Day 2
Woken up early to the sound of an alarm clock that was inadvertently set at the wrong time. So went for an early morning run at 0630hrs. It was light however at a much later time than I expected. The streets were empty and the air chilly. The terrain made the run more challenging than it should have, however, it was a good healthy start to the morning.
In the afternoon, we made an excursion to the town of Kandersteg. This was a small mountain ski resort a little more than half hour out of Spiez by train. The round trip costs 33 francs per person. The scenic route runs out of Spiez, making a total of 4 stops and there were 2 sections of tunnels, which on exiting, allowed us a view of the magnificent mountains of the Bernese Oberland. We did not have much time there however in the 3 over hours we had there, we took the Oeschinensee cable car. The cable car ride was short and costs 15 francs one way. We decided to walk the return leg of the journey. From the Berg station, it was another 20 minute hike along through meadows, alpine forests and all the way accompanied by views of the mountains and the sounds of the roaring river.
We were rewarded at the end of the hike when the end of the trail opened to the Oeschinensee surrounded by mountains and cliffs. The Oeschinensee is a spectacular deep, blue water mountain lake. The sky was blue and numerous waterfalls accentuated the already magnificent and rugged landscape. The water was cold and crisp and it stung your face even in the bright afternoon sun.
For the return journey to Kandersteg, we decided to walk down the road along the river through the Oeschiwald. The return walk took about an hour, along steep mountain gravel mountain trails with bridges criss crossing the roaring mountain stream a couple of times.
See this link for a detailed look at the route.
*work in progress*
Showing posts with label Travels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travels. Show all posts
Friday, August 20, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
LOAC @ Spiez, Switzerland
Day 1
Met my traveling partner Austia at Changi Airport terminal 3. We were on the flight SQ 346 direct to Zurich on an Airbus A380-800 aircraft. We managed to get a seat on the upper deck row 81D which as right at the end of the upper deck.
Inflight entertainment was reasonable. Watched the following movies
1. Ironman 2
2. Shrek: Happily Ever After
3. Clash of the Titans
4. Sprinkling of other documentaries
Total flight time was 12 hours and we arrived at 0730 hrs at Zurich airport. Customs clearance was fuss free and in typical swiss efficient fashion. we collected our baggage was out of the terminal in half and hour. The temperature was a chilly 15 degrees when we stepped out of the terminal building looking for the train station.
Our connecting train ride to Spiez was scheduled for 1100 hrs but we found out that the ticket we got online was from Zurich HB which was the main train station in Zurich city. We paid another 4 francs for the connecting ticket from the airport station to Zurich Hauptbahnhof (HB). We then browsed around the terminal looking for good data SIM card deals. A prepaid SIM card form Swisscom costs an initial 20 francs. Data charges were 1 franc per MB capped at 5 francs per day. I opted not to buy the SIM card initially as I have yet to check out the internet arrangements and options at the accommodation. But seeing Austia happily surfing away on his iPad is making me reconsider my decision.
It stuck me that the cost of living here is extremely high with a McDonald breakfast costing me 11.10 francs for a Filet o Fish meal. My conservative budget of 20 francs per day has just been busted…but a lot.
We waited on platform 4, section C/D looking out for any signs of where seats 175 and 176 would be as the train pulled into the station. The train arrive right on schedule, really on the dot and they stay at the station for 3 minutes flat. They are extremely quiet and clean. Seating is assigned and there is a designated area at the end of each cabin for luggage.
In typical swiss fashion, our ride was waiting for us after we disembarked from the train at Spiez. We were brought to the Ausbildungszentrum or ABZ for short. This was a short 5 minute drive from the train station. We took as short walk to down to the water's edge of Lake Thun and round trip on steep slopes round to the train station and then back to the hotel was a pleasant 2 hour walk, including a couple of stops at the supermarket for groceries.
This brings the first day to a close. Eventful but tiring as I am still coping with the jet lag
Met my traveling partner Austia at Changi Airport terminal 3. We were on the flight SQ 346 direct to Zurich on an Airbus A380-800 aircraft. We managed to get a seat on the upper deck row 81D which as right at the end of the upper deck.
