But with hiking and trekking?These two words are seldom seen and used in my own dictionary, mainly because I never imagined myself doing it. I am not really an athletic person to begin with, I seldom find time to physically work-out because I'm way too preoccupied with my work (oh yeah, that's the best reason that I can give, LOL!). That is why when my friend ask me if I want to join her to go to Mt. Pulag, I politely declined to join her for quite a few times. I have lots of things going on my mind like "Mt. Pulag? Seriously, will I be able to survive it? I am not physically and emotionally ready. Can I really do this? Hiking? Trekking? Camping? Coldness? " And I told myself that I am not yet ready to take the challenge.
But then, she asked me again this year and surprisingly, I didn't feel any hesitations at all and I just said yes! It was really quite a shock for me but this time around, I don't know why but I am 100% sure to take the challenge and just go for it.
I wasn't able to have any physical preparations, and yes, it is because I am preoccupied with my work, lame excuse but that's what it is. It wasn't too long when we had a group meeting together with the organizer and my team members regarding some few reminders and the itinerary plan, and after few more days, here we go, Mt. Pulag adventure begins.
A little introduction of Mt. Pulag
Mount Pulag is the 3rd highest mountain in the Philippines .[2] It is Luzon’s highest peak at 2,922 meters above sea level. The borders between the provinces of Benguet, Ifugao, and Nueva Vizcaya meet at the mountain's peak.It is the third highest mountain in the Philippines, next to Mount Apo and Mount Dulang-dulang.Mount Pulag is famous for its majestic "sea of clouds" and the view of the Milky Way Galaxy at dawn, which has attracted many tourists who wish to see the "other-worldly" scenery. - Wikipedia
We left at around 11:00PM in Victory Liner Sampaloc station going to Baguio and arrived at around 5:30AM in Baguio. After few minutes of freshening up, we rode a jeepney heading to DENR Ambangeg, Benguet. Along the way, we had a stop over to eat breakfast and buy lunch. After that, we stop by DENR. It is a mandatory requirement for all hikers that are going to Mt. Pulag to drop by DENR to register. Since it had been raining for the past few days, we were instructed not to camp on camp2. Instead, we had our camp site on the Ranger station. We are told by the organizer that we will be camping on the Ranger station, and our hike will start as early as 1AM. So after eating dinner, my friend and I decided to sleep and set our alarm at 12:30AM. |
| Camping at Ranger station |
We woke up even before our alarm rang, and we got up and started to get ready. It was cold, and everyone is still in a half asleep - half awake mode. Our hike started at 1:45AM, the weather is cold, the trail is mushy, and the only thing that can guide us through the darkness is the light coming from the headlamp or flashlight. I can remember that it was and up and down mushy mud trail that we've been walking for hours, and sometimes it can get very slippery. we have some mini stop overs to rest for a while, and drink some water to energize ourselves, but what really caught my eye as the vast constellation that can be seen from above. Ever since I was young, I am really into stars and I love stargazing. I wasn't able to take picture of it, but in my mind, I can see it very clearly. I feel like I am inside a dome, filled with stars twinkling and shinning upon me.
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| Sea of Clouds |
After nearly 4 hours of trekking, we reached our first destination, the tower, wherein we will stay and wait for the sunrise. And in few minutes, I was able to witness one of the best and memorable sunrise so far. I can sea clouds beneath the mountains, and above the mountains. It is really a magnificent view of what they called "sea of clouds". We are indeed lucky enough to have such nice weather in order for us to really able to see and witness such beauty.
After the sunrise view, my teammates decided to go for the Mt. Pulag summit which an additional 2 hour trek from the tower. At first, I was really hesitant to go further, but since ALL of my teammates are going, then I just decided to go with them. I don't want to be left behind.
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| Hiking trail going to the summit |
The trail going to the summit is not as hard as the one that we been through going up the tower, but trail is all mushy and muddy. It is an up and down trail, but the view is also magnificent. I felt like I'm walking in a different country-side. And in few more hours, we successfully reached the summit.
This experience is very different and memorable for me. It is my FIRST time to trek and hike for almost 12 hours going up and down the summit, and that for me is what I am truly proud of. I didn't give up in the middle of the trek, it is physically exhausting, but I was able to endure and complete the entire trek. I was able to witness such breath taking sunrise with friends and new found friends. After this adventure, I started looking forward for more outdoor adventures in the future. How knows, this may become my new found hobby. LOL! :)
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| My Teammates! Disclaimer: This photo is grabbed from a friend. |
This Mt. Pulag Adventure is organized by Camp III Outdoor Outing. You may contact them in their facebook account at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Manila-Philippines/106322966073780 or look for Sir Kenneth at https://www.facebook.com/kenneth.taguilaso?fref=ufi
