Showing posts with label Trekking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trekking. Show all posts

Camiguin Day Tour (Day 2)

by Almyr

Camiguin Day Tour (Day 2)

I woke up early to catch the blue hour (term used by photographers before the sun rises, but I'm not a photographer just a photography enthusiast) at the beach. Then our day started with our home cooked breakfast courtesy of our host cooking the dried squid we bought yesterday during our stroll.

Our vehicle for the day tour arrived and we have to bid good bye to our first home in Camiguin. We brought all our things and carried it with us for the rest of the trip (you don't have to worry leaving it with the driver because they'll offer to look out for it without extra charge).

We started with the old Vulcan, that has the 14 stations of the cross on its path, the top most would give you a better view of the sunken cementary and the open sea. Though on the 12th station we decided to go back since it was starting to drizzle and the thick clouds was beginning to hover above the peak.


Then we proceed to check the sunken cemetery. It was still drizzling and we chose not to go down the beach to get a lower view of the cemetery and we only took photos in the viewing deck.


We dropped by the Old church that was destroyed when the Old Vulcan erupted way back. The walls of the Old Church was there but the church itself was destroyed.


A small chapel was built in the middle of the ruins and the back of the church was filled with green grass, we stayed longer because it was a nice scene for some picture.


The sun was already above our head and we already felt the humidity rising. Good thing, we are already at the Soda Spring. It was a cold spring and the cool temperature was so refreshing and just in time to freshen us up.


After a quick dip, we went to Sto Nino spring. This time we opted not to take a bath since the first spring was enough to freshen us and the ambiance of this second resort is not that appealing. So we just waited for our lunch to be ready before we set to visit another site.


The next place is the Katibawasan falls. It was too far from the remaining spots because it is in the mountains of Camiguin. But the travel was worth it. The falls was tall and you can take a lot of different perspective. The water was very inviting, very clear but it was too cold when I attempted to take a dip.


Next stop was at Ardent Hot Spring. This time I took a dip in the hot water in the first pool (some say that there is another pool which is more hotter). But I think the water was just slightly hot to look warm. Nothing beats the Mambukal hot spring when it comes to hotness of the water.


After our ardent adventure we went to our second accommodation in Camiguin where we were originally booked, the Gamorot cottages.


This time, the place doesn't have a shoreline where we can stroll but a known Resort (Paras Resort) has a break water that is open to non-guest. We also decided to eat our dinner in Paras al fresco. Though the food is not worth the price we've paid.













Our second day at Camiguin ended.

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Mt. Apo Peak to Kapatagan (Day 3)

by Almyr


Mt. Apo Peak to Kapatagan (Day 3)


We rise early to catch the sunrise. Wondered how it looks like when you are on top of Philippines' Highest mountain. I wasn't able to bring a hike sandals so I was left trailing the peak with my city sandals, it was slippery and have slipped a lot of times, got pinched by some thorny bushes on the way too. But everything was worth it. Another splendid scenery right in front of me. Clouds was below us, and the other mountains looks so small. We are indeed at the top of the highest mountain.

On our way back to camp, we stayed longer to pick some wild berries. Another delicious treat from the mountain. We prepared our meal, this time it was my turn to cook pasta for our breakfast. My first time to cook with fewer ingredients and I was reminded not to be choosy because I am not in the city. So there goes our breakfast together with other served meals and coffee. When the sun was high, and some of our clothes have dried, we packed and start hiking. This time, taking the Kapatagan Trail.

We passed the volcano's crater (actually Mt. Apo is a volcano). Then the boulders, with sulfur vents. It doesn't smell good. It's like sew water and the fume is very strong . Then my knees started to swell. I have been having problems with my knees before the climb, good thing I brought my knee pads to assist me. It was a descend so a lot of pressure was given on my knees. I thought I couldn't make it. But I can't be weak in this part of the climb, because everyone else was having a hard time dealing with all the boulders and a cry baby is not necessary. So I continued then after the boulders, I have to stop and transfer my knee pads on the other knee to minimize the pain. Then we started descending again on a slippery trail with dried leaves on the floor and mud. Most of the time, I slide through this trail just to minimize adding pressure on my knees. Then we crossed the river and entered Godi-Godi.

Another majestic forest. The temperature was cool and it was misty. Then we stopped to take our lunch at Godi-Godi Camp. I also got the chance to take my pain reliever to help my aching knees.

Unfortunately the place was dirty and trash were littered everywhere. The previous climbers failed to bring there trash with them. So we decided not to spend the night here and started hiking to reach the village before night.

I've trekked, slide, climbed over and climbed under big trees. Crossed rivers and got pricked by thorny bushes. Then the forest ended. Then a muddy trail started to appear. At first I thought that this is only for a few meters, but I was wrong. It was mud until the trail ends at the village. Lemme count the number of times I fall on my butt... hmmmmmmmmm I can't! I've fallen a dozen times already, my butt was starting to hurt. And I cursed the trail. I hate the mud but that made me forget my aching knees. Because all I was thinking about was to reach the village and get this mud done.

