Camp was not what I expected. And from the quote, “Expect the Unexpected”. I find it true now. And this camp has totally changed the way I think and feel of life. And to be independent and to know that there will be people there but at the same time, no one there too. Click read more to continue.
I went to Outward Bound Singapore at Pulau Ubin on the 9th of November. I was a tad excited but I had a bad feeling about it. Usually, I dread going to camps but I forced myself to think that it will be pleasant. My sore eyes made me have difficulties looking upwards and it hurt just to open but I tried my best to pretend it’s alright. My first pair of shoes’ soles came off. I was indeed in shock and downcast but I told myself it was fine as I had another pair. Did some high elements on the first day, somehow bonded with my group and got to know my instructor.
On the 2nd day, to my horror, while doing some morning exercises, I found out that my other shoes’ sole came off too. I was seriously in doldrums. Lucky for me, there was a “One for All, All for One” area which provided free donated shoes by other people who had been in the camps there before. And it was relieving to find a shoe which was not in a totally crummy condition and was my size. That distraught feeling in my heart went away instantly. Did some kayaking that day. Learnt how to kayak, did a capsize drill and also learnt how to save another if they are capsize while in the middle of the ocean. It was overall, fine.
We had to kayak all the way to some deserted part of the island and pitch our tents there. Kind of like an overnight there. It was quite far but I was able to reach there with my other group mates. Both my partner and I have never kayaked before so we kinda sucked in it. But I managed to kayak properly soon after. Since she was seasick, I took the initiative to kayak harder, stronger and faster. It was not easy as our paddles keep hitting each other. I found it difficult to synchronize and basically, she wasn’t even sitting upright so it was a challenge. What I adore about kayaking is that, it has given me a toned stomach with abs. Not those kind of body builder’s abs but the kind of, you could harden your stomach. Hehe. And also biceps and triceps perhaps.
Anyway, after pitching our tents at that deserted place, had to cook dinner. We cooked using a large pot and mesh tins. Ate some instant noodles cum canned food. Was not really appetizing yet with no food, I won’t have the energy to kayak anymore the next day. So stuffed a whole lot in my mouth. Then had to guard the campsite for 30 mins with those who sleep with me in the same tent.
The next day, had to kayak another way and we chose the shortcut instead of the whole round of the island. While taking the shortcut, the tide was low and the swamp or I shall say river dried up. It was mud all the way. We had to push the kayak through the mud. It was a difficile task but we managed on. The mud was like quick sand. It sunk right up to my hips. Yes, I am vertically challenged. Hahaha. That is a term our instructor likes to say to short people. I slipped a lot and nearly fell into the mud. Luckily, my friends were there to pull me, encourage, and joke all along. It was awesome.
After that, took the same route we did the day before back all the way to our main campsite. Had to wash all the kayaks since it was filled with mud. I offered a helping hand. It was surprisingly fun. I enjoyed washing and placing it all back on the shelves. But my backbone kinda hurt cause I was short and had to push it up on the high shelf. Had to cook dinner while some went to wash the life vests and whatnot. Pitched the tents and was ready to sleep. That was when I had a dream about my sweetheart. Haha, I’m complacent to elaborate on the dream anyway.
The very next day came quick and we had to un-pitch the tents. At that point in time, I placed my glasses in my pocket. After completing it all, I found my pocket to be empty. I lost it. I lost my glasses. I was particularly down and crazed. I could not find it anywhere there. It was disheartening. But I had no idea why my vision was as clear as me wearing spectacles. It was somehow a miracle. For those few days afterward, it was still clear. Well, until the day I went home of course. Haha.
Had to do trekking after that. I carried the haversack for a while and I could feel my shoulder bone cracking. It felt like it was on the verge of dislocating but I don’t think so. Tears came rolling down my cheeks as I told them I was in severe pain. I was fortunate that a friend helped me instead. I feel bad for it but I apologize for this inconvenience. Got to see some German Girl’s Shrine and this Swiss Cottage Village. We only got to two checkpoints but I think that’s marvelous enough, after all our efforts. Due to carrying 4 kg of weight, I believe my muscles on my arms have increased too. Haha.
Reached back to the main campsite to wash up and all. Had a mini celebration dinner. It was fun. The food cooked was delicious. Haha. I didn’t eat a lot as I had not much of an appetite that night. Then went to pitch the tents at around midnight on some hill in the woods. It was pretty scary. Speaking of woods, I kinda reminded of the movie Wrong Turn 3 where there was a forest scene. Luckily, that island I was in, had no cannibals. Haha.
The next day was the last day. Everyone was sad to see each other go even though we would eventually meet the next year. Got the photo we took at the seaside and bought a shirt too. I couldn’t wait to go home, to meet my loved ones. Anyway, somebody came to pick me up after school. I was thrilled, haha. Had a whole lot of things to tell him. Went home after that as I was extremely deadbeat.
As long as you think this is, it is actually summarized already. Haha.
