebook albums.<br />
<br />
Tim running a long rapid.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003670.JPG imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003670.JPG" /></a></div><br />
At the bottom of the rapid is this guy fishing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003675.JPG imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003675.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Soon we pass the Taman Negara canopy walk and I know it’s only a kilometer to Kuala Tahan and we cruise into Kuala Tahan 1:55pm. Then its 1 hour to load the kayaks up then a quick wash in the river to cool off and another hour leisurely recovering and having dinner. Tim decides to be funny and order 2 meals first and one at the end of the order thinking his meal will come out first - his 3 meals come out last hahahaha - We left Kuala Tahan at 5.00pm and arrived home 9:45pm (traffic sucked) and it was pouring with rain. Offloading kayaks in a pouring thunderstorm is no fun.<br />
<br />
A total off roughly 65-70k on the water for the 2 1/2 days paddling a nice gentle paddle on one of the most scenic parts of Malaysia to paddle.<br />
<br />
Paul at Kuala Tahan loading up the kayaks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003676.JPG imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003676.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Kuala Tahan and Taman Negara Park HQ on the other bank.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003678.JPG imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003678.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Tough on vehicles (especially on suspesion and the jerry can holder on YELLOW broke welds) but in all a great weekend.<br />
<br />
<br />
My new kayak is nice to paddle but very very wobbly if you move around hahahaha. And I need a skirt for it. It filled up with water at every rapid hahaha.<br />
<br />
<br />
Yellow used 45 liters less than GREEN for the Jerantut to Jerantut loop - but GREEN drove Kg Pagi to Wooden bridge for an extra trip (2.5 hours to do this section ) still GREEN really eats fuel. YELLOW also uses 9 liters less for the 1675k from KL to Jerantuit section.<br />
<br />
Yup its a wide load on the way home.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003680.JPG imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_07_24_TamanNegara_003680.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Paul likes GREEN he thinks its just wonderful (note better than DAFFY) and he likes the brutal low end grunt in YELLOW of the 3.3liter 4 cyl diesel.<br />
<br />
Green survived the first lady driver test and worse she loved it. Damn I have made a real handbag wagon.<br />
<br />
Yellows harness seatbelts and new seats worked a treat in the rough track never got tossed around or had to hang onto anything just drive.<br />
The track was cruel. VHF radio bolts came undone and it dropped out of its holder :( screws vibrated out of the radio face itself :( screws vibrated out of my glasses sitting on the seat :( I have two toyota 10mm bolts on the floor no idea where they vibrated from in Yellow.<br />
<br />
A big wild boar darts out in front of us on the road from Kuala Tahan that certainly woke us up from our quiet drive.<br />
<br />
The YELLOW wagon purred like a kitten the whole way. The hum of the 13b-T diesel engine at cruising speeds is wonderful to listen to.<br />
<br />
However I was totally exhausted with only 8 hours sleep in 3 days and it took me two days to recover completely.<br />
<br />
The next trip here will be during monsoon to see how the river floods.GeckoAdventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272279169206296529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573862095864884771.post-23524330791119345022010-06-15T05:48:00.000-07:002010-10-12T02:56:20.222-07:00Malaysia - Edge of Taman Negara to the South China Sea by Kayak Part 1Refueling at Jerantut 2am<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_400_JERANTUTRefuel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_400_JERANTUTRefuel.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Chasing Otters to the South China Sea and eating kampung Nasi Goreng Ayam!<br />
<br />
<br />
5 months of Planning (2 reccies and one failed trip due to equipment failure) and hours pouring over google earth and Garmin MapSource Maps for the Garmin GPS is about to be tested.<br />
<br />
So why am I crossing the congruence of Sg Tembeling and Sg Jeli/Pahang in the pitch black after drinking two cans of beer after I thought I was finished paddling for the day? Worse it’s on an empty stomach totally dangerous - read on to find out what caused this and the rest of part one of 170k of the 400+killermeter kayaking adventure.<br />
<br />
The trip planning started in XMAS 2009 when we went to Taman Negara for a few days to unwind in the 4x4's and I had a stupid idea wondering if I could Kayak Sg Tembeling which is the southern border of Taman Negara from the destination we failed to get to Kuala Tahan (Taman Negara headquarters). <br />
<br />
Well stupid ideas with me often become reality so after much research was done pouring over maps and Google earth and reading where I could I decided stuff it I cannot resist this I’m going to paddle from Kg Mat Daling to the South China Sea. <br />
<br />
With no pre TRAINING just jump on the big totally unsuited for this trip is (Malibu Stealth S-14 fishing Kayak) it's too big, it's too slow and just paddle till I get to the other end. Nah its a great idea it takes a crap load of camping kit and its very very stable. Lets do it.<br />
<br />
Soon I had a plan for road and water and GPS points etc all prepared. I had several people volunteer to be land support.<br />
<br />
The first trip failed when the support truck carrying the Kayaks overheated after the repair for the failed fan and water pump failed. <br />
<br />
Undaunted we re-prepared and tested the support truck over the same route (yup up and over the 800 meter climb and back) to make sure it was ok this time.<br />
<br />
At the last minute my kayaking partner (my future wife) pulled out leaving me solo or cancel - stuff that so I elect to continue solo.<br />
<br />
I am determined not to fail - not that fail is in my vocabulary.<br />
<br />
Day 0<br />
<br />
Wednesday night I am on tender hooks all day, the kayak is on the truck we are off 6pm and the second support truck arriving the following night.<br />
<br />
I finally get to pick up the first support crew (Peter or WD40 to some) at 10.00pm. Peter has been support for me in the Simpson Desert Cycle Races before he enjoys this stuff. Kantha (or Demontweeks to some is due to arrive on Friday morning in the Hilux hopefully at Camp Nusa) and we cruise off for the long 8 hour drive to the put in point at Kg (village) Mat Daling in Pahang on the far Eastern side of Malaysia's Taman Negara (or National Park). Kg Mat Daling is some 70k from Camp Nusa Resort which is 80+k by road from Kuala Tahan the headquarters for Taman Negara.<br />
<br />
The goal paddle as far as I can down the Tembeling River to where it becomes Sg Pahang (or Pahang River) and follow this to the ocean some 400k later. Its 379k from Where Sg Pahang starts to the Ocean and over 130k from Kg Mat Daling to the start of Sg Pahang. 2.00am Tursday and we are having a final meal at Jerantut before we head of to Kuala Tahan and the start of the 4x4 track. <br />
<br />
The total distance we have to travel tonight is over 300k from Kauala Lumpur. 225k to the trailhead and 70+ on a dusty (4x4 only) or muddy logging track depending on the weather.<br />
<br />
The trip to the trailhead is uneventful and I sleep most of the way for the first 225k. The Road from Jerantut (80k) to Kuala Tahan is perilous with CATTLE everywhere and usually just after you have crested a rise so they can ambush you as you crest the hill :) 50k an hour is the safe speed we decide. However, I’m fully awake for the 4x4 part and we think we are safe from Lorri Hauntu's (Ghost truck or basically a LOGGING TRUCK - 27+ tonnes of logs on the back of a WWII 6x6 truck)) until a pair of oncoming headlights and the distinct GROWL of a LARGE laboring diesel engine we realize shit LORRI hantu quick off the track. That wakes us up, several more pass us. We spy more lights clawing skyward so we stop and wait and wait and wait 7 minutes to be exact. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_495_P1000028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_495_P1000028.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Nothing comes past we give up and drive on - no sign of the Lorri Hantu was seen nor any tracks - did we see a real Ghost Lorri - scary stuff indeed.<br />
<br />
5.30am we both need sleep - realizing the starting time of 7.00am has gone we decide to stop at Bukit Awan (Awan Hill a lookout over Sg Tembeling 381 meters up) some 30 minutes awake and setup camp on the side of the track.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_498_P1000031.BUKIT.AWAN.CAMP.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_498_P1000031.BUKIT.AWAN.CAMP.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Our view of the world from 381 meters up.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_501_P1000035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_501_P1000035.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Ha-ha two beds out in the open with the truck to protect us from the Lorri Hantu's. We also get phone reception here and SMS Kantha (Hilux Support) and Yoke of the situation.<br />
<br />
<br />
Day 1 - Thursday<br />
<br />
We both awake with a start at 9.35am (yup a passing lorri hantu wakes me up) <br />
<br />
The offending LORRI<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_502_P1000036.BUKIT.AWAN.CAMP.LORRI.HANTU.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_502_P1000036.BUKIT.AWAN.CAMP.LORRI.HANTU.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
We are on the road again at 10.00am and refreshed with 40+k still to go to Kg Mat Daling. <br />
<br />
Quick Hide LORRI HANTU.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_509_P1000043.LORRI.HANTU.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_509_P1000043.LORRI.HANTU.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Water Tank.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_508_P1000042.WATER.TANK.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_508_P1000042.WATER.TANK.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
The turnoff is uneventful till we spot fresh bulldozer tracks - arrrrghhhhhhhhh then we nearly hit the bulldozer grinning we carry on. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_512_P1000046.BULLDOZER.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_512_P1000046.BULLDOZER.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_512_P1000046.BULLDOZER.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/x" /></a></div><br />
<br />
12.00pm we cruise quietly into Kg Mat Daling and order lunch - Kampung Fried Chicken and Fried Rice - it’s delicious and the locals want to know all about what we are doing. <br />
<br />
The GREEN wagon at Kg Mat Daling<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_516_P1000050.KG.MAT.DALING.KAYAK.UNLOAD.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_516_P1000050.KG.MAT.DALING.KAYAK.UNLOAD.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Soon it’s time to unpack and the Kayak is dumped on the jetty and loaded up - 18 liters of water - 15kg of kitchen kit and food. Clothes and tent and sleeping mattress. <br />
<br />
It takes 4 of us to lower the kayak into the water. I say goodbye to Peter its 1:40pm (only 6 hours late) and I give him 30 minutes head start to the wooden bridge before setting off (bad mistake). I tow the kayak out to the center channel so there is enough water to make it float with me on it. Then my journey starts 2:10pm 8k to the first RV at the wooden bridge maybe an hour just less. How wrong could I been. The current is slow and the sandbars mean a lot of walking is done towing the kayak. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_429_IMG_8372.DAVE_KG_MATDALING.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_429_IMG_8372.DAVE_KG_MATDALING.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_519_P1000053.KAYAK.JETTY.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_519_P1000053.KAYAK.JETTY.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_432_IMG_8375.DAVE_KG_MATDALING.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_432_IMG_8375.DAVE_KG_MATDALING.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I end up taking two hours and 10 minutes and there is Peter on the bridge camera in hand. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_470_IMG_8413.WOODEN.BRIDGE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_470_IMG_8413.WOODEN.BRIDGE.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The boat which passed me was actually towing these two solid log canoes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_461_IMG_8404.WOODEN.BRIDGE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_461_IMG_8404.WOODEN.BRIDGE.JPG" /></a></div><br />
This is what Peter saw haha.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_433_IMG_8376.LORRI.HANTU.WOODEN.BRIDGE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_433_IMG_8376.LORRI.HANTU.WOODEN.BRIDGE.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Then the surprise in this lorri hantu is a guy standing up at the back, in the cab is two then the shocker there is two sitting behind the guy sitting down - talk about a jungle taxi.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_438_IMG_8381.LORRI.HANTU.WOODEN.BRIDGE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_438_IMG_8381.LORRI.HANTU.WOODEN.BRIDGE.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Then this lorri hantu came across when I was underneath - yes it’s a HILUX. Running on 2-3 cylinders but still running.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_474_IMG_8417.HILUX.WOODEN.BRIDGE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_474_IMG_8417.HILUX.WOODEN.BRIDGE.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
We chat he has had fun. 8 fully laden lorri Hantu’s have come over the bridge. As I come to the bridge a boat comes downstream towing what I realize is precut planks for the one of the traditional long boats (see the pic above to see what it really was). With the water a little deeper I cruise on soon I’m at a village not on the map SRI TEMBELING huge and a watch a fisherman casting his net coming up empty each time. The bridge I discover is 12 kilometers from the start and not 8 like we thought. <br />
<br />
I pass a small covered workshop where they are making a traditional long boats cool. Somewhere along here is the start of the east side of TAMAN Negara the right side of the river Taman Negara (and since I have not registered to be there off limits for me) and the left side forest - I just call it all paradise. <br />
<br />
Fisherman casting a net (the whole trip I never saw a fisherman catch or net a fish).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_535_P1000069.FISHERMAN.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_535_P1000069.FISHERMAN.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Me arriving at Kuala Sat<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_483_IMG_8426.KUALA.SAT.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_483_IMG_8426.KUALA.SAT.JPG" /></a></div><br />
5.13pm I arrive at the next RV point (15k from the start) which is Kuala Sat and we decide to call it a day why travel 10k more downstream and camp by myself when I can be sitting with Peter drinking a cold beer - crikey #@#@#@# we forgot beer. <br />
<br />
I elect to stay with Peter. We drive up to the village and buy a couple of drinks however there is no food to purchase. <br />
<br />
We watch the locals play the evening game of soccer. Then it’s back down to the riverbank and setup camp. Soon after a pile of "idiots" from the village turn up and the village idiot is in full cry - u want coconut - yes - in the tree - Can I sit in your boat - NO - Can take for paddle - NO - eventually I tire of this crap and cook dinner. My my wonderful baked beans - Hokkien Chicken and corn all from a tin - delightful and simple to cook along with a hot chocolate. Meantime we try and use our mobile phones but they do not work. <br />
<br />
Sunset is soon after 7.21pm and it’s peaceful no tarp we are sleeping out in the open with a million stars for candle light and a full moon. We sit and watch the river go by. 10pm there is a thunder storm and suddenly a hand phone jumps - its Kantha (hey wait a minute now the phones work hahaha) he is leaving Kuala Lumpur want anything - YUP BEER and Batteries and your GeckoAdventure crew shirts from the house and our phones work also. We also warn him about the COWS and the LORRY HANTU's that should keep him awake on the drive in a STOCK STANDARD HILUX Pickup haha. Peter elects to stay awake until Kantha arrives.<br />
<br />
Eventually exhausted from only 3 hours sleep I fall asleep in bed. <br />
<br />
4.00am I hear a phone - Kantha I’m at the wooden bridge where are you - were are at Kuala Sat as planned 4k away you missed the left turnoff on the GPS - 5.00am I hear voices and a the familiar thump of a HILUX 2KD engine and Kantha arrives on the beach in the stock HILUX. It’s covered in MUD. The two of them stay awake I go back to sleep for a while but they forget to wake me - oops.<br />
<br />
Green at Kuala Sat<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_550_P1000084.KUALA.SAT.CAMP.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_27_TamanNegara_550_P1000084.KUALA.SAT.CAMP.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Cooking Breakfast Kuala Sat Day 2.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_594_IMG_8434.KUALA.SAT.MORNING.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_594_IMG_8434.KUALA.SAT.MORNING.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Green at camp Day 2 morning at Kuala Sat on Sg Tembeling<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_595_IMG_8435.KUALA.SAT.MORNING.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_595_IMG_8435.KUALA.SAT.MORNING.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Sg Tembeling Day 2 morning at Kuala Sat.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_596_IMG_8436.KUALA.SAT.MORNING.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_596_IMG_8436.KUALA.SAT.MORNING.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
The morning camp site.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_597_IMG_8437.KUALA.SAT.MORNING.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_597_IMG_8437.KUALA.SAT.MORNING.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
The "Clean" Hilux after its 20k blast through the pouring rain.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_598_IMG_8438.KUALA.SAT.MORNING.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_598_IMG_8438.KUALA.SAT.MORNING.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Day 2 - Friday <br />
<br />
7.00am I'm awake rats I’m supposed to be in the water the whole river is covered in mist wonderful and cool - breakfast cereal and milk and a cup of hot chocolate - wow all energy food. 8.00am the Kayak is packed and I’m off scheduled to meet the two guys at Kg (Village) Pagi some 30k down the river at around 2pm. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_602_IMG_8442.LEAVING.KUALA.SAT.MORNING.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_602_IMG_8442.LEAVING.KUALA.SAT.MORNING.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_605_IMG_8445.LEAVING.KUALA.SAT.MORNING.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_605_IMG_8445.LEAVING.KUALA.SAT.MORNING.JPG" /></a></div><br />
It is a nice paddle in the mist and it’s so cool I encounter small herds of Water buffalo which run when you get to close.<br />
<br />
I hear monkey’s birds and more birds the jungle is alive the whole morning with chorus’s of birds fantastic. <br />
<br />
This herd scatters as I get close in.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_646_P1000094.BUFFALOES.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_646_P1000094.BUFFALOES.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Every turn you get scenery and isolation like this the jungle filled with chirping birds.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_647_P1000095.MORNING.MIST.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_647_P1000095.MORNING.MIST.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Soon the mist melts and the unrelenting sun belts down on my black akubra hat.<br />
<br />
I have an incident with 4 buffalo's. Most buffalos run when you invade their space - bugger these 4 stamp their feet and then move towards me - I have to back paddle dropping the camera, however I’m in the crap as the water is so shallow they can out run me ha-ha. I paddle back quietly then get the video out.<br />
<br />
Close too close notice the body language and the feet lifting.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_649_P1000097.BUFFALOES.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_649_P1000097.BUFFALOES.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Close too close notice the body language and the feet lifting.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_650_P1000098.BUFFALOES.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_650_P1000098.BUFFALOES.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Occasionally I have to get out and haul the kayak across sandbank otherwise it’s a nice gentle paddle I think my body tells me otherwise. <br />
<br />
Kg Pagi gets closer and the sound of an Imam from a mosque tells me I’m close to human habitation again. I'm really stuffed and it’s almost lunchtime. Time to get on the radio - they are there JUST - more later they tell me - they must have had a problem. I cruise the rapid into Kg Pagi and pull up at the jetty and we climb the stairs to the restaurant. 2009 the water was over the restaurant - unbelievable that’s a good 10 meters above the current level. <br />
<br />
Then the story - ah yes well we were in the dust of many many LORRI Hantu's and we missed the turnoff and went to Camp Nusa some 30k further on and had to turn back and the GPS point to here was a bit vague so trial and error it to find Kg Pagi :).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_663_P1000111.KG.PAGI.AND.FLWATER.LEVEL.2009.MONSOON.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_663_P1000111.KG.PAGI.AND.FLWATER.LEVEL.2009.MONSOON.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Lunch is delicious Fried Rice and Chicken and it’s got a nice spice bite to it - I would recommend this place to anyone. The reason they were late - well well well they missed the turnoff to Kg Pagi sitting in the dust of a Lorri Hantu and drove all the way to Camp Nusa before they realized they had missed the turn.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_665_P1000113.LUNCH.WITH.CREW.KG.PAGI.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_665_P1000113.LUNCH.WITH.CREW.KG.PAGI.JPG" /></a></div><br />
45 minutes later lunch time is up and back on the river - next RV with the crew is Camp Nusa another 25k down the river and I join the ferry boats running up and down the river. <br />
<br />
Suddenly Rapids - wow loud over a 1km away I can hear the roar is this bad or not? I pull up to have a look and get a lucky break a boat comes up the river so I watch the route - and there is a side channel - I elect to take it also. It too easy in the big fishing kayak I video the rapids descent “look mum no hands”. <br />
<br />
