Mount Kinnabalu- the ascent begins. Dec 29, 2005

Woke up early to be driven to the beginning of the trail up Mt Kinnabalu. We were all full of enthusiam and high hopes of reaching the peak. 6 km the first day to Laban Rata. Was very pretty, relatively cooler than I expected and mosquito free! And it is always so cool to see the vegetation change from rainforest to the shrubbery found in higher altitudes. Nevertheless it was a very steep trail with giant steps. Ascent was no problem but I was questioning how I was ever to get down? Thanks Eleanor for waiting for me. It's much more fun conquering the mountain with someone by your side. Lousy Mike abandonnned me on the trail because he said he was cold rather than changing onto warmer dry clothes! Thank god I had the Bak Gua pork with me. I was starving! Arrived in Laban Rata at 3pm and Eleanor and I headed straight for the cafeteria.

The view of the peak cleared up while we were at Laban Rata and we had a chance to view and anticipate what we had ahead of us.

Did I mention that my lame-o boyfriend abandonned me on the trail?