All Mossy in the Mossy Forest...
All mossy in the Mossy Forest 25th
It's a forest on top of a mountain accessible from Kea Farm, according to the various leaflets flying around, offering visits by van for 35 RM. A few of the hardy European hikers have made the journey there from the guesthouse, but most opt for that minivan for about 8 quid. It's a fair distance, about 16 KM in all, slightly shorter via a jungle trek starting from somewhere in Brinchang. Even getting the local bus to Kea Farm and starting the hike from there will be a challenge - the hike, not getting the bus. A challenge I shall endeavour to complete, yes, contemplation over, off to get that bus.
Thankfully there are plenty of signs as the hike up begins, energised after a relatively easy day yesterday. Drizzling slightly, probably a good thing for a strenuous hike up a mountain. It's actually not difficult since there is a tarmac road all the way to the summit for those who have paid their £8 a pricey ride for the short distance. About 30 minutes into the hike, and a scene reminiscent of a few weeks ago. Tea fields stretch for several miles. Undulating terrain, valleys and hillsides with tea fields as far as the eye can see - nice photo opportunity and a break from the climb. At the lower level, a collection of wooden houses for the tea workers probably, of which are some in the fields yonder.
An hour into it, and still a long way to go, about 4 KM and the terrain steepens. Drizzle turns into steady rain, and the thought of an abortion starts to manufacture itself. A sign up ahead, it points to a strawberry farm, with a hot drink symbol attached. Ok, let's go there, get the drink and dry out a little, then decide what to do - carry on to the mossy forest or abort.
A pot of tea, and surprisingly it comes with real milk, gotten from a cow I think - what a treat, pricy though at £1.50. It's a nursery with all kinds of plants, vegetables and a big field of strawberries all under a polythene greenhouse. A quick look around, not that interesting unless the to buy plants of course. I did discover a blue residue on the strawberry plants leaves and when I enquired, the attendant admitted that they are sprayed with Chemicals.
Well, it's back to a drizzle, but refreshed after the tea, and with renewed enthusiasm, well more determination really, the hike begins again. I may not be the best mountaineer in the world, but now I've made it this far, shame to turn back, only 4 KM left.
Doubts are creeping in as to whether it's actually worth the effort since this hike seems to be taking forever, and it's raining again! Maybe I should have paid for the 8 quid van ride after all. Only 1.5 KM to go, shouldn't take long now, maybe 20 minutes if I get a move on. The moss is beginning to show on trees, hanging and clinging as though holding ancient secrets, quite eerie in the mist and drizzle with the subdued light. Must be close then, I hope so.
At last, a sign that says this is the Mossy Forest. A wooden walk-way has been provided - unlike the Malaysians to think about health and safety. Up, down, up again as the walk meanders between the trees, yes, covered in moss. Different varieties, some flora and some nice photos capturing the eeriness of the ancient woodlands on top of this mountain, in the clouds. About 30 minutes to walk the walk through the forest, glad I made the effort actually, it's quite a different aspect of the nature these hills and mountains can produce, and it's free for all to experience and appreciate.
It's my lucky day as a French couple stopped their taxi and offered me a ride down - very welcome indeed as the long hike is starting to take its toll on my feet. Actually, they are going all the way to Tenah Rata, even better, saving me the bus ticket - thank you French tourists, you know who you are!