FOX.AE's 5th Cancer Awareness Climb

Before the COVID-19 pandemic made all of us locked in our homes last year, FOX.AE held its 4th Cancer Awareness Climb, an annual open-event climb that started five years back to spread awareness of the big 'C' through a hiking activity. This 2021, amidst the pandemic going on, FOX.AE celebrated its 5th Cancer Awareness Climb or 'CC5' BUT with a limited number of participants only due to the COVID-19 situation.

Disclaimer: FOX.AE strictly observed the safety precautionary measures all throughout the event (from campsite up to the trail). Social distancing, face masks on all interactions, and proper observation of hygiene and sanitation were implemented to prevent any exposure from COVID-19.

This year’s participants were from different outdoor groups such as Compass, Pinoy Hikers, RAK Hikers along with very few individuals invited on a selection basis only. 

The participants came over and spent the night in Wadi Shaam with social distancing as required. The usual morning routine followed the next day: breakfast, briefing about the climb’s purpose, hike orientation and a stretching exercise before the hike proper.

CC5 HIKE PROPER & TRAIL:

The hike started with an easy section of a gradual ascent in the wadi followed by a short section of cliffs. The trail goes in the wadi again up to the plateau with a 180-degree view of the Shaam Village.

From the plateau, the challenging section of loose rocks comes into the view. The trail then goes on to another wadi which is a little steeper than the first sections. Eventually the trail reached the saddle, cliff and the ridge section. This is where you can see the Shaam Village and the town of Bukha in Musandam, Oman.

From this point, the rest of the participants pushed their way up to the summit. I decided to stay behind and wait for those who aimed for summit. After they reached the summit, everyone started their descent by taking the same trail on their way up.

Everyone safely reached the campsite a little past 8 o'clock in the evening with Mang Ariesyo’s Bulaluhan usual welcome treat for everyone, Lugaw! Thank you Sir Aries!

SENTIMENTS:

While this year's cancer awareness climb is a little intimate, it is nothing short of special. We dedicate this year's CC5 in memory of Vince, our friend who left us recently after a courageous fight with Colon Cancer. Vince, this is for you! And as Sir Javy always say, your fighting spirit lives on! 💕

P.S. If you want to be the first to know about the upcoming events, you may follow FOX.AE’s Facebook Page for more updates.