Then we met a horse and its tender and he told us that the village is near. I started to worry because I can't see any of my group, there was only three of us in the lead pack. 2 of our guides and me. I can't hear their footsteps and no lights from there headlamps (it was almost dark during this time) and I was afraid that they were lost. I have to admit, I didn't mind if someone was behind me during the trek, because I was too focus to finish the muddy trail.

We arrived in the village and we were offered water to clean ourselves. We washed ourselves and waited for the rest to arrive. For almost 2 hours of waiting, we saw signs of lights coming from the muddy trail. And we know that it is them. They've made it. after everyone has finished washing there selves, we started to cook for dinner. Another socials. No pressure anymore, the trail going back to the city is not that hard, and transportation is available at the foot of the mountain.

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Reaching the Peak (Mt. Apo Day 2)

by Almyr

Reaching the Peak (Mt. Apo Day 2)

Hardly had enough sleep last night, and woke up to the freezing cold. We have to start hiking early if we want to reach the peak before dark. After packing our things and cleaning camp, we started our climb. It was a steep climb and there was mud from time to time. Good thing I got a rain gear pants made of plastic, I think I got the cleanest pants among the group. I was wearing it not because I don’t want to get dirty, but I was trying to get rid of leeches, since I’ve read that in this part of the forest, there are a lot of leeches.


We were trekking the forest floors and all we see are tall trees, vines and wild flowers. The sun's rays would shine from time to time and we could measure how high we are by some openings along the path and see the opposite mountains but that is too seldom. There are also some strange noise and hiss, which our guides told us that these are sounds of snakes. Though I don’t wish to see any of them. I don’t want to disturb the peace of the forest because of my scream.

Before we push to reach Lake Venado, which is our target destination to eat lunch, we made a trip to Mainit Falls. This is actually one of the campsites, if we got to the jump off point earlier and we could bath in the waters before we start the trek. But since its only a side trip for us all we got was pictures. It was enough but to experience bathing in its water could be more rewarding.

So we started our climb and passed the killer 90 degrees trail. It wasn't that hard, since there were already ladders that helps us in the climb. We started to feel the cold air of the forest and you could see that the trees are covered with moss, the weather was inconsistent with unexpected rain.

Then we reach the swamps. Lake Venado is within our sight. It was magical. It left me speechless. I can find the right words to describe its beauty. We were the first to arrived in the group so I had the change to take a lot of pictures of the scenery even if it drizzles (I was told that this is because of the clouds surrounding us). During the time when the sun was out, we got the chance to dry our wet things, that includes my sleeping bag that was so wet when I slept the previous day.

I could see the peak and the different forest that we will be traversing. There's the tall trees, then midget trees den some fruit bearing trees that I thought was the wild berries. I tried tasting it and realized how spicy and hot it was. Then the real berries started to emerge, it taste delicious, though from the trail, you can find the ripe ones, maybe because the previous climbers have harvested it. Rain started pouring again and the air was cold. It was almost dark. I was so tired, too much effort needs to be made to take a single step. But I told myself that I can't stop, the peak is so near.

Then a flat view with cogon grass started to appear and I realize, I am already at the peak! Success!

But before I enjoy the view, I have to change my clothes, I was soaking wet and I am feeling very cold. It was too much for me. I am not used to cold weather. My thick warmers was not enough. I have to join the others in one tent to be warmed. Alcohol was served to help us in warming our bodies. Socials started and by midnight, we called it a night so we can still enjoy the sunrise. So there goes our lights off. Our second day at the peak ended.



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Kidapawan - Marble River Trek (Mt. Apo Day 1)

by Almyr

Kidapawan - Marble River Trek (Mt. Apo Day 1)

We arrived at Kidapawan at one o'clock in the afternoon. We had a briefing regarding our climb at the Tourism office of Kidapawan. We were reminded about the do's and don'ts in climbing and an overview of the chosen trail. We were advised to spend the rest of the day at Kidapawan instead of pushing for an emergency camp in the trail.

But our feet are itching to start the climb, so we did, and arrived at Lake agro at three o'clock in the afternoon, our jump off point . Fortunately, we met some kids who volunteered to act as our porters. And since, it was my plan to have the least load during the climb, we hired them to assist us, actually to carry my load. I was there to enjoy the climb and not to punish myself of my load.

We started trekking the Marble River, which includes passing over a fallen tree branch that connected the ends of the river. It was a heart thumbing experience since it was for more than 7 meters long. I wasn't sure if I can cross it without falling underneath the rocky river. But thank God I reached the end safely. So far that was the most challenging part of the trek, the rest seems very easy. Even crossing the river with strong currents didn't scare me.

