Unstoppable, that's how I'd describe Theresa, my wife of 26 years. Now 2 years after her first successful attempt climbing Mt Kinabalu for charity (see earlier postings in 2008 & the related blog http://ididkinabalu2008.blogspot.com ), she decided to climb the mountain again, to make it a family event. Slowed down by a left knee injury sustained last year, she was determined to make it happen & it was a case of mind over matter !
As for myself, my greatest foe was AMS or acute mountain sickness. Luckily, I anticipated this by fortifying myself with Ginkgo Biloba (Tanakan brand) supplements. It worked ! I only experienced headache, nausea & a tingly numbness of the cheeks on the mountain.The wonderful feeling of having all of us together on the summit buoyed up our spirits. Later, on the way down, the thought of a nice hot shower & a warm bed awaiting us in Kinabalu Park kept us going as we hiked through periodic afternoon rain showers.
Subsequently, we spent 2 nights recuperating in a rustic lodge at the Kinabalu Park HQ. It had a real fireplace which we kindled at night. In the daytime, we could sit on the verandah porch, sipping hot tea with an awesome view of the majestic Mt Kinabalu.
We enjoyed bonding with our sons during & after the climb, sharing with them everything from mundane housechores to their future aspirations. After unwinding, we planned a 2 nights' stay at the 5-star Magellan Sutera Resort overlooking the South China Sea. One evening there, we saw a most spectacular sunset from our room balcony, after which we boarded a free shuttle bus into town to feast on the freshest seafood at Twin-Sky Seafood Restaurant.
