I did not make it to the peak due to wasp stings. A fellow hiker stirred a wasp nest accidentally. Needless to say, she got stung. After that, every one that passed that part of the trail were stung, including me.

Despite the stings, I was adamant to make it to the peak (or Camp 7E at least). So I carried on. Less than 10 minutes later, I noticed a fellow car mate lying on the ground. She had an allergic reaction due to the wasp stings. Her condition was pretty bad... swollen face, hives on her body, vomiting, her nails purpled. She was unable to walk, and can’t speak properly. She was shivering. I decided to abandon my plan to peak and stayed by her side. She felt better after swallowing antihistamine but was still too weak to walk. The guide and her friend were calm and stayed with us throughout. In situations like this, we have no choice but to wait it out.

As I was too concerned about my car mate’s condition, I forgot that I had an emergency blanket with me. So she was left shivering on the ground for about an hour before I realized I have an emergency blanket that can warm her up. 😖

After about two hours, my car mate regained her strength and the guide and her friend guided us back to the trailhead. Thank God for the both of them!

Eventhough I did not peak, I was glad I stayed behind to keep my car mate company. Not that I was doing much, but I guess, I’d condemn myself more than I’d feel proud if I choose to carry on and make the peak.

More than that, I learnt a valuable lesson that day... Never underestimte the mountain and unforeseen circumstances that come with every hike, easy or hard ones. I also realized my knowledge is very very limited, and... as much as I looked calm on the outside (I think 😜), I am not thinking straight and fast... which is crucial if someone is in a life and death situation. That I shall improve upon. I’m now contemplating taking first aid classes.

Incomplete mission, but valuable lesson learnt. I shall return to bag this peak in the near future!