A picnic @ Hulu Langat

It was a bright and sunny Sunday. We had a week to plan this trip but the credit should go entirely to Jaclyn and Andrew for pulling it together. Afterall, they were the ones who mooted the idea, gathered the participants and prepared all the food. The rest of us just came along and helped carry the food up the hill.

And boy! was it a hike. It was a steep 20-minute climb. We had to take frequent breaks (and a sandwich each) to help us along! But the hike was well worth the labour albeit there was quite a crowd there already.

We were only too glad to dump our respective loads and Andrew wasted no time in unpacking (and showing off) our food. Lunch was served! A delicious packet of "nasi lemak" (a popular local fare of rice cooked in coconut milk with condiments) with a choice of either chicken or squid "rendang" *yum yum!* Dessert was a choice of bananas (the healthier option) or potato chips (the not-so healthy option). The hike coupled with the crisp forest and waterfall air worked up a good appetite and lunch was polished off in a matter of mere minutes.

After a hearty lunch, it was time to hit the water. The water was icy cold *brrr~!* but we soldiered on nevertheless. We are not going to let our hike go to waste! No sir-ee..! We'll splash around even if our faces turned blue. Fortunately, we live in a tropical climate and it was mid-afternoon thus we quickly got used to the biting cold and ventured to the cascades for a nice "massage" (,")

Aah... so much fun! Time certainly flew. Andrew brought a pail and fishnet and we went fishing and 'prawn'-ing.. eer... what's the correct term for catching prawns? further beyond the waterfall. This entailed another rigorous hike up a steep, dirt slope with only portruding rocks and tree roots as foot and hand holds. Our catch was dismal but the climb took us to several shallow pools of water fed by a serene, flowing stream hedged on either side by splendid old trees. The scenery was breathaking. If only we'd remembered to bring the camera!

Our last water activity for the day was to take turns sliding down the 'waterslide'. The 'slide' was hewn out of solid boulder rock. Not content to merely slide down alone, we tried many interesting 'combinations' of sliding including a 3-person up to 5-person 'train'. The air was soon filled with squeals of delight and excitement. You'd have thought we were behaving like a group of 10 year olds!

All too soon, it was time to pack up and leave, taking with us a cache of fond memories and lugging our tired bones down the steep slope. We are reminded that all too often, life passes us by on the fastlane. It is only when we stop long enough to take in the view is when our daily struggles seem to lighten and melt away. ~Jas (",) 05.11.2006~