Bamboo

They are multi - functional . Wild and proudly standing tall , swaying with the breeze .. we kept the bamboo trees solely to build our hut , bridge and other farming makeshifts. It is much easier since they are at the dusun. Sometimes we can collect bamboo shoots for our dinner as well.

Different scenery

Further down from the two streams , next to the remaining wild bamboo vegetation , I could see the tallest tree that was spared from the chain-saw. As I moved about the undulating land, I would be taking more pictures. This and other scenery changes would be nice breaks from the long monotonous wait for our durian seedlings to grow. 7 long years to have a fully-grown matured fruit bearing durian orchard . Interspersed with the durian trees , we planted a few longan , mango and olive trees.

View at the top

The view at the top was just breathtaking . Although we have cleared 80% of the land for planting , some really tall trees have been spared , at least for now. These included a few old durian trees and a langsat tree. We needed the shelter from the scorching sun. Notice the jungle plant sitting pretty up there .

Jungle streams

There were two jungle streams cutting across the land, which was the Lord's blessing. In order for cultivation of the durian and other fruit trees , plenty of water needed. Some parts of the streams were deeper ... the natural water catchments were our source of irrigation. The streams were lined with rounded flat pebbles, which meant clear running water. Small colorful sword-tail fishes were plentiful .. so beautiful and refreshing ! In order to get to the dusun, we need to cross over these two streams. As such two bamboo bridges were built . The hard part though , was to ferry the water up the slopes. Took some balancing act !

Jungle creeper

Despite much burning , there was still a beautiful area where we decided to preserve . Overgrown undergrowth and gigantic creepers making its way up the old rubber trees and durian trees ... I had never seen such nice patterns , or rather , never paid much attention previously. There was also the reputed oldest plant on earth, sitting gracefully above ground. Beneath the canopy of these trees , were meandering jungle streams. As I gazed up at the little openings between the trees and the blue skies, I felt so relaxed and completely freed from stress. I could see a few squirrels hurriedly jumping off the branches. So very green .. and I really enjoyed the clean air , a dramatic change from the busy city life in KL.

More burning !

The west portion of the land is now ready. After burning, not much undergrowth is left. Only left rubber tree stumps and trunks. Anyone who wanted some firewood can collect for themselves !

Let the burning begin !

Burning completed over the east portion of the land. Took several days of burning because of the unusual late afternoon downpour. Next few days we will move towards the west portion and the more undulating hill.