We have a group booking from a super-fit and adventurous group of 17 for this coming sunday who think that our 3 hours kayaking trip which a few of them had been on, are for pussies weenies and wanted something more ‘challenging’. I had a good mind to take them sea kayaking at Bako to let them experience what is really challenging and question their own mortality. Perhaps another day when I’m feeling wicked or like to see young punks shit pee in their pants …

Anyway, I suggested the Pengkalan Tebang to Krokong river trip for them in Bau as the water levels should be high enough at this time of the year. According to Kelvin, 'Pengkalan' means a small wharf and Tebang is actually a misspell Bidayuh Tringgus name for 'Tobang'. But officially, it's called "Pengkalan Tebang". It used to be a historical trading center between the Krokong people and the people from Seruas (the Indonesian side).So on Saturday, Azmi and I decided to do a reccee on the route as we had not been there for over a year and as the river conditions changes all the time; we do not want any unexpected surprise(s) on a river hours away from help. We have the greatest respect for the rivers and seas; as anyone who has been alone miles away from civilization and totally at the mercy of the weather would soon learn humility and faith.We arrived arrived at the put-in at Pengkalan Tebang and were greeted by friendly kampong kids and perfect weather and we eagerly got on the way. The river was even more beautiful than I could recall and we were soon one with it as we flowed along. Azmi and I were perfectly synchronized as miles and hours on the waters had conditioned us to instinctively go where the flow would be the easiest and to pick the best lines through the various small rapids and bends. Azmi is quiet at most times and on the waters we conversed with our thoughts as our eyes and body language conveyed more fluently than mere words can what we have to do at the precise time and place.It took us 4 and a half hour and we reckon that it would take at least 6 hours for an average trip for a group of fit adventurers with with breaks in between and we’ll plan accordingly for the trip this coming Sunday. Azmi thinks that the average fit beginners would take at least 7 to 8 hours - so we’ll be packing torch lights just in case! It’s a pity I can’t take them personally as I would be on a flight then with my family out of Kuching but they would be in the good and capable hands of Bev and Azmi. I'm sure both of them will have some stories to tell after the trip ... (!)