An annual open-event climb, FOX.AE continues to celebrate and organize the yearly Cancer Awareness Climb that unites Filipino outdoor groups in the UAE. This year, on its 4th Cancer Awareness Climb, was again held in none other than in Wadi Naqab in Ras Al Khaimah.
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Cancer Awareness Climb
As a recap, the cancer awareness climb began years ago and has since become an annual open event organized by FOX.AE. Based on a team member's personal experience, caring for a family member with cancer was no easy feat, let alone witnessing loved ones lose their battles with the disease. Their adversity inspired the idea of an outdoor activity where we could spread awareness about cancer and, at the same time, connect with others who share a similar painful journey.
This year's participants were from different outdoor groups such as the Filipino Mountaineering Federation (FMF), Jumeirah MTB, Firebase Alpha, Compass, and a few individuals.
With over 60+ participants, everyone camped over for the night under the chilly weather in Wadi Naqab. The next morning, after breakfast and a short briefing about the climb’s purpose and hike orientation, everyone geared up for the hike proper.
Hike Proper
On the other side of the road (not the same side as the trail to Baqal Village), the hike started on a loose rocks trail of the hill. It was a challenging start but has been followed with an easy walk on a narrow trail on the slope of the hill.
A little bit of scrambling followed until we reached the narrow ledge at the top of the hill. The trail brought us to a fenced private property surrounding the whole village.
Without trespassing the private property, there was enough space for a trail outside the fence for us to walk through. We followed the fence which went around the village while enjoying an aerial view of Wadi Naqab below.
The trail ended on the other side of Wadi Naqab which is now part of the Yanas Mountain. There was a small hut where we enjoyed our lunch and prepared to go down.
The trail going down was the unpaved or the off road trail of Yanas Mountain which was about 10-km long up to the bottom of the mountain.
We encountered friendly locals along the way and had fun hiking down despite the long distance. As we reached the bottom of the mountain, the walk to the campsite was enjoyable as we saw beds and beds of wildflowers while the sun was starting to go down.
Sentiments:
The cancer awareness climb was a great hiking experience for the year. Not only because it was an easy trail, but it’s all because of a great cause. That is to commemorate those who already left us and to remind those who are still fighting cancer that they are not alone. Cancer Awareness Climb will surely be the yearly tradition and it would be a privilege to join the event on the next years to come.
UPDATE: FOX.AE held its 5th Cancer Awareness Climb in 2021 and while it is a little intimate compared last year, it is nothing short of special! Read it here!