There are many places to camp along here including a wonderful sandy and rocky island pity I have to get to Camp Nusa I just want to stop and have a swim and camp.<br />
<br />
The afternoon cruises on slowly at 6-8k an hour and then I spot a head in the water or is no no no its an OTTER cool I start to follow it as its also swimming downstream - through rapids and on and on I can never get to closer than about 80 meters then there is more and it realizes im following and using the skills it learned at CIA tracking school looses me with a long dive. Damn my mind now released from the chase I paddle on looking for more. I start to get near to Camp Nusa I stop for a power bar and sultanas break, check my GPS and continue on. The otter and the birds have made my day so far. <br />
<br />
I am quietly paddling along in murky water in what appears to be a fishing sanctuary - when I suddenly spot movement in under the bow - TOMAN FRIES - then two dark shapes and they suddenly SPLIT TOMANS and BIG - Rats I get the camera up and snap a shot however the shot is not as good as the view I get through the polarizing glasses. <br />
<br />
The black shape on the left is a Toman and the two wakes left by the mum and dad awesome.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_675_P1000123.TWO.MONSTER.TOMAN.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_675_P1000123.TWO.MONSTER.TOMAN.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Soon the GPS tells me I am 1000 meters from camp however I stuff up a rapid and being smart/cocky I take video while riding the rapid. Bad move the big kayak hooks a rock and I’m stranded drop the camera and paddle and rock until its free before I flip over then the next trough buries the nose under the waves and the whole Kayak is under water. I pull up to empty the kayak out the bait box is full I’m soaked and the front full of water and there is a bunch of boats here with passengers letting off steam and cooling in the wonderful warm yes the water is about 30celcius river water and swinging off a rope into the water. <br />
<br />
I drain the bait box its full and I’m soaked. Now I’m 700 meters from camp and the radio is now alive they will set up the camera for a video of me coming down the rapid to camp.<br />
<br />
Video of me stuffing up the rapid.<br />
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrZy-0yhaRk[/youtube]<br />
<br />
<br />
Cool the Camp Nusa rapid is one you do not want to screw up with people watching from the restaurant above and being a double rapid your gonna get messed up if you falter on the top rapid. Easy stuff and I’m in camp. <br />
<br />
Coming is <br />
2010_05_28_TamanNegara_637_MVI_0785.CampNusa.MOV<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_613_IMG_8453.SHOOTING.2ND.RAPID.CAMP.NUSA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_613_IMG_8453.SHOOTING.2ND.RAPID.CAMP.NUSA.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
A cold beer, a wash and then dinner wow at Camp Nusa and I get driven up to the restaurant wow chauffer driven 400 meters to dinner. Dinner is a hamburger - then 2 and finally I scoff down 3 hamburgers before my hunger has passed. I lie in the lazy chair in the restaurant until the other two finish their cigarettes. Air polluters phewy !!! haha. <br />
<br />
Magic place for dinner and watch the river flow by, 60k down only 340k to go until it hits the South China Sea.<br />
<br />
Back to camp and we sleep outside again I’m in bed (sleeping on the ground) and out like a light the other two drink cold beer and smoke cigarettes all night.<br />
<br />
For HILUX Fans - stock HILUX apart from the CHIPPED up engine and HT Michelins.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_684_P1000132.HILUX.CAMP.NUSA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_684_P1000132.HILUX.CAMP.NUSA.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
The muddy Hilux and the Mardi Gra Float at Camp Nusa Beach.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_685_P1000133.CAMP.NUSA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_685_P1000133.CAMP.NUSA.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
The KAYAK and the route I go tomorrow morning.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href=“http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_686_P1000134.KAYAK.LOOKING.SOUTH.AT.CAMP.NUSA.JPG”><img style=“float:left;margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand” src=“http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_686_P1000134.KAYAK.LOOKING.SOUTH.AT.CAMP.NUSA.JPG” border=“‘“ alt=“pic lost”/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_686_P1000134.KAYAK.LOOKING.SOUTH.AT.CAMP.NUSA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_686_P1000134.KAYAK.LOOKING.SOUTH.AT.CAMP.NUSA.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
The Camp Nusa Restaurant and yes the water reaches it in Monsoon.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_687_P1000135.CAMP.NUSA.RESORT.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_28_TamanNegara_687_P1000135.CAMP.NUSA.RESORT.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
The Camp - So nice.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_700_IMG_8475.CAMP.NUSA.BEACH.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_700_IMG_8475.CAMP.NUSA.BEACH.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Great pic by Peter of the campsite.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_701_IMG_8476.CAMP.NUSA.BEACH.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_701_IMG_8476.CAMP.NUSA.BEACH.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Another great pic and our well set up camp.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_702_IMG_8477.CAMP.NUSA.BEACH.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_702_IMG_8477.CAMP.NUSA.BEACH.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Hey this guy is a pro cameraman - great shots. That’s me in the background.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_703_IMG_8478.CAMP.NUSA.BEACH.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_703_IMG_8478.CAMP.NUSA.BEACH.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Yes that’s right Kantha is scared of the jungle and sleeps in the car.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_704_IMG_8479.SCARE.OFF.THE.JUNGLE.SO.SLEEP.IN.CAR.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_704_IMG_8479.SCARE.OFF.THE.JUNGLE.SO.SLEEP.IN.CAR.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Day 3 - Saturday<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Awake and cook breakfast - wow cereal and milk again and a hot chocolate. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A bird arrives to greet us with a morning song - <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_738_P1000144.EARLY.MORNING.BIRD.SINGING.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_738_P1000144.EARLY.MORNING.BIRD.SINGING.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
8.00am I’m an hour late and the kayak is packed and I’m dressed ready for the water. I'm given 20ringgit for a drink at Kuala Tahan. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The first morning sight.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_740_P1000146.EVERY.TURN.IS.JUST.SCENIC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_740_P1000146.EVERY.TURN.IS.JUST.SCENIC.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
The other two well they get breakfast at Camp Nusa and get to meet me at Hulu Tembeling some 80k away by road and 40k by water. 1pm is the RV time. <br />
<br />
<br />
The camp site from the kayak as I disappear round the corner.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_741_P1000147.LOOKING.BACK.AT.CAMP.NUSA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_741_P1000147.LOOKING.BACK.AT.CAMP.NUSA.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Deer spore.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_742_P1000149.DEER.SPORE..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_742_P1000149.DEER.SPORE..JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
I cruise off and get about 500 meters and damn it the GPS fails losing satellites intermittently it comes back on. I find signs of a deer spore on the beach as I muck around with the GPS. People are camped all down here fishing it’s like a holiday resort not the wilds of Malaysia. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Kuala Tahan is reached at 9.00am and what an unsociable place. 35foot long boats everywhere 50+ all flying as fast as they can to show how good they can handle a boat - stuff it I just paddle on and find floating restaurant and yeah I pick the unfriendliest one they have no change for $10rm for a ICED MILO (Chocolate). <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I drink and leave as fast as I can then the park ranger sees me and points frantically at the kayak in the water to the other rangers - I ignore them all and paddle off ignoring all the boats and everyone around me. Soon the water is quiet again and I spot a group of netters and watch the net being cast wonderful pic and then to make my trip a pair of rare long tailed parakeets.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Kuala Tahan taxi boat parking only.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_744_P1000151.KUALA.TAHAN.WATER.TAXI.DOCK..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_744_P1000151.KUALA.TAHAN.WATER.TAXI.DOCK..JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Kuala Tahan Water taxi and floating restaurant stops.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_752_P1000160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_752_P1000160.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Its going to be a long day no GPS but I know if I paddle nicely I am moving at 7.4kph which means 60-70k in a 10 hour day. Little do I know what’s going to happen next. Then it’s all back to jungle both sides Taman Negara on the right and whatever on the left but its remote and no one is around except a pair of mating eagles I get a 30 second glimpse at the sky dance. <br />
<br />
<br />
The Asli family net fishing<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_767_P1000177.CASTING.NET.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_767_P1000177.CASTING.NET.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Then a family of Asli's netting I stop watch and talk to them in Bahasa they are catching almost nothing and the catch in the plastic bag is almost nonexistent. My rations in the box are more than they would eat in a week. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Lunch is on the go I decide to drift along at 2.3k in the current and eat a tin of baked beans and tuna while I put my feet up for 15 minutes. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Cool I expect to meet the crew soon at marker K090. Well its 3pm and K090 (approximately 90-100k into the trip) comes and then there is phone signal and I hear the phone go off. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Rats they are on the wrong side of the river and some 30k away from me and I have to get there as no pullout points. So I have 3 hours to do 30kilometers before sunset. I step on it and I have no GPS I’m going by MAP navigation only. I stick to the right side of the river its shady and cooler than the stifling heat in the middle of the river. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I get stuck several times as the right side appears to be the shallow side. Most of the time I am barely putting a whole paddle in the water and the ends of the paddle has got rips in it from the shallow water.<br />
<br />
I get another message before phone comm's drops out they have sent message via a passenger boat - I never get it. I pass an old man caulking a boat on a sand bar strange site. I scare many troops of monkeys as the kayak silently makes its way downstream even catching a troop on the river sandbanks. <br />
<br />
I spy a thundercloud forming I wonder if it will rain soon.<br />
<br />
Soon its 10k to camp and then I can get them on the radio and then everyone wants to talk to me on SMS (GF friends in KL) forget it I either paddle or I stop and SMS and paddling wins. <br />
<br />
<br />
I can hear the radio but not talk as I only have the 0.5 watt radio so I am limited to 2 kilometers for transmission. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The storm cloud at 3.00pm at the K090 GPS point.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_770_P1000182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_770_P1000182.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Old Fisherman caulking a small boat.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_776_P1000189.SEALING.BOAT.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_776_P1000189.SEALING.BOAT.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Ferry boats still running up to Taman Negara<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_777_P1000190.PASSENGER.BOAT.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_777_P1000190.PASSENGER.BOAT.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
A hand carved canoe out of a single log.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_778_P1000192.WOODEN.BOAT.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_778_P1000192.WOODEN.BOAT.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Stuck again just when I catch a troop of monkeys’ on a sandbar.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_779_P1000193.YUP.GROUNDED.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_779_P1000193.YUP.GROUNDED.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Fish trap not being used.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_780_P1000194.FISH.TRAP.AND.BUBU.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_780_P1000194.FISH.TRAP.AND.BUBU.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Soon they can see me and the day is almost over (apart from that thundercloud I saw forming at 3.00pm). <br />
<br />
Dam this is a long way across whose idea was this?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_706_IMG_8481.HULU.TEMBELING.ARRIVAL.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_706_IMG_8481.HULU.TEMBELING.ARRIVAL.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Paddling damn hard to the point I was spent especially at the end of a long day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_719_IMG_8495.HULU.TEMBELING.ARRIVAL.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_719_IMG_8495.HULU.TEMBELING.ARRIVAL.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
They tell me to aim across the river to the jetty as they are on Sg Pahang and Sg Tembeling ends here. I’m almost to the jetty (200 meters away) and realize its two rivers merging and one is brown not mine. Little do they realise the strength of the current either.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
As I hit the dirty larger river I’m swept downstream and suddenly I’m paddling with everything I have I know I can paddle at 10-11kph for about 100 meters then I’m spent in this kayak as it’s just too wide. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I paddle and paddle inching forward across the river slowly so the current must be over 8k. The jetty gets closer and closer the radio does not shut up any time I stop paddling I'm swept away. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Soon calm water is reached I’m spent and friendly hands take the rope and tie the kayak off and I get a well earned beer. The distance well over 80k travelled in about 10 hours I’m exhausted. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Then 2 beers later the bad news we have been advised not to camp here there is a rock concert on tonight about 50 meters from us and too many undesirables around and our accommodation will be a government building with no water. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The crew showing off their beer cans.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_784_P1000198.THE.SUPPORT.CREW.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_784_P1000198.THE.SUPPORT.CREW.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
We elect to do the madness thing I have to paddle back across the two rivers to the other side and the crew will drive around down to a bridge and up to meet me. By this time it’s dark so I paddle 100 meters up the river in the eddies and then cut (paddling ferry technique) across the big Pahang river in the darkness after 2 beers and then quietly paddle across Sg Tembeling and beach the kayak and tie it off at the abandoned houseboat. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
What a stupid idea but I do it anyway. Then a swim for a wash and cook dinner in the darkness.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Nice baked beans and curry chicken and corn all from a can and a hot chocolate. Just as I’m eating it the boys turn up it’s only taken them an hour they setup the real camp. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Soon camp is wrecked by that storm I saw forming and everything it everywhere except me as soon as it started raining I’m in the abandoned boathouse ha-ha and the boys run in and out all night getting cold beer from GREENs fridge. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I drift off to sleep after 11pm and those two well they were up to 2am+ drinking beer. <br />
<br />
<br />
So over 120K down (and 70k paddled today) and 270k to go. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Day 4 - Sunday <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Storm raged outside and I’m in the abandoned houseboat snug and warm and dry.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_788_P1000202.SHELTER.FROM.THE.STORM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_29_TamanNegara_788_P1000202.SHELTER.FROM.THE.STORM.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Peters last day he has to leave this morning. However, he delays his departure with a SMS with a Dave's in trouble message hahaha. <br />
<br />
<br />
We get up very late and I’m not in the water until 8.30am little do we know the significance of this mistake until much later in the day.<br />
<br />
<br />
The abandoned boathouse and the mighty Sg Pahang in the background dirty and fast.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_30_TamanNegara_815_P1000203.DAWN.DAY4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_30_TamanNegara_815_P1000203.DAWN.DAY4.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
The support trucks lined up almost ready to roll.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_30_TamanNegara_816_P1000205.SUPPORT.TRUCKS.DAY4.MORNING.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_30_TamanNegara_816_P1000205.SUPPORT.TRUCKS.DAY4.MORNING.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
A helping push to start my day all I need now is an engine.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_30_TamanNegara_800_IMG_8502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_30_TamanNegara_800_IMG_8502.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
The current is good and the water is up a little from the storm. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
My GPS is working again I drift along at about 4-6k then the GPS dies forever (and takes $640rm to fix later). <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Damn it's going to be a long day but only 50k to a pullout point so we can go Kayak fishing tomorrow at a Dam. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A fisherman attends his empty net I cruise by silently ambushing Monkey Troops. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_30_TamanNegara_817_P1000206.FISHERMAN.WITH.NET.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_30_TamanNegara_817_P1000206.FISHERMAN.WITH.NET.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
The monkeys are fun I silently stick to the shady bank they screech and howl warnings as you come past. Then the shocker then is a huge Marquette monkey (yeah the alpha male) right on the edge bugger he hissed and screeches at me I just jumped hahaha - MONKEY! that’s my job to scare you ha-ha.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is one big wide river <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_30_TamanNegara_819_P1000209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_30_TamanNegara_819_P1000209.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
The morning is uneventful with a steady paddle and now signs of human life with river bank both sides being cleared for oil palm plantation and agriculture. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
No GPS I navigate with maps only and roughly know where I am. <br />
<br />
3k from lunch the radio comes to life Wahoo they are at the bridge and soon its lunchtime right on time what do I have yup baked beans and corn and chicken curry again and hot chocolate. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
What did the boys have well nice Chinese breakfast and coffee in town. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Pulling in for lunch I hope it’s not beans again ha-ha.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_30_TamanNegara_806_IMG_8508.JERANTUT.LUNCH.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_30_TamanNegara_806_IMG_8508.JERANTUT.LUNCH.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Meet the crew at 1.00pm at Jerantut some 30k down the river and then only another 20k to paddle and I can get pulled out and relax. <br />
<br />
Lunch being cooked.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_30_TamanNegara_820_P1000212.DAY4.LUNCH.BEING.COOKED.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_30_TamanNegara_820_P1000212.DAY4.LUNCH.BEING.COOKED.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Peter still will not go home he elects to stay again and they will check the pull out point 2k down river and then another 20k further on as we have not previously recce’d this part. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I pass them and paddle down the right side of the river its now in the shade. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Several hours pass and then an SMS. Bad news they are at Kuala Krau and there is no pullout points so once again I have more than 30k to travel this time it looks like an extra 35kilometers from where I am. Oh Rats a quick calculation shows this will take me to just after sunset to complete. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Oh well just carry on. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The afternoon trip is a delight and very different to this morning’s leg. Lots of corners and around every corner something different including headwinds and rock formations and the surprise - snakes baby cobras in the water and then water monitors huge ones everywhere and of course the troops of monkeys the kayak sneaks up on. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_30_TamanNegara_827_P1000220.ROCK.FORMATION.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_30_TamanNegara_827_P1000220.ROCK.FORMATION.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
I take a break and drift along for 30 minutes not paddling just eating sultanas and power bars as the kayak cruises past an island the faster current pushing me along. Then a baby cobra to chase across the river. It takes off when it realizes I’m after it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
