The '1800 Challenge’ is a difficult hiking trail comprised of 80% of Zhejiang province's mountain peaks 1800 metres and above. In late April, Pao School’s Run-A-Way Club successfully organised this challenge for the school’s students and their parents during their Labour Day holiday. The following is the diary of Pao School parent Lily, detailing the physically-demanding journey and giving a first-hand account of the breath-taking scenery she witnessed.
Day 1: A long trek
On the first day of our 1800 challenge, we took on the Slope of Despair and Huang Maoling, the highest peak in Zhejiang! The excursion began at dawn and did not end until late evening, when we finally arrived at the village – it was so dark that we had to use our mobile phones as flashlights! By the time we finished dinner and gotten ready for bed, it was already past 11pm.
Originally, the club was concerned due to the many children on board for the journey – in fact, it was us adults with no stamina or strength that they should have been worried about! Thankfully, our endurance helped us through the extreme fatigue we experienced.
That day, I saw a modern translation of the poem ‘Song on Climbing Youzhou Terrace’ by Tang Dynasty poet Chen Zi’ang:
Kings of the past were before my time.
Who would be there in future to appreciate me, I know not.
I think of the boundless heaven and earth, without limits, without end.
I am all alone and my tears begin to fall.
I modified the translation slightly to reflect my feelings while climbing the Slope of Despair: There was no one ahead of me, nor behind me. I see this tall mountain, this large forest, this steep slope before me, without limits, without end. I am all alone and I want to cry, but I can’t cry out… I trust that if Mr Chen attempted the Slope of Despair, he would have real reason to cry about!
Day 2: Fine dining in the mountains
From pickled radishes, mustard and salted Chinese cabbage to potatoes and lettuce stems, everything in the mountains is sundried.
I started to think of the past, when transportation was not as developed as it is today. Food produced in the mountains couldn’t be shipped to the cities and vice-versa. Food preservation was a major issue.
Humans are truly intelligent creatures. Fresh bamboo shoots can now be preserved in a number of ways. First boil, then soak. Eliminate the taste of southernwood and place under a heavy board to press the moisture out. As our guide mentioned, preserving bamboo shoots is not just about draining water – a bamboo’s fibres has to be broken, and its texture and taste kept fresh before it can finally undergo the drying process.
Today, we sampled bamboo shoots in oil. Its appearance is unlikely to turn heads, but its taste is certainly unique. Take freshly cut bamboo shoots, pan fried quickly, and place both bamboo and oil into a bottle. When it’s ready, just add soy sauce and dig in!
This meal was definitely something to write home about!
Day 3: The gruelling 1800 continues
Day 3, the day of the climb to the 1400-metre peak. The first half was a winding mountain trail, with some parts so narrow that only one foot could be accommodated at one time. After a break, the trip continued with a hike along the firebreak under the scorching sun. The path appeared dangerously steep, probably about 50-60 degrees. The slightly smoother paths on both sides were too slippery to walk on, and in the middle gravel area, grass and stones rolled under our feet. The grass didn’t scare me – it was trying to dodge the stones that appeared to be the recipe for disaster. With our walking posture reduced to a mix of stooping and bending, we had hiking poles in one hand to stay balanced. You’d almost think we were combing the grounds for land mines!
At noon, we took an ancient trail, complete with tall fir trees and rays of light coming in from above – it was the perfect setting for lunch. For three days, each hiker’s rations consisted of two steamed buns and an egg, and each family brought their own pickles and snacks. To give mealtime some variety, students began trading snacks with each other.
The 1000-metre journey downhill was by far the most punishing, with countless steps taken along the hard stone road. By the time I reached the bus, my legs trembling and knees aching, I realised I had finally completed the 1800 challenge!
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