Hin's 4th C.O.U.N.T. 1,000,000 steps (Sep 22nd – Oct 16th, 2012)

 

0.10    Count Down to 4th COUNT.

 

Thean Hin Ooi <ooithin@gmail.com>   Mon, Jun 25, 2012 at 11:13 PM

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Dear All,

C.O.U.N.T (Compassion, Optimism, Unity, Nature, Tomorrow) 1,000,000 steps :-

"Every fortunate person to demonstrate the Compassion of one's heart and donate to the destitute and needy, so that together we can share and partake in the Optimism and hope for the Unity of all peoples to preserve the wonders and beauty of Nature for our children of Tomorrow."

As I start my preparation for my next million steps, is there anyone out there foolish or crazy enough to join me please?

For a peek of my last walk, go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IPIIEALtq4

and this year's most challenging "wild" wall section: Jiankou:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=lFiY-DgtxtA#t=0s

Rgds,
Hin

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1. Count Down to 4th COUNT.

 

Thean Hin Ooi <ooithin@gmail.com>  Wed, Sep 19, 2012 at 12:17 PM

 

Well folks,

It's time to go, after so many festivities (Merdeka, Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Hungary Ghost, Malaysia Day, Moon Cake festival, Lantern festival, etc.), to continue the Ming Great Wall hike, the least prepared physically this time round.

Only managed 311,379 steps (cf. to >1M in previous years), little weight training; I shall be carrying a weight of 64kg and a waist band of 82.5cm (32.5"), I hope to strengthen the legs in the 1st week before tackling the "wild" wall of Jiankou and beyond.

This year's hike shall start at my last stop, Zhangjiakou thru to Jiankou, Mutianyu, Gubeikou, Jinshaling, Simatai and end at Huangyaguan, a total existing wall of about 557km. (see map - under photos section); for those who might be interested to look at more details, go view it here:-

https://maps.google.­com/maps?q=http://www.greatwallforum.c­om/Hin2012.kmz (link removed, refer below:)
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en_US&mid=1Az9EK80h5_ut29jD3EeixdI5g6s

We aim to hike the outer perimeter of the Ming Great Wall and as such, shall be skirting the 2nd or 3rd line of defence, the city and town walls, such as the ever popular Badaling - one you would want to avoid during the National holidays (see picture - under photos section):

The starting point, the Zhangjiakou Great Wall, is considered as the "Great Wall Museum of All Dynasties" because all the Great Wall constructional styles, built by 8 dynasties, can be found here. Many fierce great battles were fought here and it's here that the great Genghis Khan breached the wall and captured Beijing.

The target end point, is the scenic and restive Huangya wall. This is where Mao Zedong proclaim his famous diktat: "He who does not reach the Great Wall is not a true man; He who does not love the Great Wall is not a hero"; which over time has been toned to "He who has not been to the Great Wall, has not experience greatness". And interestingly, to reach this part of the wall, one has to scale the "Tianti" (Heavenly Ladder), how appropriate, if I can reach this point, I shall be in heaven. No worry, I shall be back, heaven is for saints only and I'm not - not yet, anyway.

This year I have the privilege to walk the whole trek, with my good friend AL Oldenburg (premium German stallion), perhaps a week with a Japanese Samurai and a Chinese Dragon. The 2 Singapore Singas (Lion) decided to take a break this year and promised to roar back next. Well, when they do, they will be most welcomed back by this Malaysian Harimau (Tiger).

Take care and all the best.

Wish you and loved ones enough.

Rgds,
Hin

 

Comment:

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Teoh Kian Koon <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>   Mon, Jun 25, 2012 at 11:21 PM

 

Hi! Hin - this is fantastic and I really salute u. No easy to accomplish and definitely not for the unfit ones. Way to go and I really like your below opening statement:- 
 
C.O.U.N.T (Compassion, Optimism, Unity, Nature, Tomorrow) 1,000,000 steps :-

"Every fortunate person to demonstrate the Compassion of one's heart and donate to the destitute and needy, so that together we can share and partake in the Optimism and hope for the Unity of all peoples to preserve the wonders and beauty of Nature for our children of Tomorrow."
 