What a wonderful sight a hand carved wooded canoe out of a single log still being used.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_30_TamanNegara_830_P1000223.LOG.CANOE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_30_TamanNegara_830_P1000223.LOG.CANOE.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Soon its back to the relentless paddling and its almost sunset, fisherman abound on boats so I must be near civilisation. I pass a fishing family where u from - New Zealand. Where you go? - Pekan. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Hey wait a minute those Asli spoke English hahahaha. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Soon there is a pair of hills sticking (looks like a girl I knew once - twin peaks) up I check the map aha I know that hill and where I am finally (Kuala Krau is directly to the right of the hill however the hills are 400 meters high) - I also know I’m about 15k out. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
But it’s almost dark I switch to use the iPhone as the LUMIX gets water in the lens :(. Just on Dark I see what looks like small logs stuck in the water then the LOG comes straight at me "what the hell" - BANG it hits the kayak and then swims off then another - WTF swimming LOGS? - I work it out its water monitors (up to 2 meters long) swimming upstream in the silty water they cannot see and are just below the surface plenty of them swimming I learn and avoid future collisions hahaha.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The iPhone takes a terrible picture in low light this is what I see at sunset.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_30_TamanNegara_900_KualaKrauAlmost.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/2010_05_30_TamanNegara_900_KualaKrauAlmost.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Then suddenly its dark and I still have over 10k to go. I drift for about 20 minutes and let my eyes get used to the darkness (any use of the phone or a torch ruins your night vision for 5-10 minutes) and wait for the moon to rise. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Then I paddle again this time slowly at about 4-5k an hour. 90 minutes later I see bridge all light up I get on the radio anyone there? "YUP YUP You are a 1k from me". <br />
<br />
Peter has gone and Kantha is now the only support. He shines a torch and I fix the position and aim for it. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Soon its 8.45pm and I’m at the pullout point and I hop out of the kayak pitch black and exhausted. However, we have a 200 meter haul with the kayak uphill to put it on the GREEN wagon. I fall 3 times carrying the kayak tripping over coconut shells and other rubbish. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Dinner is at a local restaurant and they ruin it for me by putting chili on the chicken just great on chaffed lips. Bugger what a day I have completed what looks like over 80 killer meters again and paddled for 2 1/4 hours in the dark. I fall asleep and Kantha drives us not back to Kuala Lumpur but to Rompin where we are going KAYAK fishing tomorrow morning. <br />
<br />
I want to finish this trip I plan to come back in a month and continue - I give myself 3 days to do the remaining 200k and hopefully see more otters.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So I’m summary K180 marker was reached and I have to get to K403 on the GPS - in reality I have actually paddled over 200k as at K060 GPS point the distance was already 70k travelled. <br />
<br />
We drive off into the night not for home but for a Dam on the East side of Malaysia (250k away) drive on Kantha I’m sleeping wake me at Kuala Rompin - yup when you see the big sailfish mobile on the road. Thats another story as we arrived at the DAM in Rompin and sat up till 5.00am drinking beer and listening to music and looking out over the water 2 meters away and a million stars as our roof what a magic end to a weekend. Strange a Mat Salleh showing a Malaysian his own country.<br />
<br />
<br />
And you thought this tale was over - it ain't there is one more day to go. But that’s this tail over until the next part.<br />
<br />
Anyway I have 220 more killermeters to paddle till I reach the South China Sea and as for the Kayak well I will continue the journey on the DAG TIWOK as its faster and will give me an extra 1-2k on my average speed. <br />
<br />
So whats next before XMAS?<br />
<br />
Finish this trip in Late August.<br />
Another 400k paddle is planned over 16 days with fishing etc all thrown in and totaly solo.<br />
Redo the first 70k of this trip again on a smaller kayak with some friends haha.<br />
Another 270k paddle is planned.<br />
A trip down a white water river on the riverboard is planned 70 kilometers of totally unknown river apart from having 5 waterfalls on it 3 of which I have seen 3 of them and oh yeah its cold its 700 meters up.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned either the end of August or the End of September to complete the trip.GeckoAdventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272279169206296529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573862095864884771.post-48654104756458031352010-05-11T22:14:00.000-07:002010-05-11T22:14:12.931-07:002010 Chinese New Year Kayak FishingAfter having RED detuned (we backed the fuel oFf to reduce the SMOKE) don't panic its still running 21PSI of BOOST and a new fuel filter it went better but the brutal impact is gone when you slam your foot down :( . Its still nice to drive :) and with its new 9/41 ratios DIFFS front and REAR and the FRONT is now LSD up from open DIFF it is plesant to drive on the highway again.<br />
<br />
Chinese new year I took the kayak with me hoping to go fishing on the Saturday - however after arriving at 3.30am in IPOh some 195K north of sunny Kuala Lumpur in the morning I abandoned the plans and went out on the SUnday instead with instructions to be at DINNER for CNY at 7.00pm (with the future wifes family) and I had to collect a friend from another town and take him to dinner also.<br />
<br />
THe track into the Disused MINING POND was full of small water buffalo herds all the signs for the mining pond are gone thanks to the bird poachers trying to keep birdwatchers away by removing all signs to it :( yes I have been there when they are in action.<br />
<br />
I almost whack a KING COBRA (its longer than the width of the truck so its 2+meters) on the narrow track slam the brakes on and then reverse ha no sign of the COBRA surely I did not miss it. Is it underneath RED? I look carefully still wearing my glasses in case it spits in my eye arms out each side of me to make me look huge. No sign of the COBRA in the white sand tracks either. I carry on and inspect the truck again when I stop . eek. Steve Irwin I ain't.<br />
<br />
12.00pm I finally get the Kayak in the water after the 35k onroad trip and then the 10k offroad trip in RED with road sneakers on it it felt funny. <br />
<br />
I am the only human here although later a few local fisherman show up.<br />
<br />
What I am after is one of these or bigger that Derrick caught a couple of weeks ago a MONSTER TOMAN which we believe is a record for the ROD/LINE (The REEL was a wreck after and has been discarded) . THis was was over 15kg - yeah it went of the scales he had. He caught it in frustration after watching some guys (he was guiding them) hook and loose 30 TOmans. So he picked up his rod tossed in a cheap lure and WAMMO hooked this monster. Im jealous and want one hooked but only from the KAYAK not from a boat.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/big_mother_toman_more_than_15kg.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/big_mother_toman_more_than_15kg.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
On the way in I spy a pod of Toman fries my target and after the Kayak is in the water I cruise around hunting for them. Haha they find me while I am looking at water buffalo about 100 meters away from me in the water. THey pop up only meters away with the characteristic bubble of noise in the water as they all take a gulp of air and dive under again. THey appear to be about 6 months old. Big enough to chase and have fun with!<br />
<br />
I let them cruise off and chase them with a lure and am reward with several misses and then a hit. No pic of it as it wriggles off as I go to undo the hook.<br />
<br />
For your education TOMAN fries live with the mum she is more protective than a mother Lion and the babies live in her mouth then they swim around in RED ball rising up and down for gulps of air. The Mum swims lazy circles around the BALL of FRIED and the DAD if around about another 5-10 meters further out on outer PATROL looking for ambushing SEBARAU and TOMANS. They both protect the FRIES with the viscousness of a LION MUM attacking anything they feel a threat. FYI a 5KG TOMAN will if you are not ready pull you off a boat on the first take, destroy a treble hook or a REEL or snap a ROD if it is all not top notch kit. YEs they are a fish well worth HUNTING and are as cunning as a FOX. THey breathe 75% air from the water and the rest from gulps of air just like a whale or a human. Pop a lure into the middle of a group of FRIES and the reaction well - VISCIOUS is all I can say.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Several more missed strikes and no sign of a mother TOman.<br />
<br />
I chase these guys for over 2 hours on and off taking pics and tossing lures at them of all different colours and styles. then the shock the MUM appears so I crack a pic. Still she will not take a lure :( <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100214_AIR_KUNING_01092.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100214_AIR_KUNING_01092.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a> <br />
<br />
Anyway its not boring I get a pic of a EGRET and the EAGLE circling above is also interested in the TOman. A kingfisher also pops by to say hello. I pass the time snacking out on biuscuits and drinking heaps and getting my feet sunburnt :( <br />
<br />
The EGRET<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100214_AIR_KUNING_01165.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100214_AIR_KUNING_01165.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
Then the Toman mum suddenly appeared top left and the fries in the foreground.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100214_AIR_KUNING_01132.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100214_AIR_KUNING_01132.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
Soon its time (3.30pm) to head off and I paddle back to RED in the blazing heat (its over 34degrees according to my CASIO watch). I paddle to RED (its on the tip of the peninsula) and exit the kayak and walk to RED -ooops in front of RED is 40-50+ water buffalo. PICTURE TIME I get as close as I can hiding behind trees etc. Steve Austin eat ya heart out.<br />
<br />
Behind RED was all these buffalo. Arrggggggggghh im trapped!<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100214_AIR_KUNING_01178.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100214_AIR_KUNING_01178.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100214_AIR_KUNING_01184.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100214_AIR_KUNING_01184.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
THis one was very close then it heard the camera go off.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100214_AIR_KUNING_01187.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100214_AIR_KUNING_01187.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
THe hot and desolate mining pond. <br />
<br />
This pic is a little small sorry but I made it up from about 15 pictures stitched together.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100214_AIR_KUNING_01014_STITCHED.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100214_AIR_KUNING_01014_STITCHED.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
or<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100214_AIR_KUNING_01014_STITCHED.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100214_AIR_KUNING_01014_STITCHED.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Then it was time to pickup my friend and head for DINNER. One very fast 50k trip into IPOH in RED even with the KAYAK on the roof the turbo whistling and just propelling RED along nicely lets just say no one passed us hahaha and yes chinese dinner was nice. RED is awesome on back country roads into 3/4th hit 80k and give it a squirt on the peddle and 100K comes up real quick snatch 5th and it just pulls harder :) what a feeling and it still returns 9.5k per liter.<br />
<br />
Today im running 20lb line and a light rod for sport hahaha as there is no snags.GeckoAdventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272279169206296529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573862095864884771.post-72638592139147117692010-05-10T06:51:00.000-07:002010-09-29T03:12:33.591-07:00Pos Simpor and Kg Rekom Charity Trip Part 2This village is SPOTLESS No rubbish nothing lying around I think mainly because off heriditary blindness they keep it very clean for people to walk around. Bamboo huts are well made. No electricity or running water. <br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001074.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001074.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001075.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001075.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
The clinic is beside this hut.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001076.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001076.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
Registration<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001080.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001080.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001087.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001087.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
No Nails all RATAN for the joins in the huts<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001089.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001089.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
REgistration and weigh in weight and height<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001090.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001090.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
The Pets live inside and are all healthy. Chickens, Dogs and cats:<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001093.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001093.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001096.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001096.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
Then it rained for the first time in a month<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001097.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001097.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
The chickens ran over everything<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001098.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001098.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
DAFFY's owner. Jes' friggin chicken is sitting on my lap what do I do.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001102.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001102.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Camera's everywhere as we take shelter.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001103.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001103.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
Fark a chicken just crapped in my bag! No its two chickens.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001104.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001104.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
I love the rain.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001105.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001105.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
THe clinic moves the the chiefs hut<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001107.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001107.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001108.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001108.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
Dogs (check under the platform), People, Chickens and CATS all the the hut.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001111.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001111.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
The chickens leave the hut after having their tests done hahaha<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001113.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001113.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
Cat did not want to walk on the wet ground even jungle cats hate water.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001115.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001115.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
Ok these guys weigh 45-55kg give them 30-40kg of rice and off they walk so damn strong<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001116.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001116.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
Their water supply stopped working as soon as it rained the pipe full of silt from the logging :( <br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001117.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001117.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
The goodies from Pfizer and us.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001119.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001119.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
The dogs in the chief's hut<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001120.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001120.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
MIssion over time to head into danger and the 10k DOWN to Pos SImpo and our camp.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001121.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001121.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001123.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001123.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001124.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001124.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
GReen at the highest road point (1,200meters) its all downhill from here and became rather exciting steep descents on fresh slick clay slopes and a chance to play rally driver on the slick roads needless to say GREEN was immaculate to drive in these conditions and a lot of fun. We drifted around corners slipped up and down slopes but at the same time tryuing to keep the trucks safe for the precious Pfizer passengers in the vehicles.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001126.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001126.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
Pos SImpo is near the white patch way below some 500 meters below.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001128.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001128.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
There was a logger HILUX blocking the track below so while we waited for them to get of the track we hammed it up.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001129.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001129.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100419_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001131.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100419_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001131.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
Dawn the next day home day<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100419_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001132.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100419_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001132.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
The hill in the background is over 2,000 meters high<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100419_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001134.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100419_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001134.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
Dawn Clouds below at about 400 meters<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100419_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001135.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100419_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001135.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
And more clouds below us.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100419_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001136.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100419_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001136.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
The mekanix radio call sign<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100419_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001139.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100419_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001139.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
The Pos Simpo chief "ABU" he hada stroke a year ago and appolgises he can no longer walk at the frantic pace he used to he is over 80.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100419_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001142.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100419_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001142.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
GEtting the pussy out of my truck<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100419_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001143.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100419_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001143.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
The thing under the BA on his shirt is yes a live flying BUG. This kid also spoke perfect english to me first time a ASLI has done so I was shocked. He asked me to learn BAHASA whoich I have now enrolled ina course if he can lern english I can better my Bahasa. HE also took my phone number as the chief is very sick and he knows we have a close bond even if I do not speak Bahasa we have done a bit for their village over the years and only shown us kindness.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100419_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001145.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100419_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001145.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
The trip down its a long way down to civilisation.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100419_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001146.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100419_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001146.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
Then we stopped at Gua (Cave) Cha - we have found a new camp site for coming up here at nite perfect place open sheltered caves.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100419_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001147.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100419_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001147.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100419_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001152.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100419_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001152.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
