Internal Dialogues (Indonesia - Part 1)
My unfiltered thoughts as I was climbing the Rinjani Volcano. A pain cave of 3 days, 30 miles, unsure footing, and immeasurable fun.
Rinjani Trail Map (left -> right)
Entrance -> Sembalun Camp
Minus the heat, this isn’t bad at all. The reviews were wrong. That porter is not even wearing proper shoes!
...Wonder if doing this trail barefoot is a rite of passage to show manliness.
Damn this porta potty. I'm going to have to photoshop all these pictures.
...Look the boys are doing mobility work. I should do that too...
...How is it that I walked 5 hours today and I STILL need more steps. *Starts pacing*
Sembalun Camp -> Summit -> Sembalun Camp
It is absolute blasphemy to be awake this early for anything.
...Sunrises are overrated. I could be sleeping right now. But noooo I have to climb in purgatory.
...This is still easier than Acentango though.
Ok, this is NOT easier than Acentango.
...but I'm still having fun.
I’m not having fun.
...This must be payback from the mountain gods for being disappointed at the Annapurna pass being too easy.
I am not well.
I am not well.
I am not well.
I’m here!
Am I supposed to ski down?
...Should have brought a sled.
Wow that's a long way down.
...And narrow.
...Wonder if you die on impact or if a rescue is possible.
(Side note - two weeks after I finished the climb, a Brazilian woman made international headlines when she fell and it took them 4 days to retrieve her body - news post)
I’m investing in two brand-name knee braces when I get back.
Dear Mr.Rinjani, I'm sorry I said you were easier. I didn't mean it. Make it stooop.
Don't slip, don't slip, don't slip.
...Is there a way where I could just maybe slide down the side over there?
Sembalun Camp -> Senaru Camp
Only? What do you mean it’s ONLY 9am and we have to cross the whole crater today?
...I have distance blindness. It sounded better on paper.
This part could really use a zipline.
My knees have completely left the conversation. Can science hurry up with the replacement bodies already?
...Well this is new, why is my hip hurting?
...How are the porters still shoeless or in flip flops? How's that girl doing this in SOCKS?
Oooooo lake pretty!
Oh. Oh no. That's a lot of rocks.
Oooo a ladder! And a rope!
...What good is a rope if it's not secured?
Another false summit. And another. And another. How many false summits to get to the rim?
Officially my favorite section of the trek.
I sure paid a lot of money and walked a long way to eat ramen, sleep on the ground, and watch the sun do pretty colors in the sky. #worthit
Senaru Camp -> End
All. Down. Hill.
By measure of complaints I've had the time of my life!
Wow!!! Very dangerous and hard hikes....So sorry about a Brazilian woman who died so young...
ReplyDeleteI am so very happy you are alive and doing well after all!!!