It is so meaningful..... and u are really fantastic to do it 4 times!
 
REGARDS AND ALL THE BEST TO YOU.
 
TEOH
 

 

Christine Choi was Farley <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>   Mon, Jun 25, 2012 at 11:32 PM

 

      that's strange............ i was thinking about you today and wondering if you were going on your walk this year. Psychic now Ha Ha  xx

 

 

ChongWeiMeng <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>   Mon, Jun 25, 2012 at 11:40 PM

 

My friend is doing his 4th trip to china to climb the Great Wall of China, his 4th million steps. I won't be able to do it, not up to it

 

 

Thomas Choong <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>   Tue, Jun 26, 2012 at 10:13 AM

 

Hin, time has passed so quickly ... I hope u did manage to get the items u needed eventually. I hve been down with Dengue... Now nursing slow recovery. Been awful. Anyway, fitness is indeed the best thing one can have at this age. Hence u are the ultate winner n hardly crazy...continuing with your tracking. It gives u a focus which in terms benefit your health

Best Regards, Thomas. iPhone

 

Thean Hin Ooi <ooithin@gmail.com>   Tue, Jun 26, 2012 at 11:25 AM

 

Indeed Tom,

Time flies for those who enjoy......You must learn to relax and enjoy too.

Brother, Health is for yourself.........do take good care.

Get well soon.

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Thomas Choong <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>   Wed, Jun 27, 2012 at 12:02 PM

 

Thanks Hin,

wishing you a safe,  refreshing and exhilarating tracking.

take care !

Thomas

 

 

Rose Wong <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>  Tue, Jun 26, 2012 at 10:41 AM

 

Congrats         on yr 4th mission....just curious la....how do u train 4 it? How many km u walk/run a day 7/7? What abt 'mental/emotional' prep? Am just curious.

 

Thean Hin Ooi <ooithin@gmail.com>  Tue, Jun 26, 2012 at 11:22 AM

 

Train?? U just walk la.....join me at the Kiara Hills (beside KLGCC) 3 hours only per day.

Mental? People already said I'm a mental case....no need to train anymore.....

 

Rose Wong <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>   Tue, Jun 26, 2012 at 11:42 AM

 

Yes!!! U r mental, alright!!!!! walk 3hrs on the hill?????(BUT I can walk in a mall from 10am -11pm!!!!!!! quite often!!!!!!!!!=no pain)

I dont walk the Kiara Hills....hills r a NO NO for my cartilage-less knees, I hv 2 listen 2 my ortopaedik

I only walk the Kiara Park = flat ma!

 

 

howekwong leong <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>   Tue, Jun 26, 2012 at 10:55 AM

 

Good luck my friend. I will watch you from youtube.

 

 

Catherine Tay <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>   Tue, Jun 26, 2012 at 12:10 PM

 

Hin,

 

I am full of admiration for you man, to be able to walk your dreams. 

 

I trust you have no objection if I were to forward and share this with May Loh and Loong Tik whom I think you know.

 

Cheers,

Cath
Sent from my iPhone

 

Thean Hin Ooi <ooithin@gmail.com>   Tue, Jun 26, 2012 at 12:31 PM

 

Hi Cat,

No problem at all. Happiness must be multiplied, sorrow divided......

Take care.

 

 

freddie loilee <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>   Tue, Jun 26, 2012 at 7:49 PM

 

Hin, I am seriously & crazily enough to join you. 

But due to my leg condition, I need to be carried up & down by the Chinese Q.

Do they provide such services like in Quizaiko?