Then we reach the most appropriate spot to spend the night, we set up our tents and started cooking our dinner. After our dinner rain started pouring so we decided to call it a night. I had a hard time sleeping with the water flowing on our side and my sleeping bag was getting wet. And the noise from the cascading river was making it more difficult to sleep.

So our first cold night to quest Mt. Apo ended.




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RCPI Night Climb

by Almyr

RCPI Night Climb

As part of our preparation for our Mt. Apo climb, we decided to conduct a minor climb in the mountains of Cebu. Our destination, RCPI Tower. That’s the part of Cebu Mountains that is very visible in the city because of the many towers erected in the area. Since most of us have commitments during the day, it was decided that we will trek just before the sun goes down. But unfortunately, the trek started at six o’clock in the evening. It was already dark and this is my first night climb.

There are really a few things that I fear of, but this one scared me. We were walking in the dark, with just the sounds of crickets, the river and seldom human voices are heard. The surrounding was so quiet most of the time. And the trail was slippery and muddy due to the frequent rain days before our climb. At one point we made a wrong turn, and the person leading the pack knew we were lost. Good thing the people who used to be behind us didn’t follow. We tried calling their names to get directions to go back to the correct trail. We made short cuts just to keep up with the group and that means descending from the tall grasses, sliding, and getting scratch from thorny vines.

When the altitude was higher, we had a glimpse of the city, the vibrant city light. I was amazed. This was my first time climbing RCPI tower and they were telling me, that there’s more to what I’m seeing when we reach the top. And as promised after hours of walking in the dark, we arrived at the camp site. It was beside a tower that was separated from a group of towers in the opposite peak.

The view was stunning! We were treated to an unobstructed view of the city. And it was wonderful. This has a better view than the chalet. And only few hikers would reach this site. It was heaven for me. After dinner, all I did was spread a cover on the grass and just stare at the beauty of the view.

Though we were force to sleep early because it started to drizzle then it rained harder. My tent wasn’t reliable enough because some of the rain droplets started to get inside the tent. I have to transfer to a different tent to keep myself dry. In the morning, I was treated to another beautiful sight, the sunrise, the city and the surrounding mountains.

It was time to go back to the city to have breakfast; we did not bother cooking since our butane (use to fuel our portable burner) was almost empty. I felt I haven’t fully savored the beauty of the place yet. I want to stay longer, but it would be too hot when the sun will be over our heads. On our way home, we were following a dirt road, passing the chalet and the Mountain View. We rode a jeepney going to JY Square to each our breakfast in Mc Donald’s before heading home. It was a very nice pre climb event and I wish to go back to RCPI Tower again.














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On top of my Dream

by Almyr

On top of my Dream

I have been active in climbing just last year, 2010. I have climbed mountains and explored caves in the pass years but it was only in 2010 that I have dedicated most of my time to climbing. After my Mt. Lanaya climb in Alegria, one of the toughest mountains that I have climbed in Cebu, I had the desire to explore other mountains as well. But Mt. Apo was not in in the list yet. Because I know I have to train and climb more mountains before I conquer Mt. Apo. But never the least it was my dream to conquer Mt. Apo.


It was not until the second half of the year that I was invited to climb Mt. Apo, I was hesitant. I have heard a lot of stories from my fellow mountaineers about how difficult it is to climb Mt. Apo. And I do not want to do it until I’m not prepared. I know I have to be prepared emotionally and physically. But even with my doubts and as impulsive as I am, I bought my plane ticket going to Davao. I started buying climbing equipment including waterproof jackets to mention a few which can be purchased at outdoor shops like R.O.X. . I jogged the farthest distance and tried to convince myself that there is no turning back. Thinking about my climb did send my heart beating faster. I have to admit I was afraid. And to counter that, I tried reading articles on tips on climbing Mt. Apo. That way I know what to expect.


Time has come for us to climb Mt. Apo and the excitement of conquering Philippines' highest mountain was greater than my doubts and fears. I know that I’ll be expecting beautiful scenery, discover things that are not in the city. But everything surpassed my expectation.


The beauty of the mountain was beyond any words can explain. A lot of the time it left me speechless. It was such a beauty. I could not even justify the beauty of the mountain in my pictures. I was stunned. Everything was picture perfect, the sunset, the sunrise, the plains below, the clouds surrounding us from time to time, the wild berries, the forest, the falls, the peak, everything! All the hardships that we experienced during the climb, the cold, the swollen muscles, thorny bushes along the way, the knee deep mud, was all worth it! It was really tiring but it was also the most rewarding thing that I have done for the year.


Such beauty can't be experience in the comforts of our own homes or in the convenience of the city. Such splendor needs to be experience in the outdoors where fear needs to be conquered, going the extra mile, and taking the less traveled roads. Because such adventure pushed us to our limits but at the same time makes us realize that we can always make our dreams a reality. And it all starts in one small step to the R.O.X. outdoors.



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