KK-Miri-Mulu-Miri-KK

That was rather fun. I've got a bunch of photos from Mulu National Park (even though I missed the slow loris sighting T_T during the night walk) which includes some really saucy pictures =p This is when I realize the shutterbug in me only crawls out when I'm in holiday mode. I seldom, if ever, take out my camera enthusiastically to capture things when I'm on work field trips. Especially when I'm solo. Ah well.

It was fun to be in human contact and talking to people I know (the students and my supervisor) in Mulu. Of course the 'holiday' felt too short, but I guess that's just how it always is. No man is an island, and humans evolved as communities rather than solos anyway. That being said, I enjoy my solo time.

During my stop-by days in KK before going to and returning from Mulu, I adopted a new thing to do - watch movies solo (with student price, RM5/show - the perks of a PhD student). I have watched 3 movies in my two days there: Johnny English, Apollo 18, The Sorcerer & the White Snake. I'd do that again!

Till I transfer them pictures and snap out of holiday mode.

Nights in the Woods

Then came a brilliant idea, when parts of the weather station equipment delivery was delayed. To take 'soil carbon dioxide (CO2) respiration' readings both in the hottest time (day, about 9 am - 1 pm) and when the sun goes down (coolest). If I was honest, it'd be about 3-5am daily, but I am also human. So.. the itinerary:

7.30 am : Cook, eat, prepare for trip, boil water and store in thermos for bath after trip (because electricity would be cut off at about 12, I can't boil water when I'm back)

8.30/9 am: Set out for 1 h 15 minute hike to site (after signing in at booth)

~10 am : Start CO2 readings, maintain reading site/trail

~1145 am : head back

~1230 pm: Back in Mesilau

IN BETWEEN: Try to rest, read, unwind, dry stuff and prepare for night trip, which consists of about the same itinerary, except that it starts about 6 pm and ends at ~10 pm. Going into the jungle at night alone.. Meh.

Why day time and night time readings? Because when it's hot, the soil may release significantly more CO2 than when it's cool. AND BECAUSE THE JOURNAL ARTICLE SAYS SO. Whew.

Thank God for Jesus, or I'd have freaked out in the jungle from the first time on.

Tomorrow's the beginning of a break - not really, but, yeah. To KK for a night, Miri for a night, then Mulu for 4 nights. Alright world, goodnight. Sheesh, I haven't packed.

Missing home? You bet.

Mesilau, A Different Time Zone

Really?

Nahhhh

Here I am, 5.47 AM and still awake, typing this post to commemorate the oddities of working alone here in Mesilau, Mt. Kinabalu. Why so early? Because I never slept last night. Why? Because of a malfunctioning generator ('gen-set') that cuts power off from 12-5 PM daily, blanketing the entire Nature Resort with darkness and disability. Rather than working in the dark, I now sleep during those wretched hours so that I may in some way maximize daylight 'power-ful' hours, very much like how countries adjust their clocks for 'daylight saving' during winter. I've traveled much this year; probably flied more frequently than I ever have, albeit often to the same place.

Next, I shall compile a list of my travelogues for 2011 thus far (complete with dates) to examine the frequency and intensity of it all. Okay, back to making extra (to make up for mysteriously missing) litter bags.

Oh, and I hit the bridge of my nose with a metal chair frame. It's swollen. I can still disguise it as a mosquito bite for now... maybe until it turns purple. There will be visitors possibly sharing my lodge today. Man, what timing.

Come on guys, Hari Raya's over. Can someone fix the generator now so I could live back on Malaysian time? Please?