Inflight entertainment was reasonable. Watched the following movies
1. Ironman 2
2. Shrek: Happily Ever After
3. Clash of the Titans
4. Sprinkling of other documentaries
Total flight time was 12 hours and we arrived at 0730 hrs at Zurich airport. Customs clearance was fuss free and in typical swiss efficient fashion. we collected our baggage was out of the terminal in half and hour. The temperature was a chilly 15 degrees when we stepped out of the terminal building looking for the train station.
Our connecting train ride to Spiez was scheduled for 1100 hrs but we found out that the ticket we got online was from Zurich HB which was the main train station in Zurich city. We paid another 4 francs for the connecting ticket from the airport station to Zurich Hauptbahnhof (HB). We then browsed around the terminal looking for good data SIM card deals. A prepaid SIM card form Swisscom costs an initial 20 francs. Data charges were 1 franc per MB capped at 5 francs per day. I opted not to buy the SIM card initially as I have yet to check out the internet arrangements and options at the accommodation. But seeing Austia happily surfing away on his iPad is making me reconsider my decision.
It stuck me that the cost of living here is extremely high with a McDonald breakfast costing me 11.10 francs for a Filet o Fish meal. My conservative budget of 20 francs per day has just been busted…but a lot.
We waited on platform 4, section C/D looking out for any signs of where seats 175 and 176 would be as the train pulled into the station. The train arrive right on schedule, really on the dot and they stay at the station for 3 minutes flat. They are extremely quiet and clean. Seating is assigned and there is a designated area at the end of each cabin for luggage.
In typical swiss fashion, our ride was waiting for us after we disembarked from the train at Spiez. We were brought to the Ausbildungszentrum or ABZ for short. This was a short 5 minute drive from the train station. We took as short walk to down to the water's edge of Lake Thun and round trip on steep slopes round to the train station and then back to the hotel was a pleasant 2 hour walk, including a couple of stops at the supermarket for groceries.
This brings the first day to a close. Eventful but tiring as I am still coping with the jet lag
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Cendarawasih Off-Road
14-17 Sept 07
10 landrovers departed Singapore in the wee hours of the morning for 4 days of adventure and off-roading in the jungles of Malaysia. The expedition took a total of 610km for the 4 day journey, quite short compared to previous expeditions we have been on.
The journey north took us on the North-south highway till the Yong Peng exit, after which we took the federal highway 1 to Segamat. After an early lunch, we set off the remaining 1 hour journey to Cendarawasih on highway 12 where we met up with our guides at the plantation turn off.
The initial half hour drive was through an oil palm plantation. The plantation then gave way to an old logging trail. After about 2 hours, we came to our campsite, a nice open area just next to a flowing river. This was to be our base for the next 3 nights. This trip was different in that each day was spent moving out from the base camp along the path, tackling different obstacles and learning how to do it right. This included clearing of fallen trees, bridge building, driving over gulleys and bypasses. There was lessons on spotting and hand signals and winching techniques.
The weather was hot and humid with the rain on the 2nd day making the trail all the more muddy and tricky. Through this, we learnt about the limitations of the truck and our driving skills and learnt as much as we can to improve ourselves in the outdoors. Obstacles we encountered were quite tough with log bridges no wider than the width of the tires, log steps, V gulleys with an angle of 60 degrees at the bottom of the V, ensuring that every truck had a bent rear bumper or 2
Some details of the trip below:
2nd Link
Turn off at Yong Peng Exit: Toll 10.70 RM
Highway 1 to Segamat Town
Highway 12 to plantation turn off
Turn Off to Campsite
N 02 48.243'
E 102 56.717'
Campsite:
N 02 44.903'
E 103 07.601'
Total distance 610km
10 landrovers departed Singapore in the wee hours of the morning for 4 days of adventure and off-roading in the jungles of Malaysia. The expedition took a total of 610km for the 4 day journey, quite short compared to previous expeditions we have been on.
The journey north took us on the North-south highway till the Yong Peng exit, after which we took the federal highway 1 to Segamat. After an early lunch, we set off the remaining 1 hour journey to Cendarawasih on highway 12 where we met up with our guides at the plantation turn off.
The initial half hour drive was through an oil palm plantation. The plantation then gave way to an old logging trail. After about 2 hours, we came to our campsite, a nice open area just next to a flowing river. This was to be our base for the next 3 nights. This trip was different in that each day was spent moving out from the base camp along the path, tackling different obstacles and learning how to do it right. This included clearing of fallen trees, bridge building, driving over gulleys and bypasses. There was lessons on spotting and hand signals and winching techniques.