More logs the story for the weekend. Habitat ruined , fish killed, water supplies ruined animals killed and destroyed - gut renching.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100419_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001154.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100419_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001154.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
Hope you enjoy a little view of the other side of 4x4 jungle driving.<br />
<br />
Video is coming later tonite.GeckoAdventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272279169206296529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573862095864884771.post-47625105508348271022010-04-26T05:57:00.000-07:002010-10-21T20:11:53.526-07:00Pos Simpor and Kg Rekom Charity Trip Part 1I give my time freely to anyone who wants to do good charity trips to the Malaysian jungle provided it meets my rules and the gangs rules. No RELIGION, No Government LInked companies, No POLITICAL alignment then we will donate our time and vehicles.<br />
<br />
This time 5 vehicles - All Toyotas - LC II 22R stock, - LC II GREEN AUto Stock apart from 1KZ and the auto and 4" lift kit hahaah - HILUX Surf 1KZ and Locking rear from a ISUZU - LC II 14B-T Monster - LC II Shorty 22R.<br />
<br />
The charity trip - pickup 5 staff from Pfizer (Jason the mekanik has organised it all how he did it I will never know but well done) and one Doctor at 10pm on a Friday nite from Kuala Lumpur and head into the jungle dumpoing them back at their office we hope late Monday nite. I am the designated COOK and cargo wagon the rear seats of GREEN folded up its all cargo and food. We have no TARP nothing for camping out no room we are all fully loaded.<br />
<br />
The start of the journey after 279k (approx 5 hour drive) to Gua Musang and then 26k to the trailhead its the end of the blacktop. 42k to Pos Simpor (690meters up) and another 10k to Kg Rekom (920 meters up). THis is 8am we have had 3 hours sleep at the restaurant at Gua MUsang (Gua = Cave and Musang is fox or civet cat so its the town of "Fox CAVE" or "Civet Cave". I slept on a outdoor table in my sleeping bag.<br />
<br />
The Mekanix jeloppy a cute little SWB LC II its only fault its a 22R under the bonnet. Yuk its a GASSER (or petrol burner).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001001.JPG"><img style="margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001001.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
Left to right the mighty 14B-T (Tyson) in the LJ77 (REDs twin brother), DAFFY the HILUX Surf, and GREEN the cute MArdi GRa Float. Wait a minute WhatTheF**K where is Red. REd is still BLACKLISTED and cannot be registered at present :( <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001002.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001002.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
My winch wench DAFFY's drivers wife. DAFFY in the background and then Loo in the STOCK 22R LC II after he pulled the 1G-GZE out as it was useless and dropped a 22R back in.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001003.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001003.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
Soon its signs of lots of logging the logging signs indicate they get 400hectares or 900+ acres to log at a time :( <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001004.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001004.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
The loggers have nice huts and company TRUCKS (LORRI HANTU or Ghost Trucks as they have no REGO)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001005.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001005.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
LORRI HanTU's as we have found out are world war 2 era fitted with MERCEDES 6x6 axles and usually a NISSAN v10 Normally aspirated DIESEL (no CC rating available) <br />
Soon we cross the mighty Perias River and its the dangerous climb of about 300 meters totally at the mercy of a LORRI HANTU fully laden with 26 tonnes of logs. GREEN is the lead truck and calls the other through when its not been crushed haha don't laugh this is serious shit stuff. Then we are safer!. I head off some 200-400 meters in front to give warnings out. <br />
<br />
DAFFY on the dusty climb<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001007.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001007.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
LOO in the stock 22R gasser<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001008.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001008.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Ok they are friendly (whats so friendly about a 26 tonne truck driven by a smiling truckie) but they have rules of engagement.<br />
1. They have the BANK side when laden else they take the CLIFF side.<br />
2. You are smaller they always have the BANK unless they are passing another LORRI Hantu.<br />
3. They cannot stop when fully loaded and will crush you be warned its happened.<br />
4. They do not go slow downhill.<br />
5. They are intimidating.<br />
6. Never never let your concentration slip when at the front they will get you.<br />
7. When it rains they just park up and leave them wheereevery they are middle of the track uphill or downhill slope.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001009.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001009.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
They look narrow until you see the logs sticking out the side.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001012.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001012.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
Like this DUCK, move scoot just get of the road.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001013.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001013.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
Then 11:03am drama DAFFY throws a U-BOLT and the threads are stripped on a DUSTY hill its going nowhere. <br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001014.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001014.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
I turn back 500 meters and assist then I meet a LORRI HANTU just after I turn around<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001017.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001017.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
And DAFFY and the crews all dissappear in a cloud of DUST.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001018.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001018.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
Call for help on my SAT FONE! Nah stuff it the mekanik is with us. A passing LOGGER HILUX offers help and is going to town and offers to buy U-BOLTS.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001020.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001020.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
While this is happening Adzhar is still complaining about his suspension and TYSON running all over the road while we a re standing on the bank after helping put the axle back in the right spot all we need is new U-BOLTS. He said I could not even keep up with you at 80k on the highway on the way up. I tell him I know whats wrong with your truck. He looks at me funny I reply go put a BOLT and a nut on your front left trailing arm its fallen out. A Hi-Lift jack is dismantled and the hi tensile nut and bolt fitted to the trailing arm - problem solved. Adzhar said how did you see that! <br />
<br />
We offload kit and swap people around and take the Pfizer staff and kit to Pos Simpor and I return to collect the last Pfizer staffer and my Co-Pilot its a 20k journey back to the broken DAFFY.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001021.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001021.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
The "LOOKOUT" at 500 meters as we call it. Pos Simpor is 2 hills over at 10oclock and Kg Rekom is about 3 hills over at 11oclock in front.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001022M.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001022M.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
A LORRY HANTU passes as we are at the LOOKOUT<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001024.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001024.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
Coming back to pickup the broken DAFFY the loggers arrive at same time with new U-BOLTS here is the two now BANDITS playing in the stinking HOT DUST <br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001025.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001025.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
Do I look cute in the bandanna?<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001026.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001026.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
Then a miracle I take a different route of the main track at the turnoff to Pos Simpor and spot this waterfall between two huts which I never knew were on this track even after coming up here for 5+ years. This we late find out os waterfall 4 of the 5 in the area. I'm coming back in June to walk all 5 over a 3 day trip. THis waterfall appears to be some 2k from where i currently am.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001027.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001027.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
Soon we are back at the clinic which in my time away 3hours has been run and complete so the nurses are bored and guess what thery decide to test the drivers - blood pressure, blood sugar, and colestoral. I fail the sugar test as I expected even with a change of diet for the past 18 months. My colesterol does not even register its that low. Adzhar beside me fails all 3 tests and immediately is warned to change his diet else he has a heart attack driving home. It sinks in hahaha. This is us holding our test results.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001028.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001028.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
Babies are everywhere all held in slings to the parents or grandparents. One lady was 35 and had 9 kids already.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001030.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001030.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
These kids are tough no doubt about it they make city slickers look like dainty faries.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001032.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001032.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
The local national sport SEPAK TAKRAW played on a small court with a net about 6feet of the ground using head and feet and the ball must be kept up same as VOLLEYBALL spectacular when played well.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001036.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001036.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
Meanwhile others are bringing in scraps from the logging<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001037.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100417_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001037.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
A moth - put ya hand flat and then think the moth is bigger than my hand.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001040.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001040.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
Adzhar helping with dinner - curry chicken then worrying can I eat it hahaha.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001041.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001041.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001043.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001043.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
The sunday morning clinic for the stragglers and its registration.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001045.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001045.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
All is well until a local faints at the sight of his blood and the baby on his back is crushed rushing to help pickup a fainted man with a baby on his back is not fun or easy.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001048.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001048.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
Pfixer also give out goodies.<br />
Young mums they start at about 14-15 having families.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001049.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001049.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
A young dad and baby<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001050.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001050.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001051.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001051.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
11am the clinic is over so I decide to take the Pfizer staff to mighty Lata Tas about 2k away or a 45 minute walk. <br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001052.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001052.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001053.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001053.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001054.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001054.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
LOO at the Waterfall (Lata Tas) <br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001059.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001059.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
This picture cannot do it justice - over 100 meters wide and about 3 stories high thundering down getting everything wet. I would not miss it for the world I love coming here and bringing Malaysians to see something they do not know exists in their own country.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001060M.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001060M.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
The waterfall flows down here. Its dirty from the logging :( <br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001065.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001065.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
Two of the nurses with me and Adzhar.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001066.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001066.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
The guides and Qi Lin the Pfizer boss.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001070.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001070.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
This is where we cross the river to go back to Pos SImpor. The afternoons destination is way up in the distance on top of the hill (Kampung (village) Rekom.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001071.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001071.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<br />
Soon we are off to Kg Rekom for the next clinic. 10k Away it might as well be 1000 its at 930 meters but we have to climb to 1200 meters then up and down some of these climbs tough in the dry in the wet impassable. THis is DAFFY and the LOO truck at 930 meters at Kg Rekom the clouds are GREY oops.<br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001072.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001072.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001073.JPG"><img style=" margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.geckoadventure.net/BLOG2/20100418_PosSimpo_Pfizer_001073.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a>GeckoAdventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272279169206296529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573862095864884771.post-66310037629686924462009-11-08T06:56:00.003-08:002009-11-16T21:19:31.295-08:00Kayak Fishing Merchong River 25 October 2009Kayak Fishing Merchong River 25 October 2009<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/Merchong.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 74px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/Merchong.jpg" border="0" alt="" ></a><br /><br />24 October to 26 October Travel from Kuala Lumpur to the other side of Malaysia some 4-5 hours away in our trusty nice fishing wagon the ISUZU pickup.<br /><br />Day 2 Kayak the Merchong River fishing and nature photography trip. The Merchong river west of Kg Merchong is all mangrove swamp and hence packed with mosquito's sand flies and other human biting insects.<br /><br />We get up late again and have breakfast in Kuala Rompin before driving the 30+k up to Merchong so we eventually arrive about 11.00am and packed with supplies all from 7-11 (oreo biscuit grapes etc) including that invaluable item ICE which it today going in my live bait box as I am only lure fishing today. Mainly we are out for a paddle and a nature trip.<br /><br />By 11.30am we have the kayaks in the water and are finally ready to go. The river is slightly silty and flowing slowly we are planning to paddle up with the incoming tide and them back down with the outgoing tide. Yoke has the Malibu Mini-X a 9ft fishing KAYAK and I have the 14ft S14. Dam it's hot as we head out as we are almost 3 hours late. High tide is at 1.00pm I have the all important cooler full of cold drinks and the ever refreshing cold grapes.<br /><br />Scenic is all I can say and relaxing we paddle up river slowly sticking to the shade. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00010.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091025_Rompin_Merchong_00010.jpg" border="0" alt="" ></a><br /><br /><br />We cannot ascertain if the tide is coming in or out. We pass a very small fishing village and then all sign of human habitation disappears. We see a boat coming drifting and being paddled (16+foot wooden boat) downstream. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00009.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091025_Rompin_Merchong_00009.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />They have load of ferns stems for making roll your own cigarettes and a fishing net. <br /><br /><br />Soon we start to see birds such as this flight of white egrets<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00014.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091025_Rompin_Merchong_00014.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00021.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091025_Rompin_Merchong_00021.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00033.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091025_Rompin_Merchong_00033.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />Then this bird the name of which suddenly escapes me.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00041.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091025_Rompin_Merchong_00041.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />and then the sounds of a troop of monkey's soon we are quiet enough to get so close to take a couple of pictures and see the baby monkeys running through the trees within 20 meters of us. All the while I cast into places I hope/think there is Mangrove Jacks or Barramundi but nothing. Soon we spy kingfishers which is a good sign of an abundance of baitfish.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00048.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091025_Rompin_Merchong_00048.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />A howling noise suddenly starts and I realise military JETS low and fast. Looking up and behind and trying to get the camera out we are rewarded with the sight of a very very low flying military camoflagoued Mikoyan MiG-29 and it goes vertical just after passing us at what seems to be around 800k awesome - hot on its tail and doing the same manoeuvre is a new Sukhoi Su-30. Man I snap of the camera but later I am only rewarded with sky shots. Back to the real peaceful world and a kingfisher is next in the camera lens in fact we managed to also capture tow of them together but the image is blurred. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00057.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091025_Rompin_Merchong_00057.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00059.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091025_Rompin_Merchong_00059.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />Then another boat slips downstream carrying a similar load. They are very friendly and asking where we were going and we were very surprised to see us there. Another boat goes past and they are tourists and camera's go off everywhere. This time its us being snapped.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00081.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091025_Rompin_Merchong_00081.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> I watch seeing what he is catching in the net - very very small fish noting large but then the net is very fine.<br /><br />The I spy a water monitor on mangrove but Yoke paddles in front at the wrong point leaving me with only a blurred shot.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00092.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091025_Rompin_Merchong_00092.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Then suddenly I am peckish and its hungry time. We pull under a large mangrove tree and in the shade have a meal of grapes and cold 100+, oreo's what else could a pair of adventurers want to eat. So far we have hardly been touched by the man eating insects. During lunch a kingfisher sits in a tree near us but I cannot get a clear shot through the mangrove roots. Time to continue the journey upstream so far we have travelled about 4kilometers and we decide at 5.00pm we would head back using he outgoing tide. The wind was everywhere and totally unpredictable each turn of the river has the wind changing direction. we come to a small side river and the sounds of crashing fish and rises indicates maybe toman but definitely Seberau. I fish and fish slowly working my way in but nothing not bites. Bitten alive we decide to head out and its time for home. The tide is with us but the wind against us to its a slow slog keeping to the sheltered side. Since its 4pm the birds are starting to head to their nests <br /><br />We come across a egret roost and I spend an age here and manage to capture a few good clean shots with the 400mm lens as you can see the with this sequence of a egret landing.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00132.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091025_Rompin_Merchong_00132.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00140.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091025_Rompin_Merchong_00140.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00141.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091025_Rompin_Merchong_00141.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00142.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091025_Rompin_Merchong_00142.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00143.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091025_Rompin_Merchong_00143.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00144.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091025_Rompin_Merchong_00144.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00145.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091025_Rompin_Merchong_00145.