Venue : Ukay Perdana
Hare : Charlotte 'plastered' Parks
Co-Hare : Soon Hui & a couple of guys to help out
Scribe : Gary Waring
Arrived early, as run was close to town and found plenty of good parking. A little confusion finding the start of the trail, almost like a check, but we were good to go at 4.30pm.
The start took us through a building site and into some bamboo territory. The trail went downhill (which is always a good moral booster) and onto the first check. This did its job and the pack continued downhill. We came out to the second check and into a construction clearing, until ‘on-on’ was called out, down towards the road and the construction site entrance. It was here that Dave Parks cracked his head on the construction billboard, but amazingly, was still very complimentary about the run. Checks were arriving thick and fast by this time, as just over the road and up a bit of a short steep hill, was check number 3 (or was that 2 and a half ?) Believe this check may have been broken on two fronts, as I heard calls of ‘on-on’ from 2 directions. Hot on the trail again and we were soon into the fourth check. They were certainly keeping the pack together, as a ‘mid pack walker’ like me, arrived to see Alistair picking up the false trail and filling in the check. I remember going down hill and arriving at the fifth check, just as it was broken. Then had the privilege of filling in the trail myself, although felt a bit awkward, dropping paper through this sort of resort kampong area, with a little bridge and local kids playing in the pond. It was still only around 5.20pm and appeared as though all the checks had been completed. Happy images of the beer wagon started to appear in my head, but alas, it wasn’t to be and indeed, most of the checks had been condensed into the first half of the run.
Second half was a lot more picturesque; with the run going through a river valley with lots of locals enjoying the afternoon, lounging in the river. At the bottom of the valley, we crossed the river, at which point I found myself looking for the remnants of a waterwheel. (It was in someway very English looking.) On this side of the hill, there was an abandoned house with a very frayed Jalur Gemilang, flying proudly from the flag pole. A poignant reminder of the Malaysian’s right to build anything, anywhere, without the need for planning permission; even if it will eventually end up in the river below. Last part of the run was a climb back up, to the car park area. Although steep, it wasn’t muddy, so was easily executed. In before 6.10pm for me and the distance recorded was around 6.4km (A tad short, you may say?)
Circle was washed out, due to rain, so everyone was slightly early at the restaurant ‘May May Seafood’. Very good feed, at RM16 a head, which I believe was well worth that little extra. In town as well; so amazing value. Circle highlights were;
The girls were fined, for wearing lingerie. Bit confused by this one, as surely this should be encouraged.
Alistair, front runner no more. So that’s why I saw him at the fourth check and I thought I was doing so well.
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly, a rendition of some Scottish ditty, with a full accompaniment of bag pipers. (First time in Malaysia apparently.) Lead by Brian Atwood, who is apparently leaving these shores; so was given the sentimental, heart felt, leaving down-down. (Brings tears to your eyes.)
The run was awarded a T shirt and the evening continued with an invitation to the hare’s house, for drinks. Great way to chill out, at the end of the day, rather than a noisy bar. Will go to more triple on’s, if they are like this. (Or maybe I’m getting old.)