Mt. Pulag, the adventure

 Hiking is one of the things I do on occasion if I have good people to go with. One opportunity came up with my tour group from  The travel insiders tour (click for their IG profile). We took the Mt pulag tour offered by Trail Adventures. 

It was something you do as part if your bucket list. (for me anyways). So the trip started Friday with a door to door pick up at our houses - mine was the last house to get picked up at 12 midnight. The ride to bagiuo took us 4.5 hours where we picked up some more of our friends (who resides there). We then proceeded to the DENR station where we needed to register (about 2 hours) arriving there about 7am. Since it was the weekend, there were quite a couple of vans who were already there for the Mt. Pulag hike. Weekends they say, they usually get 400-500 visitors. The seminar was jam packed and we were in the #6 group. It was taking forever to wait for the seminar. (they were understaffed and limited space, so they could only accomodate certain # of people per time). We decided to wait it out at opur homestay which was not far from the DENR office, get some rest and some lunch. It was a good call since our number was FINALLY called at about 3pm. (wow). Special mention to Mam Emerita for the lengthy homily…er, sermon… about Mt. Pulag (😝)

So after the seminar we proceeded back to our homestay to some needed rest, dinner and a beautiful sunset view. It was so serene and you always get awed by the beauty of mother nature.

This really got us excited about the next day. We went to sleep right after dinner in our homestay. I was in bed at 6:30 and got woken up by loud  banging due to winds. It was 11pm and we were up and about prepping for our hike,last minute checks on gear and things to bring.

    You can actually see in the video the winds were already picking up. After arriving at the ranger station and getting our guides, We started trekking at about 12:30. It was cold and dark but as we started hiking, our bodies got warmer and I decided to take off my gloves. The weather was still ok at this point and there was a drizzle that I attributed to us being so high in the mountain. The start of the hike, we could still see the cemented road and houses all was quiet except for some dogs barking. Turning up a dirt road in total darkness… at one point, I could hear sprinklers from somewhere to my right (which I assume are vegetable patches).  You cannot see anything except the road/ stones in front of you. One foot in front of the other. There was also a part of the trail where I felt the right side was a sheer ravine drop and it was confirmed when a bar appeared as a precaution for hikers. (The ravine became apparent on the way down at sunlight)

    It was about maybe 1.5 hour with up and down slopes before we arrived at camp 1. It was honestly a hard climb even if I was already training for a marathon. There were some parts that I had to take deep breaths. (really high stones). The trail poles were a great help to heave this body up that mountain,  I must say. We took a much needed rest (water and snack break) before we proceeded to hike again. The wind by this time was picking up and so was the rain. The rain was dripping down my face and I could taste the water droplets. My water proof jacket and pants were still good though at this point. Shoes were also still dry. 

    Arriving at Camp 2, we met a lot of people. The rain was already starting the intensify and some of our group decided to just go to the “tower” sight instead of the summit. The 5 of us decided to try summiting. So we trekked on. About 1 hour in to our summit trek, the wind grew from slight gust to angry waves of rain and blasts that at one point got me wobbling. We were at the grasslands and my shoes had started to get soaked as well as my pants. The path was super muddy and it seemed at that moment, we were the only ones attempting to climb the summit. I was also concerned about my husband (who has bad eyesight) because his glasses were getting rained on and he hardly could see anything with the rain and darkness. 

At some point, our guide turned around and said “ I think we should turn back…. the wind will get stronger at the summit and it will get colder”. Me and my companions looked at each other. There was a moment of silence since we didn‘t know what to do. On one hand, we have done so much already and on the other, the wind and rain was going wild. Our guide also told us that the possiblity of seeing sunrise or sea of clouds was zero. It was not yet sunrise. (I think it was 5:40am). I was reminded of “into thin air” and decided our safety was more important. (the wait for the sunrise that wouldnt come would be a cold one.. since we would be standing around the summit exposed to the elements for a good 15-20 mins).

    So, we turned back.

On our way down, we passed by maybe 100 people going up.. it was a traffic jam to say the least. Camp 2 was like SM durning sundays

Some of the people in the DENR station recommended treks during weekdays so as not to encounter so many people. (but, yeah, people have jobs)

We couldn“t wait to get down and it felt LONGER to walk down than the hike up. Maybe because we were already super tired and the rain was still going. The path turned from muddy to muddier. Good thing we had our trekking poles to save us from we did slip. (I couldnt imagine twisting a knee or ankle wioth runs coming up. That would have been a tragedy!). My legs were already aching ( 5-6 hours hike) and I could feel the mud squish under my feet as I walked. It was pointless to avoid it, you just have to judge how deep the mud is. (1-2 inches,).  I think when you get your feet soaked, that“s when you lose some power to walk. At some point, my toes felt like cramping. 

mossy forest

pic from the tower side (c/o the other group)

tower side

What an experience! I thought I was better prepared for this than my first hike Mt Fuji  (see HERE for that post). But yeah, the weather was really a big factor. I guess the odds were not in our favor. I did enjoy the company of a bunch of great people, the homestay which was like home, the food, local and fresh. The tour company, travel adventures, who were so nice and accomodating and really took care of us. 

Some tips - invest in good hiking shoes and hiking poles ( we bought ours at decathlon, reasonably priced - actually they were on sale.. hahaha) Hiking shoes about P1900-2000 pesos, hiking poles 200-300 pesos.