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00146.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091025_Rompin_Merchong_00146.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Transparent wings on a egret looks cool.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00156.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091025_Rompin_Merchong_00156.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00165.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091025_Rompin_Merchong_00165.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00172.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091025_Rompin_Merchong_00172.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00190.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091025_Rompin_Merchong_00190.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />But the then the sight of the afternoon a pair of otters which makes my day. It the first time Yoke has ever seen an otter in the wild its chewing on a freshly caught fish.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00102.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091025_Rompin_Merchong_00102.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Finally its the last 500 meter haul to the jetty but its a in your face wind. Yoke is struggling along so I head off and paddle up to 9kph for the last 500 meters into the wind just to prove I’m not too old still.<br /><br />Food and rest were exhausted after paddling only 11k. Want to go back sure I do early next year after the monsoon season is over for a longer paddle and with different bait there is so much to see on this river either side of Kg Merchong is very different.<br /><br />Regards GeckoAdventureGeckoAdventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272279169206296529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573862095864884771.post-72963642704872892312009-11-07T16:40:00.000-08:002009-11-08T07:28:05.474-08:00Kayak Fishing for SailFISH Malaysia Pahang24 October to 26 October Travel from Kuala Lumpur to the other side of Malaysia some 4-5 hours away in our trusty nice fishing wagon the ISUZU pickup.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/MerchongSailFish.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 117px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/MerchongSailFish.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />3 day trip 1st day Kayaking on Rompin Dam buit we called that of when a thunderstorm struck on our way top the dam and we took the ISUZU offroad instead with the kayaks on top looking for other entrances to the dam.<br /><br />Day 2 Kayak the Merchong River fishing and nature photography trip.<br /><br />Day 3 Kayak Fishing for sailfish in the south china sea.<br /><br />What could be more scary meeting my x-wife or being tossed into the ocean 20k offshore in a 3.5meter Kayak and going ocean fishing for the worlds fastest fish the Indo-pacific Sailfish (68mph or 120kph). Read on to find out what happened.<br /><br />We meet the boat man (Zul) at the jetty at Merchong in Pahang Malaysia at 7.00am on a hazy misty East coast morning. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00301.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00301.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />after preparing all the kit a little earlier myself and Loban are ready. Loban was taking the Mini-x a 2.9M Kayak and I am paddling the S14 a 3.5M Kayak purely designed for fishing with a live bait well and a very stable piece of kit and supposedley well able to handle the pulling power of a Sailfish.<br /><br />We loaded the 2 kayaks onto the front <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00303.jpg"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00303.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /> of the boat leaving damn little room for the 3 of us to sit anywhere. Yoke was the offical camera person. One of the boats at the dock refuses to start and some 30 minutes are lost while they have covers off and tools out. I'm glad were not in that boat. malaysia adventure geckoadventure kayak fishing sailfish blue water <br /><br />7.25am we are off for what I thought was a short ride down the river well smooth water 18minutes later we reach the river mouth which has a notorious reputation for being dangerous to cross. The kayaks behave themselves on the boat in the nice chop in the South China Sea. Soon we are at the first bait stop and its out with the appollo rigs and see who can haul up 6 bait fish in a go. No one does. The closest we get is 4 yellow tails and the apollo rig is rubbish after they wind them selves round it. With 10 bait fish we are good to go. While we are hauling in the baitfish a fisherman in a 16ft dinghy is circling hunting for Tengirri (mackeral to you westerners) he hooks a couple on the rod and then hauls them in by hand and gaff then starts hollering - <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00321.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00321.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />however he dumps them on the floor of the boat without any ice. Shock horror then he is going to sell them later! A 10 minute trip further out and we are supposedly in the sailfish lane so Loban and myself unload the KAYAKS into the ocean. Apprehension nah cannot be any worse than going face first down a set of whitewater rapids on the riverboard. The boat leaves us and anchors a couple of hundred meters away while we settle down and get bait fish out and hook them up to a balloon and start fishing for sail and also commence the never ending task of bait fishing with the other rod. Our kit consists of baitfish in my live baitfish well one rod drifing a live yellow tail and a box of hooks and balloons, spare shock leader, spare apollo rigs and a few weights, pliers, knife, drinks and snacks. My sailfish rig is a Shimano Type J rod and a Okuma Titus BC 10S reel. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00330.jpg"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00330.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /> and suddenly we are fishing alone in the big wide ocean with shore barely visible way to the east. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00337.jpg"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00337.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /> and its only 9.30am sureal! 10.20 Loban has a hookup and it takes boat forever to come over. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00342.jpg"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00342.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The sight of the sailfish jumping out of the water lets us know its a successful day already. 10 minues later LOban hauls the sailfish out of the water onto out two Kayaks for the picture then we release it. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00353.jpg"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00353.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I have hauled sailfish out of the water before but never as close as this only a plastic boat and the sailfish. It is slow to recover but soon its swimming away to fight another day. Soon Loban is hooked up again but looses it. There is no more action but the boatman decides we have drifted too far so tows us back into the sailfish zone and then tells us to follow him he drives of we paddle slowly after him <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00396.jpg"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00396.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The swell is pleasant. Soon its lunchtime and we decide to head back to the boat for the lunch. We tie the kayaks up and haul ourselves into the motherboat. Yoke is up fishing and she gets a bite bigger than the ordinary baitfish. Wow she hauls in a trigger fish. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00397.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00397.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />We also bait up the rods and leave them in the water and are rewarded with the magnificent sight of a school of todak leaping in uniform chasing a school of baitfish - awesome. I am just about to jump back in the kayak when my line went mad. Jump into the kayak and Loban hands me the rod. Wahoo i'm off we have no idea what it is but we know its not a sailfish. Then it starts leaping out of the water 'todak' after a few minutes the todak is tired enough to be hauled in as it is definately no match for the sailfish rig. However it dies in my hands as it has swallowed the hook.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00405.jpg"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/20091026_Rompin_Merchong_00405.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />It's time to go hunting sailfish again and we paddle off and our escort boat dissappears amongst the other boat about a kilometer away. However, the baitfish have gone off the bite I catch a yellow tail by hooking fish pieces onto the hook then its quiet. However soon my line runs out and I strike only to pull in a empty hook. Was it a sailfish I will never know. Undaunted I rehook and drop the bait in the water and still have the balloon in my mouth when the line runs out yet again dam I think its a sail but i never saw the dark flash under the kayak and the strike brings back an empty hook. Damn now I am out of baitfish one of our friends turns up in a mother boat they are having same problem (no baitfish) and very few sailfish have been landed with a lot of hookups lost. Anyway I scrounge one live bait fish from them and hook it up but being a pink snapper it will not last as long as a yellow tail which are just awesome swimmers with a hook in them. Soon its very boring no bites and the wind gets up heaving us around a little but nothing compared to the acute v-hull narrow fishing boats. Its sureal being out here I am quite comfortable on the big S14 and it is easy to paddle in any conditions and very stable even beam on. No more fish and by 5pm we decide to call it a day we haul ourselves out of the kayaks and onto the mother boat and pull in and tie down the kayaks. Man it's rough ride for the 20kilometers back in we are soaked as we bounce literallly into and out of troughs then we run out of fuel twice the 85hp two-stroke appears to eat fuel. The waves are that bad I cannot even get the camera out as we are all holding on for dear life. Worse when we reach the river bar the fuel is changed then as we just finish crossing the boatman realises there is no fuel and he has not done the line up right :( yikes man it could have been dangerous. Soon we are back in smooth water and I am told the water is teeming with Baramundi and other fish however we caught nothing yesterday - then they tell me I used lures not live bait. Soon our trip is over and we unload and wash the kayaks down. One of the other boats comes in late under tow - its the one that did not want to start in the morning!.<br /><br />Dinner is a feast of crab and prawns at the resort all fresh from the river. Then its time for the long drive home and its way after 1.30am when we crawl into our beds for a well earned sleep.<br /><br />Am I going back out - try and stop me but it will not be next season as the monsoon winds and rain have started making the east coat out of bounds for ocean fishing until March 2010.GeckoAdventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272279169206296529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573862095864884771.post-43193862340395645352009-06-16T18:23:00.000-07:002009-06-16T18:34:29.153-07:00Malaysia Rainforest Challenge RFC 2007 The Final Recovery<H4>Day 27+ - 27 December 2007</H4><br /><p>The final recovery. I get a phone call 26th December 2007. Give us a lift back to Laloh to collect 3 vehicles at Kg Miak as the track is now open. 7.00am 27th The rescue commences we drive back to Laloh (I have my kids with me from Oz so they tag along for the adventure). The day starts badly when YELLOW overheats at bottom of Genting Highlands and I burn my hand badly when the radiator explodes. We buy ICE <br />and I wear a glove for the rest of the trip with ICE in it and a local chemist visit to kill the pain. OOPS! Arriving at Laloh at 3pm its been along day. We meet Marcus (to rescue Sri Lankan Car) and Max to rescue the Ozzie Toyota and I have Jason to rescue the Ozzie Nissan.</p><br /><p>After much stuffing around we get the green light to proceed in by this time its after 7pm and its dark in minutes. I ask only 12k to the Kg right so a few minutes drive? "No" replies Max its 32k and it takes over 2 hours and there is a couple of washed out bridges - GREAT single vehicle and no help if we get into trouble. Signs of the rain are everywhere raging rivers, muddy banks where the bulldozer has made a new track for us. Soon we have a double crossing single log for each wheel with YELLOW on at least a 10degree angle. We inch across the double crossing then its the remains of a huge bridge every cross member ripped of by the raging flood leaving 4 logs each about 400cm wide. Funny I get a 3 man guiding team in usual competition driver carelessness the flood water rages below us you can still hear its anger. We soon come across a Pajero or what's left of it. Abandoned when it stalled in the rising river it was left and was completely submerged. The dozer pulled it out of the way and its totally stuffed mud completely covers the interior and engine bay - total write off. Soon we pass the Ozzie trucks and we drop Jason and Max of to <br />check them out. An ants nest has made its home in the Nissan poor Jason. Max and myself head into Kg Miak to find the Sri Lanka Landrover on the way in we see vehicles in various states rollover damage panels smashed - interiors covered in mud - interiors turned inside out its like a war zone. We chat with the X-<br />men guarding the vehicles then its time to roll. The big log bring on the return is fun 3 drivers in unfamiliar vehicles have a tough time especially the Nissan which cannot idle due to a ECU problem. The Nissan falls into a hole and its up to its axle Jason eventually reverses out he cannot do anything else someone has whacked all the plasma winch rope YELLOW is the only one with a functional winch. </p><br /><p>Soon its the double log bridge and a few v-gullies and we are out at just after 11.30pm. <p><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071227_000001314.jpg" alt="The Final rescue" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071227_000001315.jpg" alt="The Final rescue" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071227_000001316.jpg" alt="The Final rescue"><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071227_000001318.jpg" alt="The Final rescue" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071227_000001322.jpg" alt="The Final rescue" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071227_000001324.jpg" alt="The Final rescue" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071227_000001326.jpg" alt="The Final rescue" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071227_000001327.jpg" alt="The Final rescue" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071228_000001343.jpg" alt="The Final rescue" ><br /><br /><p>Now we have a problem 3 vehicles and 2 drivers as Max and Marcus have their own vehicles. We elect my son to drive the Landrover and Peter gets the Landcruiser (it has almost no brakes as the mud as worn out a set of discs and pads). We are driving to KL 60k south however we have a problem the Landrover has overheated - we cool it down and start again but only get 30K when it does it again. This time its terminal and we discover via torchlight there is a switch for the radiator fan but no warning light that it's off. However there us a warning light for the inter cooler fan not working! The Landrover has blown a head gasket. We elect top tow it the remaining 20K to Gua Musang. However we have to wait longer as Marcus pulls a rear shock mount off. Finally 5.00am we arrive Gua Musang with the sick vehicles - the Toyota is all over the road and is now considered undriveable. The LR is undriveable and the Nissan cannot idle. On the phone and over the next 4 hours rescue is called in. Someone manages to get a tow truck $2500 for the 4 vehicles - Marcus's Jeep, Sri Lanka LR, Ozzie Nissan, Ozzie Toyota. Max and Marcus will drive the Jeep and we can go when the tow truck turns up. 11.00amn we leave Gua Musang and will follow the progress of Max and Marcus via phone. We cruise into KL early evening but not before Max and Marcus have their own dramas with the Jeep dying and they have to unload the Nissan and use that. Mission accomplished and the 3 sick vehicles are dropped at Jason's workshop for the cleanup to commence.</p><br /><p> RFC 2008 I have already volunteered my services and both RED and YELLOW again</p>.<br /><br>GeckoAdventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272279169206296529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573862095864884771.post-25881373457242736402009-06-11T22:03:00.000-07:002009-06-16T18:45:59.284-07:00Malaysian Rainforest Challenge RFC 2007 A Marshalls story<H4>RFC 2007 Diary from a X-Men Tango Team Marshal</H4><br /><br /><p>Why is RED lying on its side on a slippery muddy hill? Read on to find out what happened in our view of the RFC 2007. One never to be forgotten!</p><br /><br /><H4>TANGO Team Vehicles and crew.</H4><br /><br /><ul><br /><li>Landcruiser SWB – Convoy Leader Thomas Foo leader of the TANGO Team – Winch Wench Billy Sim (Fish).<br /><li>Landcruiser II – LJ70 – 13B-T, Auto, 35” Extreme trekkers, Factory Electric and PTO winch(Air Activated), Rear Factory locker (air activated) and many other mods – Named RED and driven by Peter Schmid (TLCV) and 3 Indonesian Marshal's.<br /><li>Landcruiser Troopy – BJ75 – 13B-T 4 speed manual, 35” Extreme trekkers – Stock and 8274 Winch – Named YELLOW and driven by Dave Stewart TLCV - #1397 (cicak (Lizard) to the locals) and an English marshal Liz Lewis and a Local winch wench Sidik (this guy was excellent)<br /><li>Volvo C304 – Ex police riot truck – Nissan 3.3l engine 36” extreme trekkers and huge PTO winch, converted to Coils from leaf. Named T1 driven by Stuart Garrow from Sydney. Winch wench is Polish Marshal Artur.<br /></li><br /></ul><br /><center><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071203_000000062.STITCHED_CAMP1.jpg" alt="RFC 2007 Camp 1 Morning" border="2" ><br /><p>For RFC 2007 I was to provide two vehicles (RED and YELLOW) for the Tango Marshals team and myself and an additional driver (Peter Schmid). Our 2007 RFC started many months before one Sunday in September (2nd to be exact) when one of my guides rolled YELLOW onto its side during a jungle xcursion with customers in it. Oops! Little did we know how much stress this would cause us nearer to the RFC.</p><br /><p>The knocking shop (panel beating in Malaysia) were told to have it fixed ready for inspection for its six monthly roadworthy before 18/10/2007 and they were also fixing the 2 air-conditioning units in YELLOW as they were both stuffed and putting in a small roll bar and to remove the visible rust as it would this time fail its 6 monthly inspection.</p><br /><p>Well what a mistake. First roll cage welded to floor then roll cage was welded to plates in situ in the floor and the rear seats could not be fitted. The painting was rejected several times due to runs and poor quality and then they chipped paint on YELLOW we blew the date and YELLOW became unregistered. The ROLLCAGE had to be removed as we discovered that they: </p><br /><ul><li>The workshop wanted to move the rear seats back 12 inches or more and lift the seat to make the seat fit the ROLLCAGE and we would lose all the luggage space - duuhhh do i look that stupid. <br /><li>and could not lift the seat up to fold it up as the rear air cond unit was in the way. </li><br /><li>They could not remove the rollcage or put the seat in. </li><br /><li>I in the end just asked for the rear seat to be placed in YELLOW and I would deal with it paid the bill and drove YELLOW away disgusted and added the workshop to the local 4x4 blacklisted workshops.</li><br /><li>We took a whole weekend to CUT out the new ROLLCAGE, weld up the ripped floor from the first attempt at the ROLLCAGE, weld up or boltup and seal the holes and cover the stuffed bolt holes. </li><br /><li>Then we finally added the aluminium panels for the side in the rear to replace the disgusting non factory panels. </li><br /><li>We also fitted new rear door seals and adjusted the doors to ensure a good seal front and rear as they we all put in incorrectly by the panel shop. Like I said WAI AUDIO CAR CARE NETWORK's work sux. <br /></li></ul><br /><p>Then YELLOW was finally ready for its 6 monthly JPJ inspection. The Monday nite 9 days before the RFC it is taken in and due back in 3 days. </p><br /><p>Mean time RED required nothing to be done to it. It had all been done months before hand the final kit <br />out being air activation for the unreliable Toyota electric locker and air activation for the PTO free <br />spool/engage. Two weeks out Monday/Tuesday I should be moving house but i'm off work sick as a dog – Chest <br />and head and everything else and we get YELLOW ready for inspection – 2 days and we should have it back. <br /><br />However it all goes wrong firstly YELLOW is now painted YELLOW which it has been for past 18 months but <br /><br />suddenly this is not right as it does not match the registration papers YELLOW is rejected. Then it’s <br /><br />suddenly an automatic on the registration papers and not in the car (what's going on here I smell a RAT). <br /><br />Then it’s the 3rd brake light then it’s the brakes then it’s the SNORKLE they deliberately forget to read <br /><br />the SNORKLE in the vehicle modifications permit. We have to remove it. A new permit for the modifications <br /><br />is required (SNORKLE, FRONT BAR, REAR BAR, SIDE STEPS, SPOTLIGHTS, WINCH all for Activity OFFROAD). The <br /><br />final cost $4,600rm (aaarrrrghh). Finally, its ready however, it’s ready on the day at 6pm we are supposed <br /><br />to be leaving for the RFC the Thursday night!</p><br /><p>Sunday morning 1 week before RFC 2007 5.30am sees me driving fast to KL internaltion airport in the <br />trusty HILUX to assist in the picking up of the Australian competitors David Metcalf, Lance Gillies, John <br />Butler and Steve Hudy. I fly past the other local 4x4 taxi Jason Ho on the way out. They are to be <br />delivered to the CORUS hotel in KLCC. We pick them up at 6.15am but wait, there is a protest march we <br />cannot drive to the hotel, we cannot catch a train to the hotel, we cannot walk to the hotel during the <br />protest. So we go shopping for hours in TESCO finally ending up in KFC. 3pm we can finally WALK to the <br />Hotel from a distance of 1.5ks away only. The teargas stings our eyes and weary RIOT police sit all around <br />us. Welcome to Malaysia – this is not the Malaysia I have known for the past 5 years. Finally a beer <br />awaits us crikey not cheap. Monday morning I wake up sick really sick again the chest infection and head <br />cold has got to me again. So of to the doctors and MC again I go home and rest – yes rest.</p><br /><br /><p>But wait there is more drama’s on the Wednesday morning at 2.17am (I’m still awake) I get a desperate <br />call from Peter he has been home invaded and they have taken all mobile phones and much else (except one <br />mobile they missed) and locked him in the house can I come round urgently with the keys and what is the <br />police number. I finally get home at 6.30am I take emergency leave and we sort out the police and start to <br />pack as Peter decides enough and is moving out to a secure apartment (his loss from the robbery is <br />amounting to over $20,000rm). We know the departure date/time to RFC 2007 is doubtful. Thursday RED is <br />packed and ready to go but we are still waiting for YELLOW. YELLOW also needs its winch fixed before we <br />even think of going to the jungle.