The weather was hot and humid with the rain on the 2nd day making the trail all the more muddy and tricky. Through this, we learnt about the limitations of the truck and our driving skills and learnt as much as we can to improve ourselves in the outdoors. Obstacles we encountered were quite tough with log bridges no wider than the width of the tires, log steps, V gulleys with an angle of 60 degrees at the bottom of the V, ensuring that every truck had a bent rear bumper or 2
Some details of the trip below:
2nd Link
Turn off at Yong Peng Exit: Toll 10.70 RM
Highway 1 to Segamat Town
Highway 12 to plantation turn off
Turn Off to Campsite
N 02 48.243'
E 102 56.717'
Campsite:
N 02 44.903'
E 103 07.601'
Total distance 610km
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
From Russia With Love
I am back from an amazing expedition to Russia. I left Singapore on 3 July and was back on the 17th. The trip consisted of 2 parts, the main aim was to go to the Caucasus to climb Mount Elbrus and the second part was the R&R in Moscow before coming back.
Mount Elbrus, standing at 5642m tall is one of the seven summits, highest on the continent of Europe. Having done Kilimanjaro last year, it was time to do another mountain and a snow peak. It was a good opportunity to see how I would fare on a snow peak this time, instead of a trekking peak. Coming here would also give me the chance to see Russia.
All in all, the peak was tough. My climbing partner and I summited on 10 July 2007 at 1330 hrs. We were part of a group of 10, of which only 5 summited. Conditions were much tougher than in Kilimanjaro with temperatures dipping to -10/-15 degrees celsius as well as being blasted by up to 40km/h winds. The wind was strong enough to send ice flying into your face and body. It was rather painful and inconvenient when it got into the wrong places. The wind was also strong enough to knock you over, if you were not expected the sudden gusts.
The second part of the trip was a 3 day trip to Moscow. It was a very exciting experience being in this great Russia cit, full of history and culture. It was all my previous childhood knowledge from books and pictures come alive! There was so much to see, hear and devour and the 3 days were all too short.
I shall be putting up the photos over the next few weeks as I edit them and put some detail into it. I shall also put up snippets of my own documentation of the many things done and the many thoughts that passed through my mind during those 2 weeks here as I go along....
Look out for it
Mount Elbrus, standing at 5642m tall is one of the seven summits, highest on the continent of Europe. Having done Kilimanjaro last year, it was time to do another mountain and a snow peak. It was a good opportunity to see how I would fare on a snow peak this time, instead of a trekking peak. Coming here would also give me the chance to see Russia.
All in all, the peak was tough. My climbing partner and I summited on 10 July 2007 at 1330 hrs. We were part of a group of 10, of which only 5 summited. Conditions were much tougher than in Kilimanjaro with temperatures dipping to -10/-15 degrees celsius as well as being blasted by up to 40km/h winds. The wind was strong enough to send ice flying into your face and body. It was rather painful and inconvenient when it got into the wrong places. The wind was also strong enough to knock you over, if you were not expected the sudden gusts.
The second part of the trip was a 3 day trip to Moscow. It was a very exciting experience being in this great Russia cit, full of history and culture. It was all my previous childhood knowledge from books and pictures come alive! There was so much to see, hear and devour and the 3 days were all too short.
I shall be putting up the photos over the next few weeks as I edit them and put some detail into it. I shall also put up snippets of my own documentation of the many things done and the many thoughts that passed through my mind during those 2 weeks here as I go along....
Look out for it
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Off to France
I suppose this will be the post in about 2 weeks because Fran and I are off to France for a 15 day pilgrimage to the cathedrals and sacred places of this land.
It promises to be a time of many experiences: travel, devotion, fellowship.
Among the places visited will be Nevers, Le Puy, La Salette, Lourdes, Mont St Michel and of course Paris. It will probably feel a whole lot shorter than the 14 days.
I will share photos of the trip and definitely a description of it also when I get back.
Vive La France
It promises to be a time of many experiences: travel, devotion, fellowship.
Among the places visited will be Nevers, Le Puy, La Salette, Lourdes, Mont St Michel and of course Paris. It will probably feel a whole lot shorter than the 14 days.
