Written by Rian
This was a note of a physical orientation
Volunteering requires a variety of preparations that must be provided from the start both mentally and physically. In addition to good intentions and knowledge of something, a volunteer also needs adequate physical and energy so that our bodies are more resilient and do not tire easily during these volunteer activities.
Hiking or Climbing is one of the ways my friends and I were trained to strengthen our physique as volunteer candidates for the Peace Volunteer Centre (3R) who will dive into remote villages with various natural conditions. The hike started with physical training by doing jogging exercises on the Peukan Bada coastline for two days and ends with training in the Tsunami Evacuation building with increasing back loads to prepare equipment such as tents, logistics, mattresses, flashlights, nesting, carriers and other equipment. . For about two weeks, we paid installments one by one for the equipment needed during the climb. Even though we couldn’t get some equipment due to various limitations, before D-1 the necessities could be completed.
The day that was arrived. The trip to the climbing site was carried out on Saturday morning (19/9) using a sand truck belonging to one of the residents. One by one, carriers containing equipment and logistics that were ready to be packed were transported into the truck, followed by climbing participants who boarded the truck. After making sure that nothing else was left, the driver jumped on the gas and started grinding the road.
After struggling with tiring mud, the journey was continued until we arrived at the starting point of the climb. As if our arrival was greeted by nature, the rain immediately fell on us as the truck stopped that afternoon. Immediately confusion enveloped us because we had to immediately put on raincoats to cover our heads and clothes from the raindrops that were getting heavier and heavier before the rain soaked all our clothes. A few minutes passed, all the colorful coats had been attached to each body at once indicating that the journey was ready to start.
The weight of the carrier plus the rainy weather was a challenge for me when climbing Cot Tulo Po. If translated into Indonesian, Cot can be interpreted as hill, while tulo po means flying bird. This hill has an altitude below 1000 meters above sea level (masl). Even though it is relatively low, it has a long path with large rocks that spread along the way so it will still feel tiring. Step by foot stepping finally arrived at the first stop to rest. The rain still fell, although not as heavy as before. The journey continued again until the next stop and so on until we reached the spring for lunch and prayer.
After lunch and prayer, and packing again, then the journey back was followed. During the trip we helped each other, encouraged each other, and was also occasionally punctuated by jokes that were effective in reducing a bit of fatigue in walking.
The peak was in sight signaling the end of our journey. Relieved. Putting down the carrier was one of the pleasures. I felt during the trip. But this time, it was more enjoyable because it was at the end. We rested while enjoying the city of Banda Aceh from the height of the hill.
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This short hike taught me a lot. First, we worked as a team so there must be cooperation. Second, climbing made us aware of the need to protect nature. Third, there were many unexpected things that happen during the trip that require good adaptability. Another important benefit is that this activity taught me not to give up on difficult conditions. Hopefully this trip will become a personal reminder to always learn wherever and whenever to become a better person than before and get closer to God.
