Dream To Dare
C.O.U.N.T 1,000,000 steps
Hin's 1st C.O.U.N.T. 1,000,000 steps (Sep 7th – 29th, 2009)
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3. Onward Wuwei.
Thean Hin Ooi <ooithin@gmail.com> On Mon, Sep 21, 2009 at 9:09 PM
Hi all,
Did I say that Shandan is a very strategic and important area in halting the Mongol invasion? I counted as many as 52 sentry towers, 18 forts, 3 fortresses. You would have thought that the Shandan mountain range would have discouraged the attacks. And as added "bonus", there are 2 walls - the old most intact Ming, and the even older Han wall. Furthermore, Hexibao stretch has numerous fortresses (too many) spread over a vast area that I couldn't keep count.
Today, started my Wuwei track, managed 32KM and shall save the last 21KM to the HuangHe (Yellow River) for the last walk, after which I shall take a dip.
Now, back to the Compassion of the heart, I wish, hope and request that you consider making a donation to your favourite charity. Please, no money to me (and you can rest assure that it shall never be diverted or end up in my pocket). Just make a pledge and when you do donate, say a prayer on my behalf - that way, both of us shall get portion of the dharma.
Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri to all Muslim friends - even in China here it's celebrated by the Hui's.
Now for those who think of doing something different, as Nike says: "nike dari kerusi" and just do it!.
Take care, Omitofo and all the best.
Rgds,
Hin
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COMMENT:
Keu Heng Tat <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com> Tue, Sep 22, 2009 at 9:49 AM
Hello Bro – what a stunner! I guess I did not get any of your earlier emails.
What an intrepid traveller? You doing this alone? Do you have Discovery or Nat Geo cameras following you?
Send some pics if you can . Take care – I am sure you will achieve your 1mill steps.
Keu Heng Tat
Thean Hin Ooi <ooithin@gmail.com> Wed, Sep 23, 2009 at 10:51 AM
I started with another walker but after the 1st day's 10KM, he decided that he shall go see places and I have been walking alone since.
The guide would take me to the start and pick me up at the designated end point each day.
Last night was a bit of a bother. Had planned to walk till 7:30pm but by 7:00pm it became obvious that darkness was to befell. Had to stop (short of 2.5KM to end of Zhongwei track) and quickly scramble to find a main road. It was total darkness by 7:20pm and was still on the GWC, could only make out shadows of trees. Had to put on my emergency headlight and tried to find a way thru. Went over a fence, and suddenly heard voices of children and started heading towards that direction. Went round the trees, which were blocked by twigs and thorns and eventually found a path. Had to scramble thru a few more hedges and eventually ended up in the tomatoes field and made my way to the nearest house.
The young tried to tell me the name of the place but couldn't make out exactly where it was, neither could my guide over the phone. Pointed towards the main highway and started to walk in the dark and took another 45 minutes of so before I found the toll gate where the guide was waiting. My good fortune that I didn't have to sleep on the GWC. What a harrowing experience.
The thing was. I started late to try to complete the 31.3 KM walk, the right last toe blister broke and was painful till about 3pm in the walk - was going very slow. Shall try to complete the last 2.5KM next.
No great fanfare, just a little personal experience.
Thanks and you take care too.
Rgds,
Hin
Keu Heng Tat <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com> Thu, Sep 24, 2009 at 7:05 PM
I take my hat off to you, Msieur Hin. What a brave man and you don’t speak Mandarin! It must be getting cold now
Look forward to your next update. BTW – we run an After Hours section in Medical Tribune – it is a biweekly in Msia and a monthly in HK, MY, SG, Indo. If you have some pictures and keep a diary, we may feature your sojourn.
PS: I am glad you are not a pretty boy anymore...
Thomas Choong <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com> Tue, Sep 22, 2009 at 10:27 AM
Dear Hin,
shall certainly say prayers of blessings for you. Been meaning to ask you about the donation.
The irony of it all is that since i left my job, i ended up with donating more than i ever had to various charities in my entire life so far. Whilst with no real income. I meant 5 figures in S$.
Will do a donation just to mark your million steps !
Catch up when u are back
cheng kaw chew <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com> Tue, Sep 22, 2009 at 12:08 PM
Keep it up my friend!!!
i thought im already quite crazy in cycling 200+km every weekend.
one of my friends did the Gobi desert walk 2-3 mths ago but he did not complete the route 'cos asthma struck him in the last day and he had to be put on a camel to complete the trail.
Lim Han Nge <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com> Tue, Sep 22, 2009 at 12:21 PM
Dear Hin,
Well done and look forward to meeting up with you when you get back.
I would like to make a donation to a charity of your choice. Please let me know to whom I should make the cheque payable. I will then send you the cheque and leave you to hand/post it to the recipient.
……………..Nge.
BC Wu <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com> Tue, Sep 22, 2009 at 9:25 PM
Hallo Hin,
It is not common when someone talks about 1,000,000 steps along the Great Wall and do it!
I have not hear of anyone wanting to do a million steps around anywhere for that matter.
Wow, these notes that I just read of you being there on a mission that brings out the best in your physical and mental self is just extraordinary. It bring out images of the lonely crusader, if there such a person.
I did not follow up on your first mention a few months ago when we were with the gang having some drinks and the realisation that you are already on it says much of your dreams and plans to achieve it. So what can I say at this stage except to give you words of encouragement and support. And I am certain that there are more cheering you on than you would ever know.
Cheers & God Bless,
Wu Boau Chyuan
P.S. I will be looking forward to your next installment of your adventures. Man United 4-3 ManCity.
Jimmy Goh Chong Jen <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com> Wed, Sep 23, 2009 at 8:07 AM
Hey,
Good morning. Didn’t know that you went on this trip. Sounds interesting and meaningful. You take good care my friend and let’s catch up when you are back and you can tell me wonderful stories of your journey. Cheers.
Regards,
Jimmy Goh
Sam Leong <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com> Wed, Sep 23, 2009 at 10:37 AM
Hi Hin,
Good to know you are well and still going strong !!
Looking forward to see some of the places you have been to when you post it on the w.w.w.
Will take up your request to pledge/make a small donation to some worthy cause.
Take care
Thean Hin Ooi <ooithin@gmail.com> Wed, Sep 23, 2009 at 10:53 AM
Thanks for your support, Uncle Sam.
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Yap, Mei Yen <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com> Fri, Sep 25, 2009 at 2:39 PM
Hi Hin,
Good to hear from you.
I am so proud of your vision and mission of making the steps to the Great Wall. It is tough but yet you did it. I myself have not been to Beijing, but if I am there, I don’t think I can make it for all the steps. I wish I can be like you one day, enjoying life and travel around the world. Keep it up, looking forward to hear more from you.
My regards to you and your family. Omitofo and bless you.
Best regards,
Mei Yen
Christopher D'Cruz (EQPT) <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com> Mon, Sep 28, 2009 at 9:42 AM
dear hin,
good to hear from you my friend keep it up am glad you r doing what you wish , nx trip pse inform me may be able to follow you.
All the best and look after yourself.
Your good friend
Chris
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