I will share photos of the trip and definitely a description of it also when I get back.
Vive La France
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Back from the East Coast
After a short but intense 4 day drive up to Malaysia, we are back in the safe comfortable confines of home as of yesterday.
Covering a total of 1909.5km in this short 4 days, is really quite something. The journey took us across the main range to the town of Kuantan on the east coast. From there, it was northwards as far as Kuala Terengganu before the return leg home. Along the way, we soaked up the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of what the East Coast had to offer and I must say it was really quite an adventure.
With us, we are always covering a wide range of activity and this trip was no different. We stopped at a drop of a hat, at the slightest indication that a place was interesting and off-beat enough. We bought Lemang and Satar from road side stalls and consumed these in a picnic by the beach at Kemasik. We probed and came across a fishing jetty in Kemaman where fishing boats berthed to off load their catch of the day. There was also the eccentric old Malay gentlemen who showed us a conch shell with the animal still in it, this among drying starfish and shell sculptures.
During our stay in Cherating, we had the chance to visit a turtle hatchery and hold one of those small creatures in between our thumb and index fingers, while it squirmed to escape. There we came face to face with the Green Turtle in all its majesty. How anyone can harm these majestic creatures is beyond us.
Our second stop in Rantau Abang saw us putting up at a quaint little place called Awang's. It was clean and had basic amenities but the most important of all, it was a step away from the beach. The beach there stretched both north and south as far as the eye could see. Waves crashing on the sand created a fine mist that blanketed the coast. The sand, though not fine and powdery, was coated with arches of sea shells. Due to the unique gradient of the beach, incoming waves from the South China sea broke and dumped on the steeply sloping beach. The undertow was severe and one could very easily get swept away if one was not careful.
But it is precisely this gradient that made Rantau Abang one of the hottest spots for the annual egg-laying by the sea turtles. Through drastically reduced in number and having fewer pristine spots for laying eggs, the turtles have still be known to come back and if one is lucky, have the opportunity to witness this magical event. Unfortunately, the sky did not smile on us and dumped about 4-5 hours worth of rain come evening. This effectively ended any plans on our end to scour the beaches and chance upon an egg laying turtle.
The return journey was an adventure by itself with us wanting to take a different route from the one we travelled up from. This entailed going further north to within 50km of Kota Bharu before coming down through highways 4 and 8, passing through Gua Musang and Kuala Lipis before finally joining the NS highway at Bentong, near KL.
The return journey took us longer longer than expected at about 14 hours of driving, including a couple of rest and dinner stops. This exciting journey home saw us coming into contact with logging trucks hauling enormous sawn tree trunks along narrow, wet and undulating precipitous routes through the mountains. It was a continual drive with one's heart in the mouth as drivers jostled to overtake these slow moving behemoths. The highlight had to be the time when Fran exclaimed "Elephant!!" True enough, by the highway in a clearing of Taman Negara, a male elephant was taking a dip in a mud pool just a couple of hundred metres from the main road. It was a beautiful sight and warranted a U-turn and an unplanned stop of about 10-15 minutes to admire this amazing creature in the dimming light.
We arrived at the ungodly hour of 0300 hrs on 1 May 2007, having left in the evening of 27 April. It was a good trip and will remain in our memories for time to come. This is almost the anniversary of our last mega-trip to Ao Nang, end April 2006.
See here for a photographic account of our trip. Enjoy it as we did.
Covering a total of 1909.5km in this short 4 days, is really quite something. The journey took us across the main range to the town of Kuantan on the east coast. From there, it was northwards as far as Kuala Terengganu before the return leg home. Along the way, we soaked up the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of what the East Coast had to offer and I must say it was really quite an adventure.
With us, we are always covering a wide range of activity and this trip was no different. We stopped at a drop of a hat, at the slightest indication that a place was interesting and off-beat enough. We bought Lemang and Satar from road side stalls and consumed these in a picnic by the beach at Kemasik. We probed and came across a fishing jetty in Kemaman where fishing boats berthed to off load their catch of the day. There was also the eccentric old Malay gentlemen who showed us a conch shell with the animal still in it, this among drying starfish and shell sculptures.
During our stay in Cherating, we had the chance to visit a turtle hatchery and hold one of those small creatures in between our thumb and index fingers, while it squirmed to escape. There we came face to face with the Green Turtle in all its majesty. How anyone can harm these majestic creatures is beyond us.