I brought along some kness patches (heated patches) which helped during the van ride  and the next day after hike to relieve pain. (sorry.. getting old you know, knees get stiff after sitting too long)

Mt Pulag is rated 4/10 (intermediate level) in the hike range. Would I recommend it? Yes, if you are fit enough for the hike (med certificate required, and I think recommended.. its not as easy at it looks) - who knows you might be more lucky in seeing the sea of clouds than us. Would I do it again? MAYBE, but not in the near future since my legs still have to recover. DEPENDS also if my husband is willing to do that again. ( He suffered from the 2 days lack of sleep). 

Overall, if you really like to hike, go on and do it. You only live once you know.

Now, time to book my massage. 😊

Pinatubo 2012

climb everyyyyy mountaiiinnnnnnn....... (oh, sorry for singing.... hahahaha)

Having climbed Mt pinatubo 2 years ago, it was interesting to see what has changed this time around. We decided o bring along some friends and some of our kids. (youngest is 8 yrs old)

I had called the 4x4 association who handles the bookings in Capas, tarlac and asked him regarding the itenerary. One thing he told me was that the trek would be about 2.5 hours.

HUUUWHAAAT?

We (me and my husband) had a pretty long discussion on whether to go with the kids or not. First of all, the first time we went, It was easier since there was a "shortcut" that that leads the jeeps up the mountian to the mouth of the entrance to the pathway to the crater.

After much discussion, we finally agreed on going. Pinatubo trekking is something you need to experience even once in a lifetime.

A few days before the trek, the skies were not cooperating. It was raining cats and dogs.

I was worried.

It was one thing to trek. It was another to trek in the rain WITH kids AND the thought of (possible) landslides or worse flash floods. (eeek)... I was so concerned, I was calling my husband at work to ask if we should go through with it or not.

I finally convinced myself (after checking weather forecasts, calling the 4x4 people) that the weather would clear up.

So early saturday morning, we woke up 3am for our 4am departure. YEP. you heard it. 4AM folks.
The drive to tarlac was about 2 hours from Manila and we needed to depart base camp by 7am (their cutoff time)

We had a Mcdonalds breakfast break when we nearly reached Capas and it afforded all a nice rest and maybe a bathroom/coffee break too.

So finally, 6:30 am- we are at Capas, tarlac. We arranged for two 4x4 jeeps. (we were with another family friend)

The road was still barren and bumpy.  the one thing about Pinatubo is that the scenery changes every year because of the rain. When the monsoon season arrives and it rains for about 3 months, torrents of water cascade down the mountain and changes the landscape. (FYI, they don't allow trekkers during rainy season-- too dangerous)

So, bumpity bump we went. I was trying my hardest to take a few nice picture while we were travering the lahar filled 20 km ride. Half afraid I might drop the camera out the window... hahaha

As you can see, we were crossing sand dunes, small and sometimes,  deeper rivers...

We finally reached the starting point of our 9km (one way..so 18km both ways...) trek and started walking with the other groups of people already there. The first time I was here, I didn't go by this route and so, I was unfamiliar with the landscape. In hindsight, looking at pictures, it looks like we were doing an EXODUS.. (like Moses)

Can you see the people walking near the edge of the hill?-- they look like ants.

My daughter actually was leading the pack and was quite irritated at US (old people) who were very slow in walking. She huffed her way to the front and I had to scramble to catch up...

puff puff.. 7 years olds have boundless energy!!!

after about 1.5 hours, we reached the opening of the trail leading to the crater. From here, it took us about 30 minutes more of hiking.

The trail went from barren to jungle country.
The kids had a lot of fun looking at streams and collecting tadpoles. (they were so urbanized that tadpole hunting is such a treat. LOL)

The trek was taking so long, a lot of the travellers were actually asking...

ARE WE THERE YET???

I had to chuckle. You can finally see end of the trail when you see very long steps going up.


upon reaching the crater, you'll get rewarded with a view. --- Although at the time we were there, the skies were a bit overcast.

We climbed down the step to reach the base of the crater... stopping to take some pictures of course..

Then we get to see the cyan colored crater lake... with some edges colored yellow from the sulphur.

There were a lot of tourists there too.. so much so that we didn't get the chance to hire the boat to cross to the other side like the last time. (we had some eggs with us too.. ready to boil in one of the pits we saw before where the water was bubbling.. see my earlier trip HERE).. there were only 3 boats... (advise: you better bet a "boat tag" before you leave capas.. they give priority to you if you have one... and it's a loooong ways back if you don't have one)

After the kids has a brief swim and we ate our packed lunch, we decided to head back. (it was another 2 hour hike after all)

On the way, we saw some AETA children. One of the kids was not in the mood to get his picture taken.

Did I tell you that another one of my sunglasses got massacred this trip? YEP. another one bites the dust. The last time, my raybans dived into a river. This time, I SAT on it. --- while I was busy trying to take pictures, I moved to another position. As I sat down again, I felt a CRUUNCH... I looked down and there were my Raybans.. all twisted.  (oh well.....)

Everyone had a nice time though. I even saw some unique looking stone. LOVE is everywhere. !!

Nice weekend everyone! Pinatubo 4x4 assn - cel # 09196084313 (for inquiries regarding this).. we went by ourselves but there are other tour operators who do a Pinatubo day tour. They provide complete services like transfers from Manila. (we drove ourselves this time) I tried PINATUBO TREKKING the first time we went and they are very good.. . Contact them HERE.