Sent from my iPhone

 

Thean Hin Ooi <ooithin@gmail.com>   Tue, Jun 26, 2012 at 9:11 PM

 

Freddie,
I wish they did, as some sections especially the Jiankou wild wall, the Chinese Q would be great.
Legs can be strengthen......train up......
Rgds,
Hin

 

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sue chuah <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>   Sat, Jun 30, 2012 at 8:40 PM

 

Just wld like 2 replace 'crazy & foolish' to 'inspired & brave'..

 

Thean Hin Ooi <ooithin@gmail.com>   Sun, Jul 1, 2012 at 10:17 AM

 

Thanks for your kindness and moral support. Good enough to go another 1,000,000 steps

 

 

Lai Loh <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>   Sun, Jul 1, 2012 at 9:45 AM

 

All our best. Hats off to you and good luck

 

Lai Pheng & Hong
Sent from my iPhone

 

 

河邊富男 <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>   Sun, Jul 1, 2012 at 8:53 PM

 

Hin

 

Good picture!

 

Your challenge really inspires me.

If my weight is less 10KG,I could follow you.

 

Tomio

 

Thean Hin Ooi <ooithin@gmail.com>   Sun, Jul 1, 2012 at 11:15 PM

 

Tomio,

Follow me and I guarantee you will be 10Kg less at the end of the trek.

 

 

Yap, Mei Yen <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>   Tue, Jul 3, 2012 at 11:18 AM

 

Hi Hin,

 

Your spirit of persistency of making it happen (once a year) make me feel so proud of you. 

 

Please continue this spirit and I am sure you will complete the 1,000,000 steps one day. 

 

But please do be careful and have all the safety precautions prepare.

 

Have a safe trip and journey ya.

 

Take care.

 

Best regards,

Mei Yen

 

Thean Hin Ooi <ooithin@gmail.com>   Tue, Jul 3, 2012 at 11:43 AM

 

Mei Yen,

Thanks for your well wishes and concern. Hope to be back in one piece every time.

You take care and all the best to your family.

Rgds,
Hin

 

 

Thean Hin Ooi <ooithin@gmail.com>  Wed, Aug 1, 2012 at 1:16 PM

 

Dear Junji,

Would you like to join me in this year's Ming Great Wall hike from Zhangjiakou? You need not have to do the entire length, just determine how many days you can spare and we'll work out the stretch most suitable.

Let me know.

Rgds,
Hin

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Junji Kawabe <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>   Mon, Aug 6, 2012 at 8:15 AM

 

Okay, Uncle Hin. 
I am in. 
Preferably, I would like to start from Zhangjiakou since I have read it is one of the most interesting point, is it true?
Jiankou wild sounds interesting also. How many days will I need to walk through this section if start from Zhangjiakou?

Let me check my schedule at the end of September again. 
People usually start to leave a few days before National holiday, so I am expecting work to be on the slow side. 
Thank you for your invitation.

My best regards,
Junji Kawabe

 

 

KKB <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>   Tue, Aug 21, 2012 at 8:25 PM

 

Hin

 

This year I have to skip as I m not getting permit from wife cos my son having PSLE in oct this year. But I will do next year walk for Shanhaiguan. 

kb koh

 

Thean Hin Ooi <ooithin@gmail.com>   Wed, Aug 22, 2012 at 11:27 AM

 

No worry KB,

All the best for your son's PSLE.

Take care.

Rgds,
Hin

 

-------------------- 0.01 Count Down to 4th COUNT.

 

soolim chong <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>   Wed, Sep 19, 2012 at 12:27 PM

 

good luck and may the force be with u, got a whole year of golf
progamme when u back

 

 

Tat Ooi <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>   Wed, Sep 19, 2012 at 12:33 PM

 

All the best and take lots of pics.

 

Thanks & regards, 
Tat Ooi

 

 

Bernard Louis <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>   Wed, Sep 19, 2012 at 12:42 PM

 

Dear Thean Hin,

 

All the best my friend. You can do it. We will follow you in awe.

 

Take care,

Regards,

Bernard

 

 

Angie Lee <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>   Wed, Sep 19, 2012 at 12:43 PM

 

happy walking! and keep warm.