Our second stop in Rantau Abang saw us putting up at a quaint little place called Awang's. It was clean and had basic amenities but the most important of all, it was a step away from the beach. The beach there stretched both north and south as far as the eye could see. Waves crashing on the sand created a fine mist that blanketed the coast. The sand, though not fine and powdery, was coated with arches of sea shells. Due to the unique gradient of the beach, incoming waves from the South China sea broke and dumped on the steeply sloping beach. The undertow was severe and one could very easily get swept away if one was not careful.
But it is precisely this gradient that made Rantau Abang one of the hottest spots for the annual egg-laying by the sea turtles. Through drastically reduced in number and having fewer pristine spots for laying eggs, the turtles have still be known to come back and if one is lucky, have the opportunity to witness this magical event. Unfortunately, the sky did not smile on us and dumped about 4-5 hours worth of rain come evening. This effectively ended any plans on our end to scour the beaches and chance upon an egg laying turtle.
The return journey was an adventure by itself with us wanting to take a different route from the one we travelled up from. This entailed going further north to within 50km of Kota Bharu before coming down through highways 4 and 8, passing through Gua Musang and Kuala Lipis before finally joining the NS highway at Bentong, near KL.
The return journey took us longer longer than expected at about 14 hours of driving, including a couple of rest and dinner stops. This exciting journey home saw us coming into contact with logging trucks hauling enormous sawn tree trunks along narrow, wet and undulating precipitous routes through the mountains. It was a continual drive with one's heart in the mouth as drivers jostled to overtake these slow moving behemoths. The highlight had to be the time when Fran exclaimed "Elephant!!" True enough, by the highway in a clearing of Taman Negara, a male elephant was taking a dip in a mud pool just a couple of hundred metres from the main road. It was a beautiful sight and warranted a U-turn and an unplanned stop of about 10-15 minutes to admire this amazing creature in the dimming light.
We arrived at the ungodly hour of 0300 hrs on 1 May 2007, having left in the evening of 27 April. It was a good trip and will remain in our memories for time to come. This is almost the anniversary of our last mega-trip to Ao Nang, end April 2006.
See here for a photographic account of our trip. Enjoy it as we did.
Monday, April 23, 2007
The Serengeti
There is a place on Earth where it is still the morning of life and the great herds still run free
This line echoed round the hall while images of the great African plain appeared in front of our eyes. I rubbed my eyes.... and confirmed what I saw, or was I there?
Fran and I dropped by the Omnimax Theatre at the Singapore Science Centre after a long hiatus. The last show we watched there was Journey of Man by Cirque du Soleil.
What did we catch? The IMAX movie: The Serengeti caught our eye with an ad in the newspapers. This is the official synopsis
James Earl Jones narrates this stunning, award-winning IMAX film that explores the natural beauty and timeless cycles of Africa's Serengeti plains. The highlight is a spectacle that few humans have witnessed--the great migration--during which 2 million wildebeests, zebras and antelope travel over 500 miles across the plains.
With the promise of such a spectacle, how can we miss such a show? This was also a good opportunity for us to relive our trip to Kenya and Tanzania in 2005/2006. We had a short 3 day Safari after our climb to Mount Kilimanjaro. The Serengeti plains, Ngorongoro Crater and Olduvai Gorge were just some of the places we visited and was also mentioned in the movie.
Director: George Casey
Writers: George Casey
Mose Richards
Release: 1994
Runtime: 40 min
Try it....you will be stunned and awed at the spectacle of life.
This line echoed round the hall while images of the great African plain appeared in front of our eyes. I rubbed my eyes.... and confirmed what I saw, or was I there?
Fran and I dropped by the Omnimax Theatre at the Singapore Science Centre after a long hiatus. The last show we watched there was Journey of Man by Cirque du Soleil.
What did we catch? The IMAX movie: The Serengeti caught our eye with an ad in the newspapers. This is the official synopsis
James Earl Jones narrates this stunning, award-winning IMAX film that explores the natural beauty and timeless cycles of Africa's Serengeti plains. The highlight is a spectacle that few humans have witnessed--the great migration--during which 2 million wildebeests, zebras and antelope travel over 500 miles across the plains.