</p><br /><p>Once YELLOW (Thursday nite 6.30pm I also detect a wheel nut has been snapped off) is in our hands we start to pack it and realize we are still not ready for departure as we still have not finished moving Peter or finished moving the JungleGeckos HQ to its new location (I am moving due to being robbed 7 times over the past months and I have also had enough as we both live in the same suburb). We elect to depart the Friday night (the RFC starts on Saturday 1st December some 600k away). I visit RFC Competitor David Metcalfe somewhat of an expert on 8274 winches with a diagnosis on YELLOWS Warn 8274 problems. I take his advice. Friday morning Peter takes YELLOW to Jason some 25k away for the fitting of the new battery box (we have been waiting 6 weeks to install it) we made and the installation of the two larger batteries and the repair of the Warn 8274 and the checking of the spare XD9000 WARN for YELLOW. It takes all day so I have time to get RED new 35” SNEAKERS trading in the old ½ worn ones and an oil change. RED can go!</p><br /><p>Friday night 11.00pm the final tasks change the wheels on YELLOW to the 35” SIMEX Extreme Trekkers and we can drive to Trengannu. I twist off a wheel nut/stud – oops, and then a second since the mechanics broke one off before they returned it we only have 3 left. No spare studs we elect to leave in the morning after getting spares. Frantic SMS’s to RFC HQ to inform them of the problems.</p><br /><br /><h4>RFC Day 1 - 1st December 2007</h4><br /><br /><p>YELLOW is fixed next morning by 12.00pm by us. YELLOW can go! We fuel up and do last minute checks finally we are ready to go at 2.00pm. A six hour drive awaits us according to the RFC briefing. We have to get to 20K south of Jertih in Terengganu some 6 hours away across the West Malaysian Penninsular.</p><br /><p>The trip is slow traveling at 80k the trip should take 9 hours. We get a GPS location by SMS of the Prologue from a friend there so we can follow our progress. By 7pm we are getting hungry and have some 200+k to go by the GPS and are into the slow roads and its DARK and the driving dangerous cars overtaking everywhere and traffic down to 50-60k.</p><br /><p>9pm we have had enough of the crap conditions and have TOM YUM soup to waken us up it’s our first meal since 2 slices of toast for breakfast. 120k to go on the GPS! Don't laugh we get lost in Kuala Terengganu and the police station directions and advice useless. Finally we loose 40 minutes and a service station puts us on the right path. 12.30am Sunday we pass the prologue area and head to the hotel however, I run out of fuel in YELLOW about 15k later. Peter does really well for a non local and finds DIESEL in the middle of nowhere and at 3.30am we find out the hotel booking is cancelled and we are to go back to the Prologue area and camp. 4.30am find’s us in a sea of mud and putting a camp site up in a gazebo. So after 14.5 hours of traveling for a 6 hour trip we are here finally time for a quiet beer to relax. However, we are woken at 7.00am by revving engines and breakfast and voices. Were here finally after 6 weeks of just utter stuff ups and delays. I’m on holiday.</p><br /><br /><h4>Day 2 - 2nd December 2007</h4><br /><p>We check in to RFC HQ and are assigned our marshal station Special Stage 1.</p><br /><br />Picture Gallery Special Stages 1-6 <br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071202_000000003_SS1.jpg" alt="RFC 2007 SS1" border="0"><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071202_000000004_C117_MALAYSIA_C152_CHINA_SS1.jpg" alt="RFC 2007 SS1" border="2"><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071202_000000005_C117_MALAYSIA_C152_CHINA_SS1.jpg" alt="RFC 2007 SS1" border="0"> <br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071202_000000006_C117_MALAYSIA_C152_CHINA_SS1.jpg" alt="RFC 2007 SS1" border="0" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071202_000000007_C146_ITALY_SS2.jpg" alt="RFC 2007 SS1" border="0" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071202_000000012_C146_ITALY_SS1.jpg" alt="RFC 2007 SS1" border="0" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071202_000000013_C146_ITAL_SS3.jpg" alt="RFC 2007 SS3" border="0"><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071202_000000015_C116_MALAYSIA_SS1.jpg" alt="RFC 2007 SS1" border="0"><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071202_000000016_C116_MALAYSIA_SS1.jpg" alt="RFC 2007 SS1" border="0"><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071202_000000027_C116_MALAYSIA_SS1.jpg" alt="RFC 2007 SS1" border="0" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071202_000000028_C116_MALAYSIA_SS1.jpg" alt="RFC 2007 SS1" border="0" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071202_000000031_SS2_C151_AUSTRALIA_SS2.jpg" alt="RFC 2007 SS2" border="0" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071202_000000035_SS2_C151_AUSTRALIA_SS2.jpg" alt="RFC 2007 SS2" border="0" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071202_000000036_SS2_C151_AUSTRALIA_SS3.jpg" alt="RFC 2007 SS3" border="0" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071202_000000039_C120_MALAYSIA_SS2.jpg" alt="RFC 2007 SS2" border="0" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071202_000000040_C150_AUSTRALIA_SS2.jpg" alt="RFC 2007 SS2" border="0" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071202_000000041_C150_AUSTRALIA_SS2.jpg" alt="RFC 2007 SS2" border="0" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071202_000000047_C150_AUSTRALIA_SS2.jpg" alt="RFC 2007 SS2" border="0" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071202_000000052_SS2.jpg" alt="RFC 2007 SS1" border="0" ><br /><br /><p>An almost impossible SS (nowwhere to get anchorage for winching) only 1 vehicle made it yesterday. It’s twin track setup two vehicles can race side by side 15 minute DNF. Ground anchors steep “V” gully’s dug into the flat ground and a turnaround in a u shapes 45 degree channel. The competitors a few and far between today however 3 vehicles make it. Most do not get past the 2nd gully the 3 that do all use an illegal tree to winch off and not ground anchors which keep pulling out of the soft peat soil. Were the rules bent – yes. However a Chinese competitor driver has no hands and half his forearms missing almost makes it his wench cannot lift the ground anchor he’s exhausted however the driver despite his handicap picks-up the huge anchor and carries it down the course but cannot also get it to grip. All the marshals are moved by this eventually they DNF like most other competitors. The stage is passable just the DNF time is too short.</p><br /><p>There are several smashes in the 10 special stages one a huge endo resulting in C146 (Italian Disco) crushing the roll cage another 2 rollover – its going to be a tough RFC.</p> <br /><p>Dave Metcalfe (C150) does SS2 in spectacular style and I manage to capture the pics by listening to the engine sound to start my snapping sequence as he climbs the up and crests the top. I think Lance is wench for this stage just to keep the Nissan on the Ground.</p><br /><p>In SS3 I watch the other Aussie team cross the log bridge – Next they are in the thick of disaster and the Toyota wheelbase is to narrow and slips down between the logs in the bridge. It’s retrieved by an excavator from the front but then everyone realizes the back end is going to slip off and it’s hoisted of the bridge by its rear end. Lucky it’s only a practice bridge and not a real jungle bridge they would really be in trouble. </p><br /><p>Both Aussie teams end up with 4 passes and 6 DNF’s. Most other teams are the same.</p><br /><p>Finished, we all pack up ready for the rollout to the first jungle camp. The sight of the excavator straightening out C146 by a cable attached to the top of the roll cage and lifting it up and down stretching the cage and frame back into shape is too much and the cage is ripped off by brute force. They surface 1.5 days later with a very well repaired vehicle. Malaysian panel beating boleh lah! My marshal/winch wench Sidik is fantastic/organized he packs YELLOW as we now have in YELLOW food for 10 for 10 days. Due to a miscommunication Liz has brought food for 10 people for 10 days and Billy will assist her with the cooking. Peter and myself have also bought food for 8 people for 10+ days along with cooking kit and worse tables and chairs, Sleeping beds for 6 (2 beds are spare), 3 spare sleeping bags, 3 tarps (2 spares for room if we need to accommodate extra people), camera gear, Computer, tent poles etc. Complete spare winch, 2 spare batteries, 30+ liters of water, eggs stacked on a seat and so uch gear it sags at the rear. RED has food for 8 people for 8 days 4 marshals with full kit bags, tools, beds, 2 tables and 8 chairs all in a little LCII. Everything in RED is in military boxes and behind a Milford Cargo barrier and is tidy and safe. YELLOW well say nothing but me thinks "DON”T ROLL IT".</P><br /><p>Finally at 3.30pm we are ready for the 120K transport section where we all are to rendezvous’ at a little CALTEX service station in the kampong of Laloh. Little does he Tango team know it will be more than just a passing visit. I’m glad Sidik is a local and knows the way we have no waypoints or map we just follow the very loose convoy – loose being all 80+ vehicles know where to go hahahahahaha and blindy trying to follow the vehicle in front.</p><br /><p>We meander though the Malaysian countryside green green green, Hills and more green and kampungs everywhere.</p><br /><p>Laloh CALTEX eventually is in sight and it’s a Zoo – grid lock outside the Caltex one by one the 80+ RFC vehicle fill tanks to the top and spare fuel containers fighting for queuing with locals, logging trucks and motorbikes. We line up and when all the vehicles are ready its coming DUSK at 6.50pm. Suddenly without warning the convoy is OFF and it’s like a Le Mans start 4x4’s everywhere. Turnoff to the sawmill is 700 meters down the road finally its jungle time and 42k to Camp 1. It’s all easy driving no problems even when we turn off to a narrow track and a long uphill and downhill (little do we know about the return journey). Finally there is a tough uphill slippery and wet YELLOW eats it sliding everywhere. Then a traffic jam. It’s a log bridge or is it or was once. It has plywood, dirt, planks all on it, I think <br />nothing of it as Sidik guides me across safely then camp is only 1K away. All segmented into HQ, Officials, Press, and competitor areas. It’s still dry but then it rains slightly as camp is struck. Not long before we hear the Zambian team’s nightclub start up – shit a huge sound box in the jungle. </p><br /><p>I’m exhausted from the past weeks activities and do not feel sick anymore but sleep does come quickly after a couple of coldies so does Peter. Cannot remember even what we ate.</p><br /><h4>Day 3 3rd December 2007 - Camp 1</h4><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071203_000000062.STITCHED_CAMP1.jpg" alt="RFC 2007 Camp 1 Morning" border="0" ><br /><p>Morning comes round breakfast is readied and scoffed down and attend the morning briefing. The draw for the 2 SS’s today is done. Peter is assigned the tough SS11 which he has to go down and help build. I get SS12 the river SS. Hanging onto the side of a Jackaroo (ISUZU Trooper) I get a lift for the 500 meters to the river water SS. Maybe it was safer to walk. Once at SS12 I’m not needed but I can go down and assist – I am assigned to assist at the turnaround point I get to walk the course several times as we lay it out. <br /><br />Note it is not driven by any marshal's. 11.00am Action time the course is a dash over the river anything up to waist deep either up the river or over the rocks then into the water again and continue for about 90 meters to the turnaround point in very soft silt and it gets very very (2m+)deep out wide through the soft silt down the river all the way to the start/finish box – an easy stage with 20 minutes DNF. We see many states of driving and lines from excellent to poor. Highlights: Wong (C136) of Sabah (2004 winner) sets the stage alight with a blistering 1’ minute 34 seconds. His driving is fast and precise and flat to the floor – did co-driver Clay even take a breath during the SS we believe he (Wong’s truck) only touched the ground 3 times START, TURN AROUND POINT and FINISH. The nearest to this is a “slow” 1’ minute 57”. The little BJ43 converted to COILS and with a worked 15B-T just fly’s pushing huge amounts of water. He doesn’t even slow for the rocks wham crash bang all the press clear the area. The Italian LEXUS powered BJ40 is also impressive but slow compared to Wong and so is everyone else. A Lebanese team in a local BJ40 stalls every 5 meters or less and almost DNF’s without pulling out the winch cable an amazingly slow time. <br /><br />An Italian Mitsi pickup gets too deep after the turnaround and drowns both “come up” winches die in the water (a common problem with these winches). Another Mazda pickup dies in a similar spot and the winchy gets a real shock then he realizes the river is over his head as he has to swim for his life with steel cable in his hands to reach a winching point to late they DNF. Soon the sun starts setting the drivers are blinded in the up river run and soon we have a rollover. They DNF as they cannot right it. 10+ adults struggle to push it back on its sneakers. The 1JZ runs for a long time on its side. Meantime we hear that SS11 starts late as Arteks Rangie is stuck in the course and had to be recovered – a bridge is built to stop the competitors suffering the same fate. 1.30pm SS11 is open for customers a vehicle rolls into the finish box and C151 the Aussie Toyota comes down to the finish box vertical and executes and fancy a two front sneakers turn dance rear sneakers flailing in mid air before it finishes sneakers down much to the marshal’s amazement. SS11 times range from 38 seconds to DNF. 3 vehicles to run tomorrow morning. The SS13/14 course markers have gone on ahead. X-Men Artech’s team.</p><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071205_000000665.jpg" alt="C129 on the bank SS13" border="0" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071205_000000678.jpg" alt="Max stuck in SS14 and DNF'ing" border="0" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071205_000000764.jpg" alt="Recovering C123 after getting stuck crossing river after SS14" border="0"> <br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071204_000000612.jpg" alt="C101 on the bank SS13" border="0" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071204_000000613.jpg" alt="C101 on the bank SS13" border="0" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071204_000000549.jpg" alt="RED seconds before getting stuck in the soft sand at SS14" border="0" ><br /><p>Dinner is cooked by Liz and Billy </p><br /><h4>Day 4 - 4th December 2007</h4><br /><p>We leave late for SS13/14 for some reason we are slow in getting away Peter is at SS13 doing marshalling of the final vehicles.</p><br /><p>We arrive SS13/14 (SS13/14 becomes known as CAMP 1.5) in an event free drive – its fun narrow slippery however if it rains this track will become “well interesting”.</p><br /><p>SS14 Tango team (hey that’s us) is assigned recovery and marshalling duties. Peter gets RED stuck in the river. I get stuck in the river in YELLOW driving to the rescue when a marshal walks in front of YELLOW and I have to brake. I’m winched out by Rods customized HILUX and then RED is winched out. When we finally safe we are shown a circled tiger print in the beach beside YELLOWS door – mmmmmmm it’s rather <br />large and so is the cub's print beside it. Artech and the X-men group head out to setup SS15/16.</p><br /><p>We have to put RED up the river bank for recovery. RED breaks a winch cable. A new one is fitted and 30 minutes later we are winching again up the bank and succeed. Once at the top the Indonesian driver Yhusof leaves the PTO running and pulls the new hook through the fairlead and snaps the cable. Buggar! Damn knew <br />we should have fitted the buzzer and RED light warning for the PTO and not delayed fitting it. It takes 2 hours to fix this meanwhile we start running SS14 some 1.5 hours late. However, the competitors are late as the MEDIA vehicles which followed our little convoy in have had a little fun and held up the competitors traveling behind them. There was nothing on the track to cause problems or was there! Tales <br />from the foreign journo's tell a different story crikey how, will they get to CAMP2 as the river our of CAMP 1.5 looks forbidding enough </p><br /><p>Here is the diary of my view of SS14. </p><br /><p>SS14 down the stoney bank for 70 meters chicane over the sand bank hairpin toss rocks at the marshal there (yours truly) through a rock gate up and across the river and up the steep bank negotiating a large overhanging tree which will rip your roof off or jam you hard against it through the jungle and bank down a bank into the river and same route back. Simple! DNF time is 25 minutes.</p><br /><ul><br /><li>C145 Italian BJ40 immaculate, wood veneer inside and a LEXUS V8 under the bonnet and carbon fiber panels and ROOF. It’s fast and quiet but is too low at the front and hits rocks easily. They finish quite well. I have to dive out the way as they try to run over my checkpoint.<br /><li>Banged up C160 Mazda pickup they get to the DNF gate and surrender. <br /><li>C115 Ssanyong Musso pickup they also get to my DNF gate and surrender.<br /><li>C139 flies past me and then to the ROCK obstacle but they bypass the ROCK gate (immediate DNF) and then run over the marshal’s bag way off the course and back to the starting box – the UK Marshall is pissed a busted camera and a crushed water bottle.<br /><li>C113 CJ6/7 jeep powered by 1JZ very fast and take out stop box on way back.<br /><li>C116 CJ6/7 1JZ very fast and takes out stop box. <br /><li>C152 CJ6 china team no hands they slowly try and inch up the bank but the PTO will not engage and they DNF. <br /><li>C102 BJ40 13B-T Lebanon they go slow and they strike a trek in the jungle after climbing the bank and DNF. <br /><li>15:02 C135 Cherokee Jeep Denmark fast time and clear run. RED’s winch s now fixed and we have a full compliment of Marshal’s.<br /><li>C110 CJ7/1Jz Malaysia Really fast and dangerous two flags down penalties for seat belts and winching without gloves.<br /><li>C133 BJ40/1JZ fast breaks plasma rope winching and then overheats the clutch finally too put tranquility back in the Jungle they DNF.<br /><li>C122 Range Rover /2JZ VVTi Crikey this is fast and driven well they clear the stage.<br /><li>C125 ????? Very slow got stuck in the jungle and then seat belt violations. <br /><li>Between the cars listen to the rushing river water and the birds and the frogs wondering why the sun is so hot and where is the rain?<br /><li>It’s getting late 16:22 and its C150 (David Metcalfe in the Nissan UTE) he runs wide in the river almost sinks and then winches into the jungle the twin motor 8274 is awesome to watch it go up the steep bank. He gets a fast time.<br /><li>C117 CJ6/7 with 1JZ. Very fast winching however breaks window as car is winched into the now infamous tree.<br /><li>C158 Land Rover Poland struggles to get up the bank taking all the time with 3 minutes left they scale the bank. One minute left when they exit the river bank they whack over 2 posts in a frantic drive back across the river and finish with seconds to spare.<br /><li>C141 Thai Mitsi Pickup – reach the DNF point and stop.<br /><li>C156 Toyota something with 1JZ. Absolutely dangerously fast but could not get up the bank as it is so chewed up and they finally DNF. They try and finish with sand ladders on the drivers and winchy’s laps shackles left in jungle. They not happy but Sidik deals with them.<br /><li>C101 Land rover Sri Lanka excellent driving 9 minutes for the state of the course is excellent.<br /><li>C157 Range Rover Poland (biggest vehicle in the comp) they have trouble getting up the bank snap a winch cable and jamming the RR against that damn overhanging tree. Good teamwork sees them finish just in time.<br /><li>Now it’s dark and C147 lines up and does the DNF gate and exits. Yay we can go eat finally.<br /></li></ul><br /><br /><p>Finally we can relax however there is no room to camp. Stu leaves the Volvo on the riverbank and so does Rod in the Hilux. I retrieve food from RED and leave RED in the jungle to give the giant pussy cat something to hunt. YELLOW is also retrieved from across the river and camped on the riverbank. Little did we know that 1 day later this river would be 4+ meters up the bank we we so lucky and friggin stupid to even contemplate camping there.</p><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071204_000000633.jpg" alt="Me being showered in rocks and sand at my SS14 station." border="0"><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071204_000000643.jpg" alt="Marshals guarding SS14 from the tiger during the evening" border="0"><br /> <br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071204_000000641.jpg" alt="Fixing the PTO on the Vovlo or is it a joke session " border="0" ><br /><br /><p>Dinner is mush and a quick meal cooked by Liz. </p><br /><p>We sleep on the open riverbank beach after having numerous beers to relax. The Volvo’s bent PTO shaft has been repaired and is now operational as a recovery vehicle again. Remember its monsoon and we are sleeping on a riverbank – sounds so stupid. In hindsight it was as the river was some 4+ meters over our sleeping point a couple of days later.</p><br /><p>5.00am I am awoken by rain on my face – woow I’m sleeping out I suddenly remember. I pickup the bed and frantically race to find a space to slip the bed way up on the bank under a tarp. </p><br /><p>The rain ceases in time to allow the remaining vehicles to finish SS13/14.</p><br /><ul><li>9:13am C137 Austria JEEP Cherokee – Snaps a winch cable and still finish under the DNF time in 20 minutes.</p><br /><br /><li>C129 Toyota 1JZ they DNF out on the steep bank not before they turn my hairpin beach front turn into a <br />rice-padi with a display of Toyota field ploughing that we have not seen for a long time.</p><br /><li>C??? pickup – missed</p><br /><li>SS13 I see Max is stuck in the Denmark Jeep Cherokee at a crazy angle on a rock in the river and look <br />like the they are flooded again.</p><br /><li>C109 Jeep CJ6/1JZ they use the spare tire to get up the bank – good team work and a very good time <br />(Previous RFC winner) of 6 minutes. </p><br /><li>C146 Discovery from Italy they arrive with a newly repaired roof and the roll cage repaired after the <br />excavator ripped it off it looks almost brand new except the front window is smashed up still. They DNF on <br />the bank however.</p><br /><li>C136 BJ43 /15B-T Wong and Mongan. Damn it’s fast and powerful I have to duck as the stones fly <br />everywhere. Impressive time and they finish in about 8 minutes.</p><br /><li>C134 Land rover Denmark they do well and also finish in around 12 minutes.</p><br /><li>C148 Suzuki 3.0 Diesel Indonesia Finishes but a very slow time</p><br /><li>Next is C153 they DNF on the bank.</p><br /><li>Then last vehicle C123 CJ7/1JZ. And they complete SS14.