 

Thanks and regards

Angie Lee

 

 

Thomas Choong <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>   Wed, Sep 19, 2012 at 1:25 PM

 

All the best and Good luck Hin !

 

 

Rose Wong <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>   Wed, Sep 19, 2012 at 1:32 PM

 

Dear Fren,

ALL THE BEST      May The Good Lord Bless you ALL THE WAY over land,sea & sky

GBU TC

Love

 

 

Yap, Mei Yen <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>   Wed, Sep 19, 2012 at 1:31 PM

 

Hi Hin,

 

All the best and have a safe journey. 

 

Best regards,

Mei Yen

 

 

Tony Tan <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>   Wed, Sep 19, 2012 at 1:46 PM

 

HI Hin,

 

All the best and have a wonderful Pooof Pooof!! trip

 

Take care and enjoy !!!

 

Keat Ee

 

 

Kiam Beng Koh <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>   Wed, Sep 19, 2012 at 1:55 PM

 

Too bad can't join.    Be careful with the samurai, you might not get accomodation because of him. :-)

  

Regards, 
k.b.koh

 

 

kokquee lim <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>   Wed, Sep 19, 2012 at 1:58 PM

 

Hin,

 

Yup, kind of sad that i cant join you for this time. i think this section is quite challenging and exciting. walk safe and please keep us posted on your walk.

 

Cheers.

 

Kiam Beng Koh <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>   Wed, Sep 19, 2012 at 2:10 PM

 

Mouth watering man.  Definitely look more siong than last year.   Let's do 2 weeks next years.  

Regards, 
k.b.koh

 

kokquee lim <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>   Wed, Sep 19, 2012 at 3:26 PM

 

sure i have willie yap to join me next year liao.

 

 

Keu Heng Tat <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>   Wed, Sep 19, 2012 at 2:34 PM

 

Dear Hin, have a safe & breathtaking journey!
Sent from my iPhone

 

 

Teik Soon Phang <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>   Wed, Sep 19, 2012 at 3:08 PM

 

Hi Thean Hin,

 

It's time again to start your expedition.

Have a safe and exciting trip.

Looking forward to hear the interesting narration soon.

 

Take care,

Gaik Wah & Teik Soon.

 

 

Jimmy Phung <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>   Wed, Sep 19, 2012 at 3:20 PM

 

I salute you in your accomplishments. And god speed in your next trip. Have fun & come back safe for our golfing holiday in Bangkok.
Cheers

 

 

Lily Ooi <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>   Wed, Sep 19, 2012 at 4:46 PM

 

I am proud of you, again! :) 

I hope you have a good hike and journey, keep us posted on your trip. 

 

 

chee <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>    Wed, Sep 19, 2012 at 4:47 PM

 

May God bless n protect u; may God favor u with food n water along the way.

Sent by Maxis from my BlackBerry® smartphone

 

 

Sam Leong <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.com>   Wed, Sep 19, 2012 at 5:11 PM

 

Hin

about to call you for a game of golf. Guess that will have to wait. Take care ,god speed and dont forget to smell the roses along the way.

regards

 

Thean Hin Ooi <ooithin@gmail.com>   Thu, Sep 20, 2012 at 3:43 PM

 

Uncle Sam,

Thanks for the thoughts. Hopefully can golf when I'm back.
 

BTW, check out this book by the guy from GreatWallForum, Bryan Feldman:

                     

The long-awaited new book from the Great Wall Forum, Walk the Great Wall, is now available.

Walk the Great Wall is the most authoritative, most complete, and most detailed book available about walking the Great Wall of China. From a one-day stroll to a year-long thru-hike, this book has the information you need to make your goal a success.
 

The book is available from Amazon.com and can be read on Kindle readers and Kindle Fire tablets. Amazon also offers free reading apps so you can read on your phone,... [Read More]

You might just find a section suitable for you.

Rgds,
Hin

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