Take a glorious view from the top
If you’re up for a life changing experience, UniSA’s Alumni Network is offering you the opportunity to be part of an exclusive
alumni group to climb Mount Kinabalu in the East Malaysian state of Sabah in September 2008.
Professor Patrick James, Head of the School of Natural and Built Environments will lead a group of 15 to 20 budding mountaineers through the Kinabalu National Park and up Mount Kinabalu.
In addition to a vast exper-ience and enthusiasm for mountaineering, Prof James brings to the expedition ecological and geological insights.
"Mountain climbing is a challenge akin to many challenges we face in life, like solving a problem, managing a project, achieving a goal," Prof James says.
"The effort we need to put in depends on the size of the mountain, the difficulty of the terrain, and our preparedness and fitness for the task."
Prof James has climbed mountains, ranges and hills for work and pleasure throughout a geological career which is largely based on understanding how mountains are formed.
"I’ve climbed in different terrains from Snowdonia in the UK, to the European Alps (mostly for skiing), from West Greenland fjord land to Antarctica, from central Australia to Death Valley. Most recently I’ve begun to tackle the sacred mountains of China – Lushan, Taishan – only three to go!"
According to Prof James, Gunung (Mt) Kinabalu is a very special mountain with a spectacularly peaked, bare-rock and sometimes (but very rarely) snowdusted summit close to the equator and set within the jungles of Borneo.
"It shares the rainforest with endangered orangutans and some of the world’s richest plant biodiversity and offers a unique climb from tropical luxuriance through montane oak forest to the rocky summit," he said.
Specialist mountaineering skills are not needed to conquer Mt Kinabalu as there are no sheer drops or plunging chasms but physical fitness is a must in order to tackle the steep tracks.
"There are many ways to climb mountains. You can take a slow circuitous route or go straight for the top – we can ‘go it alone’ or we can work as a team with guidance and support."
As part of the mountain climbing package, members of the expedition will have the chance to join an elite physical training program specially designed for MK08 Camp - a six-month structured training package available at the City East campus designed to improve all aspects of health and fitness - by UniSA’s Health Science professionals.
Those people joining the expedition from outside Adelaide will have access to MK08 Camp leader, Andrew Hassam, for advice on building a self-regulated fitness program.
UniSA, together with Renaissance Tours, has put together an impressive nine-day itinerary which includes a cocktail party with the local Malaysian Alumni chapter, guided tours and eco-seminars, in addition to the climb. You may choose to join the expedition as part of your own private holiday plans.
For details of the itinerary and the cost of joining the group, email Sheila Bailey, Senior Development Officer (Alumni Services)