Mountains are there to be climbed and not everyday we got an invitation to climb the highest mountain in Cambodia: the magnificent Aural Mountain. Back in 2019, it took me no less than a minute to decide. To me, this is not just answering to an invitation, this is answering to a call. I know I must go.
This would be my first time going there. While I’m not an adventurer or frequent mountain climber, I’m interested in dynamic activities that engage me in physical challenge and mental awareness. Not to mention that once in a while, I truly believe in getting out of the crowded city and find solace in the serenity of nature. Mountain climbing fits all this bucket. So let’s begin our journey.
Our group started out on the early morning of 8th March, which is also the International Women’s Day. Our plan was to spend 3 days (2 nights) climbing because we wanted to take the journey as enjoyable and relaxed as possible. My first impression when I got to the village is that the place is a sanctuary. Quiet, gentle and peaceful live fills the air, and dry trees take their time bathing in the sun as if this is everyday delicacy. There were hardly any wind but the bright blue Sky makes it clear that the mountain extends their warm welcome but also issues a blazing challenge. Highly appreciated. Challenge accepted.
The first trial, though, happens even before the climb. The organizers arranged remorques to transport us to the foot of the mountain through a sandy trail. We covered our face as dust showers on the passengers, painting the image of desert ninja on moving wheels. The convoy drove through the seemingly endless trail where we often welcomed by curious canines chasing the remorques. Along the way, we’ve come across people’s house and see what life is like in the area. Occasionally, we had to jump down and walk through pits and streams, sometimes had to help push the trailers up. This part of journey took up almost half a day.
Afterward, we arrived at the foot of the mountain, picked up our stuffs and readied ourselves for the real challenge. So the plan was to make it to the first stop by 5pm so that it wouldn’t be too dark. Mountains can be intimidating sometimes, one minute it shines and bright, then it got dark and we all face the worst of our fear: the fear of not being alone in the mountain. But in our case, though, there were about 100 people up there during that time, so not much of a problem for me.
So here I was, standing before this mighty mountain. The peak was not easily visible, but its presence scaled before my eyes. I am about to embark on a journey into an unknown and my mind was both anxious and fired up. The dry bamboos, as if they want to show understanding to our needs, leaned across the pathway, forming shades, cooling down our path. Sometimes a few tiny reptiles crawled across, alarming us, as if reminding everyone to remain vigilant. The pathway was sandy, giving the impression of a white coarse road in conjunction to the greenish yellow backdrop and bluish overhead. Many trees were standing still and the air was calm yet a bit heavy. Even before the last daylight dies out, the atmosphere remains silent, as if everything come to a halt. Yet, the Sky kept moving above our head, reminding us that time still flows. Did we got suck into the deep chasm of space? Who knows.
Night time came by quick. Many rested early, mostly exhausted, saved a few who braved their soul through the darkened sky with drinks and snacks. I wish I could had joined them.
During the next 2 days, we made the climb to the peak with renewed energy and good sense of bond with nature. Swallow singings enliven the atmosphere which harmonizes amazingly with the tranquility of the woods. Greenery keeps our energy sky-high. Though the trees shield us from direct sun light, we can still feel the scourge. Its red-hot out there, through and through. All day, we came across steep slopes, ascending then descending then re-ascending, having to go through thick woods, our legs were but all tremble. Sometimes we rested our legs, but our souls are burning for more. Our body is aching but our resolve remains firm and spirit remains soaring. Luckily, after 2 days of sweat and tears, everyone made it to the top.
We cannot measure the mountain height until we reach the peak, and we cannot measure our souls until it is challenged to the core. I hold that every man (and woman) needs to define his own achievements and set out on his journey with determination in his heart. This journey has put a big test on all levels of my energy: physical, emotional, mental and most importantly, spiritual. Before the journey, I thought that I would be struggling. And I was. So hard. It was hard to cope with new environment, having to watch out for every steps, things I eat and drink, also looking out for one another. There is no way that I would be spending 2 nights sleeping on an uneven ground rather than the comfort of my pillow. It was absolutely unpleasant. But if I hadn’t gone up there, I wouldn’t know the experience of traversing through the jungle, that there are sense of accomplishment when we can feel our body burns and our mind sharpened, that there is this sense of self-discovery when we are pushing through the thickness and darkness of the woods. If I had stayed home, I would be the same person. I would be doing the same things I’ve been doing for ages: sleep. Thanks to this journey, not only I learned to love nature better, but also myself better.
At the same time, the amazing people who went on the trip with me was another reason I could manage this in the first place. Especially my group who are both supportive and fun to be with.
There is something about the mountain. It is always there, watching us, testing us. It is only that we walk together as a community that we can go through this safe and sound. This is another one big lesson I learn from this journey. Everyone needs one another. When someone got tired, we cheer one another and continue walking on. When someone needs help, we give out our hands. People sharing each other food and drink, water and fire, stories and laughers, tents and friendships. But more importantly, we share the same sky and mountains. We all are connected.
Every mountain top is within reach if you keep climbing. The journey to the top of the mountain does not just mean we conquered the peak, but also ourselves. The moment we stepped onto the final stairs, arriving at the spot marking the peak, we feel the sense of accomplishment rushing through, like an onrush of a wind.
Mountain is a great teacher and not all classrooms have four walls.
I’m really grateful for the opportunity to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime journey and that really helps me see and feel the world with greater sense of possibilities and responsibilities. I want to keep building on this newfound spiritual energy and continue my journey on with loves and freedom.
samsokrith.wp 