The Ascent of Matrimony ⛰️ Our Kinabalu Climbing Chronicle 💍

Panel 3: The Grand Announcement. Lena and Jerry planning their next trip. Lena is enthusiastic; Jerry looks skeptical.

Panel 4: The Gear Reality. Lena asks Jerry if he’s seen his hiking boots. Jerry is holding an old, dusty boot while sitting on the sofa.

Panel 5: The World Map. They pinpoint Borneo on a map. Jerry notes that “proper” training is probably a good idea.

Panel 6: Mountain Training. An image of the daunting granite peaks of Kinabalu. Caption: “Time to get in shape – Training (…or lack of).”

Panel 7: Jogging in the Park. Lena is running with the dog, looking fit. Jerry is trailing far behind, looking like he’s about to collapse.

Panel 8: The Heat Factor. Training in the tropical heat. Jerry: “Why is the sun following me?”

Panel 9: Arrival. The team finally arrives in Borneo, looking at the massive mountain range in the distance.

Panel 10: The Gulp Moment. At the base of the climb. Lena says “Gulp!” Jerry says “WTF?” while looking at the steep ascent ahead.

Panel 11: The Forest Trail. Hiking through the dense jungle canopy. The reality of the “vertical stairs” begins to set in.

Panel 12: Lena’s Stoicism. Lena is climbing steadily. Caption: “Lena – The stoic mountain goat.”

Panel 13: The Hut. They reach their “Mountain Hut Luxury” at Laban Rata. It’s a cramped room with bunk beds and shared facilities.

Panel 14: The Exhaustion. Jerry is sprawled on the floor of the hut. Jerry: “Call a helicopter… I’ve seen enough.”

Panel 15: The Menu. Eating a basic meal in the hut. Jerry: “I’ve never appreciated a digestive biscuit more in my life.”

Panel 16: The Bunk Bed Struggle. Jerry trying to climb into a top bunk with stiff legs. Lena: “I think you’re getting a body bag, not a sleeping bag.”

Panel 17: The Snoring. Nighttime in the shared dorm. Jerry is wide awake while others (and Lena) sleep soundly.

Panel 18: 2 AM Wakeup. The “Summit Push” begins in the pitch black with headtorches.

Panel 19: The Rope Section. Navigating the sheer granite slabs using the white guide ropes.

Panel 20: The Summit! Lena stands triumphantly at Low’s Peak (4,095m). Jerry is lying face down behind her.

Panel 21: The Descent. Caption: “Next up – The Via Ferrata Fiasco.” Lena looks excited for the world’s highest via ferrata; Jerry looks horrified.

Panel 22: The Tightrope. Lena is gracefully crossing a wire bridge. Jerry is clinging to the mountain side for dear life.

Panel 23: The Abseil. Jerry dangling from a rope. Jerry: “Whose idea was the vertical walk?”

Panel 24: The Return. Walking back down the stairs. Jerry’s knees are shaking visibly.

Panel 25: The Epiphany. Jerry and Lena back at the hotel. Jerry: “Never again.” Lena: “So… Nepal in May?”

Panel 26: Final Frame. Jerry in bed with his feet in a bucket of ice. Tagline: “If the marriage survives Kinabalu, it survives anything.”