Walking around Kota Kinabalu, post-hike.    local boats to the islands.     filipino market.   boats at sea

It was beautiful seeing what we had just hiked up in the morning light.  Though the rock was slippery… and the descent was slow. looking back to the peak – notice the size of people for prespective   karen falling   chris’s descent into the clouds   rock faces   pools – it was slippery

We had perfect weather at the summit.  It was cold, but not freezing.  And the skies were mostly clear, with just enough clouds to give perspective & help color the red morning sky. There were probably about 100 people up at the top… of all ages & ethnicities.  The oldest person to climb the mountain to date was 81 years old.   karen at summit   sunrise (kodak moment killer: that’s an umbrella on his back and he’s sending a text message.)   looking down   chris, karen, & guide   treats at the top

The lodge was warm & heated… and had lots of food.  The kitchen was stocked with water, chocolate, and other supplies (INCLUDING postcards & stamps – I sent one to my parents)  . All the supplies for the lodge are carried up by porters.  As we were hiking up, we saw locals carrying HUGE loads strapped to their back and hanging from their heads…. as they passed us. Up to this point, the sky has been foggy & drizzly.  Just before sunset, the skies cleared for the first time. on the balcony   sunset – on level with the clouds   …

Chris & I left the trailhead around 10am with our guide Julius.  (I know that’s probably not how he spells it… but that’s the best that I could pronounce.)  The trail was steep & I started really feeling the altitude about 2 or 3 hours in.  Chris (who had just climbed Mt Rainer) taught me a couple helpful tricks, including power breathing (taking a full, short breath out every few breaths). We arrived at Laban Rata around 4pm. start of trail – looking fresh   scenary   sillhoutte   action shot   start to see peaks