A Cold Midsummer's Tale (2)

'Wihout a wish, without a will,

I stood upon that silent hill

And stared into the sky until

My eyes were blind with stars and still

I stared into the sky.'

Raplh Hodgson

On the Bishop's Trail
It was Saturday morning, I was getting my usual dose of good weekend sleep. The air was cool, the bed was warm and snug. "Ben, wake up !" Alas, I realised that I was not in my bed at home.

Time 7.15am, Place Fraser's Hil.

We had made plans to trek through Bishop's Trail today. So I had to get my sorry butt out of the comfy mattress into the shower. We soon set off to find the trail after having our daily morning brew.

The start of the trail was easy to find, located just 10 mins from our resort. The trail started off with stairs leading downhill. Soon the stone steps were replaced with a well-beaten jungle path flanked by the hill wall on one side and a steep drop on the other(well not too steep, just enough trees and roots to catch you if you happen to topple over). The path continued downhill passing small streams and at times we were forced to clamber over huge tree trunks that blocked the path.

Soon we realised that we were not alone in the jungle. Tiny worm-like leeches were strewn all around the jungle floor, poised in a straight vertical pose, which I assume is a sign that it is ready to pounce(jump) on the next unsuspecting warm-blooded victim. We decided to walk faster so as to attract less of these blood-suckers. Nearing the end of the journey, we reached the crossroads, one way pointing up to Muar Cottage, the other towards Maxwell Trail (off-limits at the moment). A short climb up to the mainroad, we ended up in front of Muar cottage. We then quickly removed our shoes and socks to rid ourselves off all surviving leeches. There were blood spots everywhere, befitting souvenirs from the short jungle trail.

Farewell Fair Hills

After breakfast (slightly better than dinner), we showered, packed and checked out from the resort. Getting a last glimpse of the place, we walked down to the town square to catch the public bus to Raub. It left at 12am. The next one hour plus was a long and winding journey down to Raub. A little dizzying at times, but managed to catch a few winks. At Raub, we had a quick lunch and before catching a bus to KL.

Down at the Valley

Norman, my close buddy/room mate from JC days, was our guide and host in KL. After settling down and washing up at his aprtment in Subang, we drove down to Tmn Megah for dinner at Ming Tien, the huge open-air hawker center famous for its giant cup of fruit juice. Dinner settled, we went back to his place. It was 'Clone Wars' time ! Norman had the entire cartoon series, so we decided to watch them on his PC. The lights were off for greater dramtic effect, the aircon turned on, pillows and mattresses were provided for our comfort. Should have guessed, the conditions were just too right .. for sleeping that is. Just like the Padawans and Jedi warriors falling at the hands of General Grievious, my other fellow audiences were falling one by one into SLEEP. At the end of episode 20, I was the only one left watching. Completed the final episodes the next morning.

On Sunday, we moved off around 11am for lunch. Had Dim Sum. Then we headed towards the city. Some sightseeing before we leave for JB/S'pore. We walked around Petaling Street admiring the wares on sale, before it was time to catch our bus at Puduraya. Left KL at 1.30pm.