Father & Daughter

Introducing the youngest member of the Kelly's Slippers and Sandals Brigade: none other than my own little girl--Shieh Jeanne! Whoo-Hoo!

As part of the initiation programme, she was made to walk/hike briefly along the Tekala river. At one point, I walked with her up a short gradual slope to be standing really close to a waterfall. Yeah, she did shriek and scream at me a few times. But otherwise, it was a pleasant time and trekking was no problemo.

Rapids at the Tekala River

The Tekala River and waterfall is relatively easy to get to. It's situated near the Semenyih Dam, and not much hiking is involved before one reaches some nice rapids and smaller falls. Plus, this place is somewhat commecrcialised, so there are concrete pathways, bridges and mini shelters by the river. I don't really fancy man-made structures that lead to river spots and waterfalls. It just seems so wrong for me--a person who enjoys pristine forests--to be at the Tekala river. But there I was with my family and some friends from church, who prefered safer and minimal exposure to extreme terrains.

The man-made structures are a means for more people to enjoy nature. To a certain degree I am glad that there are such structures because it makes these places so much more accessible, especially to older adults and kids. When we were leaving the place at about noontime, few families--adults and children-- carrying large plastic containers filled with ready-cooked food, mats, plastic bags filled with crispy crackers, and bottled drinks, were walking up those stairs like ants marching in a straight line. Such is a scene I don't get on my treks up mountains. It's great to see even older folks walk into the forest so enthusiasticly. But at the same time, I have my reservations. When I saw the families, my thoughts were, "They better bring out every bits and pieces they bring in."

One of the smaller waterfalls at Tekala.

The man-made structures allowed me to get my kids out to enjoy nature, so to speak. But as I've mentioned, it just doesn't feel right somehow. At such places where man-made structures are present, there seem to be litter here and there where they don't belong. If only eveyone would be more civic conscious, then perhaps I would not be so adverse to visiting such places.

Until things improve, I can't wait for Shieh Jeanne to be a little bigger so I can take her on her first true hike up a mountain. _______________

Related Link: Photos of this trip by Irene Fu can be found at DropShots.