</p><br /></ul><br /><p>We finish up SS14 at 12:57 and Tango Leader Thomas decides we will have lunch and head off at 14:30 for SS15/16 which is at Camp 2 some 7 kilometers away. Two marshals Jackie and Peter Dodd from UK leave their sleeping bags and beds in YELLOW as their MEDIA taxi is across the river and they do not want to get their gear wet crossing the river and we will pass to them at CAMP 2. Little do they know or we know but we will never arrive at Camp 2 and they spend the next 5 days freezing and wets without sleeping bags. A frantic lunch and pack goes on at the same getting ready for the 14:30 departure time. </p><br /><p>14:30 we have to wait there are 3 vehicles (Thai team) coming down the hill from Camp 2 one is stuck on the steep descent another almost rolls we can see it careering out of control as it slides and slips down the hill – yikes we have to ascend this soon. Thomas crosses the river in the LC II shorty and parks up in <br />a safe place. Eventually they (Thai team) make it down and we send Stu across in the Volvo crikey the bank on the other side is slippery and very yukky. Then it’s YELLOW’s turn and then RED and the rest of the convoy. We have to assist Thomas up the hill he winches most of the way in the thick sticky mud. Then it’s Stu and he also winches most of the way up. I show Peter the line to follow in RED before YELLOW has a turn. We almost make it and winch for a few meters then its driveable. However, a Pajero coming down parks badly and it takes me for ever to inch past it in the horrid mud. I walk back down the hill to see where Peter is and see RED on it side and people climbing out of the cabin. <p><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071205_000000784.jpg" alt="Stu in T1 crossing river at Camp 1.5" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071205_000000786.jpg" alt="Stu in T1 crossing river at Camp 1.5" ><br /><br /><p>They have driven too far left and slide down into the large hole and rolled over. It takes us 20+ minutes to prepare RED for recovery and Rod pulls RED slowly to its sneakers but not before RED slides down the hill a long way.. It takes us 2 hours to let the oil settle remove the glow plugs and clean out the turbo. The SsanYong team lends us engine oil and RED is ready to rock. However Thomas decides to head back down to SS/13/14 camp as SS15/16 is completed so we can EXIT the jungle in the morning to go way around to the end of SS19 and play recovery at the top of a 700 meter hill climb which is SS19 in 2 days time. However before we can move mother natures opens the skies and it pours RED slides back down the slope. I get pulled/body dragged up the hill by Volvo winch as it is not walkable. Rod in the Hilux decides to press on as he is part of the going through recovery team for the Twilight zone. However, he has to winch all the way up the slope it’s become so slippery. Then Volvo makes a terrifying slip/slide down the hill. Next is YELLOW and it cruises down the hill easily (The hill is to claim another 4-5 rollovers before the 2007 RFC is over several very hard rolls and causes chaos for the next 4-5 days). Across the river is tough Thomas breaks an axle on the exit bank and is winched out. The Volvo winches itself out. I drive YELLOW up the bank using brute horsepower and SIMEX tires. RED is winched up using Volvo as the anchor (Volvo sits there for next 18 hours as an recovery anchor).</p><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071205_000000808.jpg" alt="RED minutes after rollover" border="0" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071205_000000809.jpg" alt="RED minutes after rollover" border="0"><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071205_000000814.jpg" alt="RED back on its sneakers" align="center" border="0"><br /><br /><p></center>It stays dry enough for camp to be erected then it pours for the rest of the evening. Thomas’s LC II Rear diff is stripped by 3 bored mechanics. They are hilarious two vehicles sit engines idling for 4+ hours their headlights lighting up their camp and Thomas's LC sitting on 3 tree stumps! A plasma winch cable is run out to hold up the tarp covering their camp and the forlorn LC II. The mechanics working in the rain in undies only eventually they have a mud fight and then at 12.00am elect to run off to Kuala Terengganu (alone in a Pajero some 150+Kilometers away) to obtain an AXLE for the LC II (This is the character of the RFC).</p><br /><br /><p>Dinner is chicken nuggets and rice with curry yum yum. 10.20pm we pull a vehicle across the river they on way out for repairs. Then another several hours C122 cruises past heading to get steering fixed.</p><br /><br /><H4>RFC 2007 Diary from a X-Men Tango Team Marshal</H4><br /><br /><p>Why is RED lying on its side on a slippery muddy hill? Read on to find out what happened in our view of the RFC 2007. One never to be forgotten!</p><br /><br /><h4>Day 5 - 5th December</h4><br /><br /><p>Next morning it's still raining (raining being it has not stopped all night) and we are waiting to see if the mechanics will turn up with Thomas’s new AXLE. We recover the Thai team across the river they are running 3 vehicles with 2WD only and one driver has a broken leg he only drives the easy bits and someone drives the hard bits.</p><br /><p>His wife walks the now flooded river (tough lady). We open a coffee shop and distribute hot tea/coffee. River is still rising. Next is the NEWSPAPER crew in 3 vehicles and they are recovered. Next is the score master and he almost rolls the Hilux into the river and is winched out. 11:00 Thomas realizes we have to move else we will be here all day recovering vehicles, A Frantic pack and he abandons his busted LCII shorty still sitting on stumps and climbs into a vehicle (later we find out he has not taken anything and only has what he is wearing). The convoy gets 100 meters and a vehicle breaks down the NISSAN has no brakes and is turned around for the mechanics to fix later.</p><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071206_000000821.jpg"alt="Timekeeper wagon almost rolling into river at Camp 1.5 soooo close!" border="0" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071206_000000825.jpg" alt="Timekeeper wagon trying to exit river at Camp 1.5" border="0" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071206_000000837.jpg" alt="Broken Leg Colin's Mitsi Jeep being winch out of river at Camp 1.5!" border="0" ><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071206_000000853.jpg" alt="Stu Piloting the Volvo's Winch" border="0" ><br /><p>Incident free we travel until we reach a small mud hole and the lead ISUZU Media truck (why was he in front?) cannot exit the mud hole. 30+ minutes are lost recovering it eventually the Volvo takes the initiative and ploughs through followed by YELLOW however a competition jeep takes far left line and is stuck for the next 30+ minutes extracting it from thick mud. RED has fun with a beautifully executed <br />sideways crossing. This mud hole becomes also a major obstacle for the retreating RFC convoy in the coming 5 days claiming many vehicles and becomes an elephant mud hole in its own right.</p><br /><p>We do not get far and catch the Thai vehicles sitting at the bottom of a hill they are trying to get up in 2WD (Mitsi and Hilux). The Mitsi digs a huge whole about 2 cars lengths up effectively ruining the track. It takes an hour or more to winch the 3 Thai cars up and recover one from a ditch. Teamwork we lay a winch line out and fix off camber ditch problem with a bit it of shoveling the Volvo drives and then winches to a safe spot. YELLOW destroys the hill and I have to back off the pedal to slow down as we crest the first obstacle and then wait. RED has to winch a long way again. It takes up another 3 hours to get the remaining vehicles a distance of only 200 meters in the pouring rain. The Army Land rover is a heavy pull for the entire 200 meters with 3 vehicles being used as an anchor for it. YELLOW gets stuck in a hole and is winched and RED gets stuck in the same hole. The MEDIA ISUZU vehicle is left at the bottom with a battery and winch failure and poor tires (we meet up with him 6 days later his vehicle was still in the jungle he walked 30+k to the boat recovery point). At this point it is after 4.30pm and we have traveled only about 6k in 5 hours.</p><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071206_000000862.jpg" alt="RED and Peter in the mudhole which became huge later." border="0" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071206_000000865.jpg" alt="The Thai Hilux stuck at the top of the climb in 2wd only (see the winch cable)." border="0"><br /><p>It's an easy cruise and with sunset not far away we pass CAMP 1 and finally reach the funny bridge at 6:15pm. Its only now do we realise this was an ugly crossing on the way over but it has had more damage inflicted by the 85+ vehicles crossing it and it may need repair. Stu does it in the Volvo with one set of wheel on the raw logs and the other up high on the dirt covered log he winches slowly across to make it easier. YELLOW is next and being narrower I have one side on the edge of the dirt and the insides of the other wheels holding the vehicle up on the side of the bridge very scary stuff. I cross also with the winch cable attached and the river raging below. Crossing in the failing light and I decide that no more vehicles can cross without a fix to the bridge. The army is used to fell a tree and we join 2 logs to <br />allow a safer crossing. By now it s dark and the remaining 5 vehicles cross safely using sidelights and a torch for direction. First being me in RED as Peter does not want to drive the log bridge. Safely across I hand RED back to Peter. This bridge is still intact for the remaining 85+ vehicles to use in the RFC 2007 GREAT ESCAPE over the coming 6 days which we have yet to realize is going to happen real soon.</p><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071206_000000867.jpg" alt="YELLOW stuck in the hole at the top of the climb" border="0"><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071206_000000887.jpg" alt="Stu winching across the broken bridge" border="0" height="201" width="300" ><br /><p>More crossing of streams by now have become raging torrents of water and we put out markers for people to follow. Where nothing was before have also become streams or raging torrents and water is fast filling up all the low lying land and small valleys.</p><br /><p>P10.30pm we finally make it to the Laloh SAWMILL exit. However none of us in the dark realize that the river at the sawmill was almost at the top of the bridge. We are the last ones who make it out of the jungle. What are we going to do a quick team survey tells Thomas FOOD straight across the road and dry clothes. The SATAY shop is inundated with 21 people demolishing everything they had and they close shop <br />early as nothing is left. They are nice enough to give us permission to sleep under their shop front and the other 5 shops. We all change clothes and pull out the stretcher BEDS. Welcome to Tango Team the new RFC Headquarters at Laloh!</p><br /><br /><H4>Day 6 - 6th December 2007</H4><br /><br /><P>Morning Day 6. Liz comes back from the river for and tells us the bridge is gone and the water is up a long way "unbelievable can't be impossible" we check and yup the water has come up over 7+ meters overnight. </p><br /><p>We decide to push on the huge distance of 700 meters to Laloh however Thomas needs clothes. A second hand clothing shop is 400 meters away near the CALTEX and he kits out new clothes for $20rm ($6USD).</p><br /><p>We have to get to the SS19 exit as we are the rescue/recovery team for this jungle stage at the top of a 700 meter hill known as Hakka Junction. Some 150K away all of it on blacktop. We depart 10.00pm and cruise along and see the IMPACT of the floods water is immense wild brown swirling rivers flooded roads. We turn of towards Gawi from Aring and soon strike problems and a large detour is required as the road is to flooded even for us and the locals have fishing nets across the road making it a little difficult to pass! </p><br /><p>The Aring-Gawi road is empty no shops no food nothing no phone reception. Our contact with RFC HQ in Jungle informs us the convoy was leaving at 12.00m and the walking trackers left at 9.00am to start marking the trail for the competition drivers to follow. They have 2 days of traveling alone to make it with only 3 special official RFC vehicles acting as sweep. The rest including HQ, Media, support vehicles and rejected competitor vehicles (only chomp 25 vehicles pass inspection) have to backtrack and follow our route. Media people can walk the track and follow the competition vehicles taking whatever they need on their backs.</p><br /><p>Our team will be leaving at 10.30am in the pouring rain we have 120k-150k to travel approximately to get to the Hakka junction campsite turnoff. We are starting to get hungry at 1pm. However, there is no food no service stations nothing almost as desolate as the Australian outback. Then 1.30pm the Volvo decides it needs a rest and gets a flat sneaker. We pump it up with RED's compressor and proceed to the <br />entry turnoff to SS19. However the Volvo decides to go flat again. Thomas goes to check out the CAMPSITE (Camp 3) while we struggle with changing the Volvo's 36 Simex sneaker. Ok these things are heavy at 50+kg.<br /> <br />Thomas returns with a lost RFC comms official. Camping is out as it is under water and the river crossing impassible. Now we have a serious problem there is:</p><br /><ul><li>8 trackers walking in this direction with 2 major rivers to cross and then this raging torrent as we cannot cross and meet them at Hakka Junction. <br /><li>50+ international press walking somewhere between camp 2 and the trackers following the competition vehicles<br /><li>about 28 competition vehicles in there and 3 sweep vehicles and at camp 2 waiting to turn around and exit same track we did<br /><li>10+ HQ vehicles and around<br /><li>17 Press transport vehicles <br /><li>Rejected competition trucks for CAMP 2 to Hakka Junction drive.<br /><li>We also know that HQ and Media trucks cannot move from camp 2 as the track is so bad and the rivers between camp 1.5 and camp 2 are all overflowing.</ul><br /><br /><p>We decide to get to GAWI some 30k away and it will be time for a rescue (and food yes food were all starving) to be organized. 8K from Gawi a competition truck decides to drop its steering arm resulting in a few hair raising moments on the wet winding road. </p><br /><P>Finally we get to GAWI at 5.40pm have a meal and then decide to find a hotel (only one Hotel and no fuel and no shops Spartan would be the best description) to check into. Thomas sets up a rescue HQ and we have a meeting on what to do. Someone smashed Stu's wide window while we are having dinner - why the Fr***nG doors are unlocked. It is decided at 8.30pm that everyone in the Jungle has to turn around and <br />head back to Laloh the walking trackers can exit at Camp 3 (the now flooded camp) 30k up the road from us. I am exhausted and have been nominated with Zulu 2 (army communications) to turn around and drive back as close to Hakka junction and make radio contact with the trackers and tell them the plan via radio. We drive and get as close to Hakka Junction as possible (its about 13k from the road) About 11.30pm we get a faint click click acknowledgement on our repeated message we try for another 2-3 hours to make further contact. I'm exhausted and give the wheel to Sidik. Bad move he likes my truck. 3.30am I awake we are almost back at GAWI. I logon to the computer and have internet via MASIX 3G. 5.00am the internet disappears <br />(LATER WE FIND OUT FOR OVER 3 DAYS).</p><br /><P>The place is crawling with BOMBA (Fire Brigade), Polis (Police) and other government vehicles. </P><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071209_000000906_WEB.jpg"alt="The washed out bridge at Laloh some 5 meters under here is the bridge." align="center" border="0" ><br /><br /><H4>Day 7 - 7th December 2007</H4> <br /><p>7.00am its pouring we prepare for the team to split we have to go back to Laloh to setup forward recovery team and meet a Bomba team at 1.30pm at the river in Laloh. Meanwhile we also have to escort the Bomba team to the Camp 3 site to rescue the trackers. First we gotta fit a fixed radio to YELLOW and yup the VOLVO has the same tire gone flat again. Stu goes to pack and checkout we change the tire again. It feels even heavier this morning.</p><br /><p>Meanwhile this is what it is like for the competitors still in the jungle as they turn around and head back to Laloh.</p><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20030127_000001037.jpg" alt="Day 6 for the competitors in the twilight zone trying to come back" border="0" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20030127_000001045.jpg" alt="Day 6 for the competitors in the twilight zone trying to come back" border="0" ><br /><p>Both door windows in YELLOW are stuck down and we drive in the rain wet and cold rain pouring in both the windows.</p><p>We escort the Bomba team to Camp 3 to perform the rescue and continue with our journey. Later we find out they could not get their boat down the bank into the river and the Logging Kongsi (camp) use their boat to rescue the 8 walkers. With one days rest 6 of the walkers are back in action and meet us in Laloh however not before one of them gets Hypothermia. It's a slow trip back to Laloh RED overheats its tranny fluid and needs a little fluid to cool it. We meet the Laloh Bomba team and they eventually head of in their rescue boats to get to the now infamous Village of Kampong Mick which is the farest into the <br />jungle by river at present they can get by river which leads to Camp 1.5 or Camp 2 river has a 30ft waterfall on it and is impassible by boat. Kampung Miak is 30k away we find out later by road or water not the 13k we are informed. They leave at 5.00pm and return just after 7.00pm taking and leaving a film crew in with them. Meanwhile we camp along in a vacant shop lot opposite the now well known CALTEX some 700 meters from the flooded bridge on the main highway near where we stayed 2 days ago. Food is more plentiful with two restaurants across the road where we can sit and pass the time of day.</p><br /><p>A meeting is held 10.00am - The Kelantan Police, Fire, Army, Air Force, Government officials to see how and when they are going to get the stranded Rainforest Participants out. A helicopter is due to arrive sometime later that day and recce the area. Peter and Stu have to translate the RFC knick names to GPS <br />positions on the maps for the government officials. Terminator, Bridge to Nowhere, Elephant Mud hole, Laloh Sawmill, Kampong Mick, Camp 1, Camp 1.5, Camp 2, Hakka Junction, bridge to nowhere and finally Camp 3 all get translated to ALT and LONG (MILITARY uses UTM).</p><br /><p>Meeting over and a plan is formed the RFC rescue committee will relocate to Laloh. The Bomba and Police 69 squad will move into walk to the RFC groups and a chopper will drop food etc (The chopper never makes it and remains stuck in KL for the next 4 days). </P><br /><p>I start at midnight typing up the list of competitors and officials for the Police and Fire and yup the Prime minister is to have the list in a briefing by 8am. I type until 4am and Stu takes over the final details. A list of who is to come out first is drawn up. Under instructions from the PM office all foreign press are to be evacuated first we also have a list of drivers etc who we know are flying out 1-2 days after the event and they are on the first boat list along with some injured participants and press.</p><br /><p>The rescue team is setup in the local school and beds and food and catering is all provided by the Kelantan government. I cannot praise these guys enough for the way they got stuck in and assisted us bearing in mind that also Kelantan was flooded and man thousands of people were being evacuated from their homes. Everything is run by the police. That afternoon a recce trip is run again to Kg Maik and the rescues will start the next day.</p><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071207_000001061_WIDE.jpg" alt="Competitors nearing Kg Miak on the great retreat crossing a swollen washed ut bridge" align="center" border="0" ><br /><br /><H4>Day 8 - 8th December 2007</H4><br /><p>We spend some time at the river watching the Bomba (Fire) teams come in and out getting reports ready and updated lists of whose where and the injuries etc. Meantime I lose my sidekick Sidik he is banished to the Kg Mick to assist with the extraction he has the first list of people to come out extraction is planned for late on 9th to early 10th December. I meantime download the manual from the internet for the Yaesu XR6 as I cannot drive it and we spend the rest of the day sitting in the cafe opposite where we have set up our little camp across the road from the now infamous Laloh Caltex. We run down to the river every once in a while and checking the water level its starting to go down and we can now go down far enough (1 meter) to see across the river.</p><br /><p>The Gawi rescue HQ decides to relocate to Laloh realizing they cannot function away from Laloh they also discover internet access is still not working in Gawi and has not since 5am on the morning we arrived when Maxis Broadband failed. </p><br /><p>The HQ team arrives in the afternoon and a briefing is held to discuss progress and plans.</P><br /><p>Great excitement the X-Men who walked out of the jungle at Gawi have arrived and smiles all round.</p><br /><p>Meanwhile supplies including 100 stretcher beds, catering staff to cook at the school cafeteria roll in, Clothes and food all unloaded. Someone walks up and delivers over 100 t-shirts and 100 sarong's for people to change into when they arrive, I cannot thank the people of Kelantan enough for what they did for <br />the RFC. Friendly talkative, those who spoke English sat down and talked to us at cafes.</p><br /><H4>Day 9 - 9th December 2007</H4><br /><P>Morning finds us back at the river as the Korean news crew is heading to Kg Miak to get some real first hand action news of the rescue and the survivors as they straggle into Kg Miak wet miserable hungry blistered feet for the lucky ones and worse injuries for those who have been wet for 3-4 days. We muck around eating, waiting watching the river (Sungai Kelantan) fall waiting for something to happen. It's a long day and we relax that evening knowing we are going to finally have a rescue tomorrow.</p><br /><H4>Day 10 - 10th December 2007</H4><br /><p>Prize giving day - however there is only about 20 people to attend. Tango Team, The rescued walkers 6 of whom are back in the jungle assisting their X-Men friends rescue people and vehicles. WE hear news the first rescued people are due back at Laloh today and the Police 69 squad and Bomba are leaving Laloh at 7.00am. We wait over an hour and finally at 8:15 the boats are unloaded however it is 8:5-0 before the boats get under way M16's, 45's and other guns and military kit from all over the world adorns these guys, however the boats will not start and they drift for nearly 10 minutes as they frantically try to start the boats. 5 boats disappear down river and will head into the swirling 7+ meter high main river for 30K dangerous haul to Kg Mick its full of whirlpools , floating logs and everything else you could imagine. Meanwhile the 6 X-Men walkers turn up recovered and head across the river in a boat and walk the 30K to Kg Miak with a parang and a some of them not even a backpack - tough boyz.</p><br /><p>About 12.00pm suddenly there is movement people we have not seen suddenly start appearing along with film crews and other hangers on. We know the rescue teams are on the way back</p><br /><p>12:47pm boats and the first team is back and its got foreigners as we expected. Its the Korean TV crew and the two Ozzie winch wenches wet cold and happy to be safe (they both have to be on a plane tomorrow morning back to Oz. Soon the other boats arrive all full of wet happy RFC survivors. We are flat out directing them to the Police transport trucks for the journey to the rescue center for roll call and then <br />the dignitaries suddenly vanish as quick as they arrived. We have to also taxi people back to the school as we have run out of transport. The Volvo and the RED and YELLOW trucks are also busy. 3.30pm the next bunch of survivors (including the RFC Boss Luis Wee) is out once they are all cleaned up the whole lot of them have a photo session and are packed onto buses for the trip to the presentation - yay there's going top be a party but we are staying here our jobs not done.