With the promise of such a spectacle, how can we miss such a show? This was also a good opportunity for us to relive our trip to Kenya and Tanzania in 2005/2006. We had a short 3 day Safari after our climb to Mount Kilimanjaro. The Serengeti plains, Ngorongoro Crater and Olduvai Gorge were just some of the places we visited and was also mentioned in the movie.
Director: George Casey
Writers: George Casey
Mose Richards
Release: 1994
Runtime: 40 min
Try it....you will be stunned and awed at the spectacle of life.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
the lonely planet story
This is a good to read book if you are one of the faithful Lonely Planet users in your travels. If you use t he others like Fodors or A Rough Guide, then you may be less inclined to do so.
This is The story as told by the founders of the Lonely Planet about how a newly married couple, adventurously backpacked across Asia to land in Australia with 27 cents between them. With such a financial situation, most would have thrown in the towel to settle on a more stable lifestyle.
The following description on how they had to live almost hand to mouth, scrimp and save to ensure some semblance of financial security yet having the dream to put their love for travelling and adventure to good use and put effort into an idea, yet untested.
The second half then goes on to detail the role of the travel writers and the relations between the work produced and the company as it grew from a small set up into a global office and a force to be reckoned with in the travel publishing business.
the lonely planet story
Tony and Maureen Wheeler
Published 2005
Periplus Editions
ISBN-13: 978-0-7946-0478-3
This is The story as told by the founders of the Lonely Planet about how a newly married couple, adventurously backpacked across Asia to land in Australia with 27 cents between them. With such a financial situation, most would have thrown in the towel to settle on a more stable lifestyle.
The following description on how they had to live almost hand to mouth, scrimp and save to ensure some semblance of financial security yet having the dream to put their love for travelling and adventure to good use and put effort into an idea, yet untested.
The second half then goes on to detail the role of the travel writers and the relations between the work produced and the company as it grew from a small set up into a global office and a force to be reckoned with in the travel publishing business.
the lonely planet story
Tony and Maureen Wheeler
Published 2005
Periplus Editions
ISBN-13: 978-0-7946-0478-3
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Malaysian Number Plates
I have always been amazed at the multitude of letters on the number plates of Malaysian vehicles. Never knew why or how to identify where the vehicles are from. If you ever had the same problem, this post is for you.
Malaysian license plates have one or more letters followed by 4 numerical digits. The general colour scheme of the plates are white lettering on a black background. I said general because this does not apply to all groups of people for example the diplomats.
These license plates are issued by the Malaysian Road Transport Department however vehicles are registered by state and each bear the state’s unique identifying letters, thus the multitude of letter combinations.
I have the letters listed below for your reference:
Kuala Lumpur W
Selangor B
Perak A
Penang P
Kedah K
Perlis R
Kelantan D
Trenggannu T
Pahang C
Johor J
Melaka M
Negeri Sembilan N
Sarawak Q
Sabah S
Other special groups:
Diplomat DC
Military Z
I hope this allows you to figure out where the %^&((*& guy, who just overtook you at 160km/h, is from!
Malaysian license plates have one or more letters followed by 4 numerical digits. The general colour scheme of the plates are white lettering on a black background. I said general because this does not apply to all groups of people for example the diplomats.
These license plates are issued by the Malaysian Road Transport Department however vehicles are registered by state and each bear the state’s unique identifying letters, thus the multitude of letter combinations.
I have the letters listed below for your reference:
Kuala Lumpur W
Selangor B
Perak A
Penang P
Kedah K
Perlis R
Kelantan D
Trenggannu T
Pahang C
Johor J
Melaka M
Negeri Sembilan N
Sarawak Q
Sabah S
Other special groups:
Diplomat DC
Military Z
I hope this allows you to figure out where the %^&((*& guy, who just overtook you at 160km/h, is from!
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Ramunia
Four days of kayaking, eating and sleeping. Priority was in the same order too. The title of the post tells of the location of the most exciting kayaking course attended so far. From the 18-21 Jan, the 4 star kayaking training course was conducted by Outward Bound Singapore and Changi Sea Sports Club.
Weather was initially disappointing. Seeing how it was storming the past 2 weeks before we arrived, I thought that the rain and wind would make the sea a little more challenging. But it worked out pretty well as the wind did pick up over the next few days and the waves did get bigger. By the end of the course, I was humbled by the raw power that mother nature can harness and hurl at us.
