FOX.AE, an outdoor group based in Ras Al Khaimah, started an annual tradition to pay tribute to their loved one who lost her life from cancer. That turning point turned gave birth to 'Cancer Awareness Climb'. The climb became a yearly climb that unites different Filipino outdoor groups in the UAE.
And just last weekend, FOX.AE successfully organized its 4th Cancer Awareness Climb held in Ras Al Khaimah. The climb participants were from different outdoor groups. Filipino Mountaineering Federation (FMF), Jumeirah MTB, Firebase Alpha, Compass along with few individuals are this year's participants.
The event was (and will continue to be) open to everyone who wish to participate the said cause.
With over 60+ participants, everyone camped over for the night under the nice chilly weather in Wadi Naqab. The next morning, after breakfast and a short briefing about the climbโs purpose and hike orientation, everyone geared up for the hike proper.
HIKE PROPER
The hike started with a slightly challenging hill just a few kilometers away from the campsite in Wadi Naqab. Soon after, hikers started to make their way through a narrow trail on the slope.
After the slope section, it was another steeper section. Albeit short of a distance, some of the hikers started to scramble up over small rocks along the way.
Upon reaching the narrow ledge at the top, here comes a private property with a long fence surrounding the whole village.
The trail then continued on the left side of the fence where you can enjoy the aerial view of Wadi Naqab below. This section gave the hikers some time to enjoy the view with a little bit of a thrill. It is relaxed and an almost flat surface to walk on with some cliff-like sections.
Eventually, the trail along the fence leads you to a wide-open area with a small rest house but it is a private property. It was time for lunch at that point so everyone enjoyed their lunch together before the descent.
The trail going down is part of the Yanas Mountain but it is on the other side of Wadi Naqab. The hikers took the unpaved road where some vehicles with friendly locals were encountered too.
NOTE: The distance of the unpaved road was about 10-km long up to the gate of the fork/right turn to Wadi Naqab. From the gate up to the campsite was another 2-3km more. The total distance of the full loop of the trail is about 16-km long.
After reaching the fork to Wadi Naqab, fields after fields of flowers welcomed the hikers with the warm orange color of the setting sun.
Not too long after the flowers, everyone safely reached the campsite full of satisfaction for their achievement on this day. Mang Ariesyo's Bulaluhan, as usual, welcomed the hikers with a Filipino rice porridge called Lugaw as a treat. Thank you Kuya Aries for the Lugaw! ๐ฅฐ
PERSONAL THOUGHTS:
The cancer awareness climb was a great start of hiking experience for the year. Not only because it is an easy or a new trail, but itโs all because of a great cause. That is to commemorate our loved ones who already left us and to remind those who are still fighting cancer that they are not alone...
FOX.AE held its 5th Cancer Awareness Climb this 2021 and while it is a little intimate compared last year, it is nothing short of special! Read it here!
P.S. If you want to be the first to know about the upcoming events, you may follow FOX.AEโs Facebook Page for more updates.