</p><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071210_000001189.jpg" alt="The first rescue boat arriving at Laloh" border="0"><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071210_000001197.jpg" alt="The first rescue boat arriving at Laloh" border="0" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071210_000001205.jpg" alt="The first rescue boat arriving at Laloh" border="0" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071210_000001213.jpg" alt="The first rescue boat arriving at Laloh" border="0" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071210_000001237.jpg" alt="The first rescue boat arriving at Laloh" border="0" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071210_000001238.jpg" alt="The first rescue boat arriving at Laloh" border="0" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071210_000001239.jpg" alt="The first rescue boat arriving at Laloh" border="0" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071210_000001240.jpg" alt="The first rescue boat arriving at Laloh" border="0" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071210_000001242.jpg" alt="The first rescue boat arriving at Laloh" border="0" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071210_000001243.jpg" alt="The first rescue boat arriving at Laloh" border="0" ><br /><p>We have a quiet meal and celebrate the RFC 2007 party on our own in the rescue center. I have a bit of MS banter with Ozzie Metcalfe who is waiting with their vehicles still until the water goes down so far 2 meters he orders southern comfort and coke haha but that's in the back of YELLOW.</p><br /><H4>Day 11 - 7th December 2007</H4><br /><p>I awake to a message on my phone from 1am - water up 1.5 meters its lapping our camp site how do we get out of here? Its David Metcalfe and John Butler. I reply there is a boat 7.00am leaving for Kg Mick be there and you will get a ride out I will give you a lift to KL. The rescue boat leaves at 7.00 and we head down to the river to wait for the arrival of the rescue boat. 10.17am and they arrive - wet happy. According to Metcalfe later the boat ride was scary whirlpools pulling the boat, refueling the boat while someone hangs onto a tree branch surrounded by swirling flood waters and the rain whipping their faces and freezing cold. We take them back to the rescue center and they are processed. I decide my time with RFC 2007 is up and its time to head back to KL with the Ozzie's as all the competitors are now out of the jungle.</P><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071211_000001250_C150_C151_DAY11.jpg" alt="The first rescue boat arriving at Laloh" border="0" ><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/RFC2007_20071227_000001303.jpg" alt="The first site we saw arriving back at Laloh for the rescue." border="0"><br /><p>Home time Metcalfe's a mess a Sarong and a Tour Kelantan shirt on. It takes us 8 hours to get back to KL - RED starts overheating its Auto fluid and we have several stops to add oil and flush out the very blocked up muddy auto cooler.<p><br /><p>Midnight finds us sitting in the Coral hotel in KL sucking cold beers along with a few other survivors. Back to work tomorrow!</p>GeckoAdventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272279169206296529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573862095864884771.post-14965753028299078352009-06-10T15:59:00.000-07:002009-11-08T22:03:03.357-08:00Malaysia Chengal Tree VisitWhy is the mat salleh running ahead of the other locals in their Toyota’s in his red truck bashing down the jungle for 4 hours, chainsaw, axe and winch gloves at a mere arms length away - read on to find out more.<br /><br />This is a 3 day trip Friday Night to Monday and Monday is an annual leave day.<br /><br />Scenic Sg Loh Campsite <img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_0197_CUT.JPG" width=403 height=152 alt="Example" /><br /><br /><br />The goal is to get to the Chengal tree in Far East Terengganu which is some 400k away from us in sunny humid and hot Kuala Lumpur. No GPS points nothing just recollections on previous trip here. Not even a map hahaha a wing and a prayer and some jungle detective work should get us there.<br /><br />We had failed to get there in the 2008 RFC as our official marhsalls convoy (Tango Team) was told to turn around and setup Special Stages so we only saw the first obstacle last year in the pouring night rain and the daylight and what a obstacle it was over 8 hours of vehicles winching and revving engive to valve bounce to make the first 50 meter climb.<br /><br />Participants<br /><br />LC II SWB - 22R Jason and the kids - he is also the mekanik for all our trucks. <br />LC II LWB - 22R Sebastian and Loo <br />LC II LWB - 14B-T Adzhar (dad and shotgun) and Musa the up and coming classy 4x4 driver - Known as TYSON <br />LC II LWB - 13B-T Dave (cicak) and Robert - Known as RED (or little Dozer after the trip) <br />Hilux Surf - 3Y Paul - known as Daffy for the strange noises it makes.<br /><br />5.40pm Friday night.<br /><br />Rung the mekanik hey are you ready - the background whhhhhhhirrrrrr of Simex XT's on the tarmac tells me he is in the car and hopefully heading to Gombak Shell meeting place. No alas he is still going home. "I'm going to be late" is all he says.<br /><br />We get to Gomback Shell at 7.00pm (1 hour late) such is KL traffic on a Friday nite and we are the first ones there. Adzhar and Musa have already gone ahead to forage for food in Genting Sampar (top of Genting Highlands). Finally Loo and Sebastian turn up then is the mekanik at 8.00pm and he brings two kids neither his. His nephew and the nephew’s friend. Cool he is now the official school bus.<br /><br />On the way finally but no food so we have to stop 25k over the hill at Bukit Tingi. RED overheats going up Genting Highlands (750 meter climb) so a trip to a car wash at 8.30pm in Bukit Tingi sorts out the mud in the radiator problem from the previous trip.<br /><br />Finally 9:45pm we are on the road and rolling towards the east coast. We collect Adzhar at Petronas along the way and the convoy of 5 Toyotas is off and running. The Petronas is crowed and there is no parking anywhere.<br /><br />Several coffee breaks later just to get a break from the ever whirrrrrrrrrrrrrrring of the SIMEX XT jungle tires we find ourselves at 3.00am outside the gates of HUTAN LIPUR CHEMERONG (a waterfall state park). A quickchat with the guard lets us in to use the carpark for camping. Robert shocks him by speaking perfect Bahasa hahha. Little does the guard know we are having a 3am happy hour picnic to celebrate arriving. :)<br /><br />Saturday Morning<br /><br />We awake in the morning to the chorus sounds of birds, scrounge up breakfast and a wash and toilet break. All around is the sound of birds and Adzhar goes to the small waterfall for a walk. Then there is the sounds of a mekanik at work wah what is he working on its a holiday.<br /><br />10:45am its convoy rolling time for the short 4-5k run to the start of the Chengal tree track. In no time we have aired down the tires and its time for the infamous RFC 2008 2nd night hill climb (each truck taking at least 60 minutes to negotiate this climb some more some a lot less) its dry now and the track has changed the infamous rock bend is worse - ruts and rocks either side a trap just waiting to be sprung. First up its RED I drive to the ROCK have a quick recce and then reverse pulling out a big rock oops. Then one attempt and minimal tap on the gas pedal punch in the diff lock and I’m up the obstacle with wheels clawing skyward and then back on terra firma I’m safe and now the anchor point should we need one. Someone ahead of us has used a ground anchor very recently. Wow its all over in a couple of minutes :) . <br /><br />Tyson at the first rock.<img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_7524_TYSON_AT_THE_FIRST_ROCK_WEB.jpg" width=417 height=277 alt="Example" /><br /><br /><br />Next it’s TYSON and Musa takes the wrong line and is all easy once I give him a few clues as it too claws wheels skywards before it is safe. Then it’s the Surf and it has a few anxious moments as the 3Y engine will not shove the 35" wheels forward without massive slipping of the clutch then it too is safe. <br /><br />Daffy at the first rock.<img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_5243_DAFFY_AT_THE_ROCK.jpg" width=277 height=417 alt="Example" /><br /><br />Then its Sebastian in the stock LC II it slips sideways into the rocks "trapped" so it is winched to safety before any damage is done. Finally it’s the tail end Mekanik a little slip and slide then the lockers grab and the shorty LC II SWB) school bus is safe. <br /><br />Sebastian stuck on the first rock before being winched. <img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_7555_SEB_STUCK_AT_THE_FIRST_ROCK_WEB.jpg" width=417 height=277 alt="Example" /><br /><br />This is the toughest obstacle however in the rain there would be plenty more to entertain people (turning this track to extreme rather quickly I would say) - log bridges, landslides and much more and we eventually drive the 11.2k and reach the peaceful campsite on the banks of Sg Loh amongst some wonderful large trees. However there is already people here - Ah the users of the ground anchor is found. They are all running around in their undies crikey is this some sort of strange jungle cult?<br /><br />Time is a mere 12.35pm and we are there after crossing about 5 log bridges and a couple of hairy deeply rutted corners. Lunch time and then we are off to the tree across Sg Loh and 5k to the Tree we think. <br /><br />Sg Loh crossing on the way to the tree.<img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_7569_SG_LOH_CAMP_TO_THE_TREE.jpg" width=417 height=277 alt="Example" /><br /><br />Sebastian coming through the muddy cutting to the tree.<img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_7641_SEBASTIAN_ON_WAY_TO_TREE.jpg" width=417 height=277 alt="Example" /><br /><br />What a little jewel of a track overgrown and hardly used. Mud climbs, narrow muddy trails and ruts everywhere we take over 90 minutes to go 5k. <br /><br />Red stuck on a rock near the tree <img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_0880_RED_STUCK_ON_A_ROCK_WEB.jpg" width=417 height=277 alt="Example" /><br /><br />Red stuck on same rock near the tree <img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_0881_RED_STUCK_ON_A_ROCK_WEB.jpg" width=417 height=277 alt="Example" /><br /><br />Red stuck - Robert's out with the winch cable. <img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_5368_RED.jpg" width=417 height=277 alt="Example" /><br /><br />I think RED liked this rock there were lots of pics taken.<img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_5267.jpg" width=417 height=277 alt="Example" /><br /><br />Tyson climbing the bank by mistake at the pinning rock near the tree.<img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_7662_TYSON_CLIMBING_THE_BANK_OOPS_WEB.jpg" width=417 height=277 alt="Example" /><br /><br />Red catches a few more dents on a RUT and rock and is pinned until the Toyota's version of the WARN 8274 pulls it to safety. Yup I also got 3 new dents from this rock. Sebastian tears out the rear wing and a tail light putting a huge dent in an immaculate LC II hahahaha. Musa almost tosses TYSON up a bank as he finds out how good lockers are when you step on the gas pedal a little too much another meter and we would be trying to put it back on its sneakers as it would have rolled hahaha. The mekanik at the same RUT/ROCK as me spins him round like a top and he has to winch. Same for the Surf - finally it has to pull its virgin winch out. Then the track stops suddenly at a log and the distance marker has no markings on it. Walking time - plodding off not knowing if this is the Chengal Tree track or not we come across a marker with 450m on it ah so the walk must correct and be about 800m long then. Climbing slowly we get closer 200m marker, 100m, 50m then there it is in front of us - ok its <span style="font-weight:bold;">BIG</span> some 11 meters in diameter and the same size all the way up the trunk for at least 50 meters. <br /><br />Group pic at the mighty Chengal Tree. <img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_7721_SEMI_GROUP_PIC.jpg" width=417 height=277 alt="Example" /><br /><br />Me at the tree.<img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_0209.jpg" width=277 height=417 alt="Example" /><br /><br />Me at the tree.<img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_5275_ME_AT_TREE.jpg" width=277 height=417 alt="Example" /><br /><br />The tree is rather large is an undertstatement.<img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_5278.jpg" width=277 height=417 alt="Example" /><br /><br />What a beauty but i give it 10 years and it will be dead the roots are showing signs of bad decay. See it while you can.<br /><br />By this time its 16.30pm and time to head back to camp. The trip down is uneventful until I cross Sg Loh at camp and decide to turn around to take pics of the convoy :) bad move a little tickle on the gas from the mighty 13B-T sinks me into the sand. I run the steel cable out and wait for TYSON to go past and hook a winch it takes me over 20 meters of pulling to get to terra firma. Me being winched at the river crossing at camp after stopping to take pics of the convoy crossing the river.<br /><br />Return acoss Sg Loh after the tree back to camp.<img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_7730_CROSSING_SG_LOG_FROM_CHENGAL_TREE_WEB.jpg" width=417 height=277 alt="Example" /><br /><br />Musa using Tysons roof as a camera platform at SG Loh.<img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_5314.jpg" width=277 height=417 alt="Example" /><br /><br />RED stuck at Sg Loh at the camp after the tree while taking pics of the convoy.<br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_5297_RED_STUCK_TAKING_PICS_AT_RIVER_WEB.jpg" width=417 height=277 alt="Example" /><br /><br />The wonderful clean and scenic Sg Log this is a animal warehouse mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.<img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_5255.jpg" width=417 height=277 alt="Example" /><br /><br />The neighbours kitchen camp in the river - note them all in their undies - we are the clothed ones.<img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_5259.jpg" width=417 height=277 alt="Example" /><br /><br />Dinner I remember nothing apparently exhausted with food poisoning and a lack of food during the week from a previous bout the friday before I sit on my partially made up bed as I was putting it together and fall asleep for 14 hours even missing the shotgun blast which our neighboring campers use to blast a civet cat less than 20 meters from me. They cook the cat much to our disgust - they also blasted a flying squirrel and ate that also :( and another civet cat. Robert was even more distressed as he had spotted the cute cat while walking back to camp when he put his torch on it they blasted it from abut 2 meters beside him without warning. His ears were still ringing 2 days later :(. The Civet was eaten - we were not impressed.<br /><br />Our neighbours who spent the weekend running around in their undies - not sure why or if they belonged to the "show your undies cult".<br /><br />Sunday Morning<br /><br />Next morning casual breakfast to the sounds of birds and monkeys - yeah sure suasages, omelettes with red chillies, onions, chicken sausage and chilli padi, tomatoes and tea/coffee. Hilton Hotel cannot cook better :) . Monkeys!. We think Gibbons from the noise are close to camp they stay for over an hour around the camp but not close enough to see them. I had awoken in the middle of the night freezing no sleeping bag and my truck locked. I slip my arms inside my t-shirt and go back to sleep. By 11.00 we are ready to depart. Once again the trip down is uneventful so much so I have time to do 7+ donuts in 3rd low while waiting for the group to catch up in a soft patch of dirt :). Then its the blacktop and a short drive to the next turn point of Sg Loh we cross Sg Loh something we could not do during the 2008 RFC while Sbastian and Loo go for ICE and I once again do many many donuts in RED on the soft river bank.<br /><br />Mekanik crossed up on a set of ruts on the way from Sg Loh Camp to Sg Kelemin camp.<img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_0223_MEKANIK_JASON_CROSSED_UP_ON_A_CLIMB.jpg" width=417 height=277 alt="Example" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_5329_SG_LOG_BRIDGE.jpg" width=417 height=277 alt="Example" /><br /><br />In RFC 2008 the water was over the roof of RED and at the base of the bridge the pic was taken from. However there is a problem and the 13B-T turbo Waste gate has broken its welds and the turbo is smoking'. Oops. No No no more money on RED. We tie it up but it does not look good nor does it sound good.<br /><br />Next is a 8k blast along a gravel road. I have fun along with the SURF hanging out the rear end we decide to follow the action and also drift - so much grunt from the 13B-T it is effortless to do this in RED in 2wd HIGH range.<br /><br />The SURF is in LOW range to do the same. Eventually we arrive at a river (Sg Kelemin) and its wet sneakers time and then its the camp site and we are on a big stony river bank for camp. Sg Kelemin I believe - crisp clear healthy water and the sounds of birds everywhere yes and fish. Camp is set and a much needed bath taken.<br /><br />Just on dark there is a loud crack and I look up to see a tree fall off the bank and land on TYSON. It’s eerily quite and no sound can be heard we all creep slowly silently to Tyson. Where is Adzhar and Musa. They are safe they ran as soon as they heard the crack. Their camp area a mess as the falling tree pieces have blasted stuff around. The door which was open is shattered - no one is hurt that all that matters. <br /><br />The dead tree which destroyed Tysons door and the tarp.<img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_0227.jpg" width=417 height=277 alt="Example" /><br /><br />Tysons door after the tree fell on it.<img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_5338_TYSON_AFTER_TREE_FELL_DOWN_WEB.jpg" width=277 height=417 alt="Example" /><br /><br />Tysons door after the tree fell on it.<img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_5340_TYSONS_MANGLED_DOOR.jpg" width=417 height=277 alt="Example" /><br /><br />Then we burnt the nasty tree to ashes, door to recycle hahaha.<img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_5344_BURNING_THE_NASTY_TREE.jpg" width=277 height=417 alt="Example" /><br /><br />The tree was about 18" in diameter as I cut it up with the chainsaw and we burnt it as a offering to the jungle gods. Boy does rotten wood burn well :).<br /><br />Dinner and beer and a wonderful full moon night.<br /><br />Monday Morning head home day<br /><br />On the 3rd day sunrise finds us up and having breakfast in the very damp morning air. Take the long way home - "SuperTramp" is ringing in our ears. By 11.00am we are ready to rock. The mekanik is leading from the rear there's something up. Rats I’m in front. I soon find out. The track is narrow and muddy until I come to the second creek crossing then it’s over a sand bank and up the creek bank. RED tears the sand bank away trying to climb the 2 meter bank eventually I give up after multiple goes and pull out the winch cable and out come the shovels to make it easier. Surf drives it yet again and the Stock LC II is winched as is the LC II Shorty. <br /><br />Clearing another tree on the way home. <img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_5360_CHAINSAW_TRACK.jpg" width=417 height=277 alt="Example" /><br /><br />Red with the mekanik keeping a close eye on it. <img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_5364_RED.jpg" width=417 height=277 alt="Example" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_5364_RED.jpg" width=417 height=277 alt="Example" /><br /><br />Red stuck in another creek crossing - out with the winch cable. <img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_5268_RED.jpg" width=417 height=277 alt="Example" /><br /><br />Paul in DAFFY hung up on a V-Gully crossing.<img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_7882_DAFFY_HUNG_UP_HAHAHA_IN_A_V_GULLY_WEB.jpg" width=448 height=336 alt="Example" /><br /><br /><br />Then the fun starts we have some 4 hours of a single motor bike track to follow on a overgrown and disused 4x4 track with V-gullies and fallen trees. <br /><br />Damn the mekanik makes it look easy after winching out RED.<img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_7889_MEKANIK_MAKING_IT_LOOK_EASY.jpg" width=417 height=277 alt="Example" /><br /><br />Sebastian and Loo getting a hand out of a creek.<img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_7914_SEBASTIAN_GETTING_A_HAND_FROM_RED.jpg" width=417 height=277 alt="Example" /><br /><br />RED just smashes its way through (later we find many new dents on RED) with Tyson in hot pursuit smashing more for the others to follow a clear path. The tools used are as follows in order of physical demand:<br />1. RED - bulldozer for everything<br />2. CHainsaw<br />3. Axe<br />4. Shovel/Chunko<br /><br />Fallen tree - chainsaw or axe - drive smash crash - v-gully fix and winch or drive - carry on smash crash bash our way through so much that the chainsaw chain cries enough and is totally blunt. <br /><br />Tyson at the gully drop.<img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_7967_TYSON_AT_A_DROP_OFF_AND_ANOTHER_DENT.jpg" width=417 height=277 alt="Example" /><br /><br />Mekanik not wanting to dent his truck.<img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_7985_MEKANIK_NOT_WANTING_A_DENT.jpg" width=417 height=277 alt="Example" /><br /><br />See no dents.<img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/BLOG/CHENGAL_IMG_7995_SEE_NO_DENTS.jpg" width=417 height=277 alt="Example" /><br /><br />Paul in DAFFY hung up on a V-Gully crossing.<img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/ORS/IMG_7882_DAFFY_HUNG_UP_HAHAHA_IN_A_V_GULLY_WEB.JPG" width=417 height=277 alt="Example" /><br /><br />DAffy on a log bridge - check the right front wheel where it is on the bridge :)<img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/ORS/IMG_7936_DAFFY_ON_A_LOG_BRIDGE_WEB.JPG" width=417 height=277 alt="Example" /><br /><br />Daffy coming down a drop off.<img src="http://www.junglegeckos.com/ORS/IMG_7976_DAFFY_COMING_DOWN_A_GULLY_WEB.JPG" width=417 height=277 alt="Example" /><br /><br />Eventually the sky is visible we are out at a set of scarecrows guess this must be civilization. Red is full of insects, ANTS, FLies, Praying Mantis's and every other crawling insect known to the jungle after the 4-5 hour bash. We head home after a meal stop near Hulu Dungun for 60 minutes where pictures and videos are swapped then its the long slow crawl home and I finally claw my way into bed at 12.30am dreaming of when I can afford to take another days leave and go back. <br /><br />vIDEO cLIPS<br /><br />look at http://www.youtube.com and search for GECKOADVENTURE <br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpP9GqUcVQA is the summary video from Sg Loh Camp to the tree and back to Sg Loh camp a distanceof about 11k.GeckoAdventurehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15272279169206296529noreply@blogger.com0