So we spent the few days, soaking wet, jumping in and out of the boats and attempting to garner what little control we can to impress the instructors enough to pass us. Under the watchful eyes of our 'spotters' on the beach, we made sure we did not stray and collide against other kayakists, who similarly were tossed about by the waves.
Occasionally, actually quite often, after getting dunked by the waves and rolling ourselves into an upright position, we were often confronted with the big "L" sign by our spotters (Read LOSER) It was good fun!
So officially, I am glad to say that I have made it through the 4 star course. Just have a couple more expeditons to go in order to qualify for the award. That should be anytime soon.
A shot of our group of three
Weather was initially disappointing. Seeing how it was storming the past 2 weeks before we arrived, I thought that the rain and wind would make the sea a little more challenging. But it worked out pretty well as the wind did pick up over the next few days and the waves did get bigger. By the end of the course, I was humbled by the raw power that mother nature can harness and hurl at us.
So we spent the few days, soaking wet, jumping in and out of the boats and attempting to garner what little control we can to impress the instructors enough to pass us. Under the watchful eyes of our 'spotters' on the beach, we made sure we did not stray and collide against other kayakists, who similarly were tossed about by the waves.
Occasionally, actually quite often, after getting dunked by the waves and rolling ourselves into an upright position, we were often confronted with the big "L" sign by our spotters (Read LOSER) It was good fun!
So officially, I am glad to say that I have made it through the 4 star course. Just have a couple more expeditons to go in order to qualify for the award. That should be anytime soon.
A shot of our group of three
Monday, November 06, 2006
Four Star Kayaking ****
I have officially signed up for the 4 star kayaking award course to be conducted in Jan 07. This will be held in Ramunia, Johor during the monsoon season. This 4 star award is the standard adopted by the Singapore Canoe Federation and is based largely on the British Canoe Union (BCU) standards.
Having come a long way through the various kayaking awards, the 4 star is divided into two categories, sea and river. This course covers the sea and open water component, where advanced skills are taught to the paddler to evaluate and tackle more difficult sea conditions. This is a precious opportunity to be exposed to difficult waves and seas, This will definitely stand me in good stead as I continue to acquire and refine skills that will enable me to go further and safer.
Look at the course syllabus under the following link:
SCF 4-Star Award Syllabus
Just as an end to this entry, I share with you all the picture shown above of incredible wave conditions. If this is what the skills can enable me to do... awesome!
Having come a long way through the various kayaking awards, the 4 star is divided into two categories, sea and river. This course covers the sea and open water component, where advanced skills are taught to the paddler to evaluate and tackle more difficult sea conditions. This is a precious opportunity to be exposed to difficult waves and seas, This will definitely stand me in good stead as I continue to acquire and refine skills that will enable me to go further and safer.
Look at the course syllabus under the following link:
SCF 4-Star Award Syllabus
Just as an end to this entry, I share with you all the picture shown above of incredible wave conditions. If this is what the skills can enable me to do... awesome!
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Back from Trail Bashing
We have just reached home after a four day three night expedition into the Malaysian rainforest. I am pleased to announce that driver, Fran and miss daisy are alright. Although a little dirtier than expected. It has been a long drive home, having left Kuala Tahan just before noon.
It was fun to see the stares from passing vehicles as our mud-caked vehicle passed them on the road home from the Second Link. Being so tired, only the essentials were brought up from Miss Daisy. Unloading and cleaning her will have to be left to tomorrow.
Over the next few posts, details of the trip will be shared and pictures from the trip will come online too. Come back for more exciting details from the Mat Daling trail.
6 Nov 2006
I have just uploaded the photos from the trip. Please follow the link below for a photolog of the journey.
Mat Daling Photography
It was fun to see the stares from passing vehicles as our mud-caked vehicle passed them on the road home from the Second Link. Being so tired, only the essentials were brought up from Miss Daisy. Unloading and cleaning her will have to be left to tomorrow.
Over the next few posts, details of the trip will be shared and pictures from the trip will come online too. Come back for more exciting details from the Mat Daling trail.
6 Nov 2006
I have just uploaded the photos from the trip. Please follow the link below for a photolog of the journey.
Mat Daling Photography
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