This is getting serious, this mountain-climbing
stuff. I thought my Mt. Pulag dream was reserved for the last quarter
of the year, but I found myself one Friday night on a Victory Liner bus
bound for Baguio City. I'm known for being a light packer, but after
doing my research, I decided to include a fleece blanket in my backpack
aside from the layers of clothes that would hopefully keep me warm.
Fast
forward to six hours later, all forty-one of us were greeted by the
early-morning pine-scented Baguio City air. We boarded two jeepneys,
with the big backpacks securely placed on the rooftops. After buying
our lunch from Andok's, our jeep traversed the Ambuklao Road at a
little past five.
We
stopped by this eatery for our breakfast and for a glimpse of the long
and winding roads ahead. I was pleasantly surprised that this same
Ambuklao Road, which used to be a very rough and dusty road back then,
is now smooth and well-cemented.
This view of the Ambuklao river was taken from the veranda of the eatery where brewed coffee costs only P10.
Travel
time from Baguio City to the Ambuklao View Deck is around 1.5 hours.
From this point, some members of the group climbed the rooftop of the
jeeps.
Toploading, as it is called, is the business class of backpackers for
it is from this vantage point where one gets to better enjoy the
breathtaking views of the mountainside.
It would be another 2.5 hours from
here to the next stop - the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) office in Ambangeg, Benguet. Here, one is required to
register and attend the 30-minute orientation on proper climbing and
camping behavior and what to expect while on the mountain.
That's TL Alan and TL Alex from Lakbay Kalikasan, friends from way back when I was still new to this "outbound adventure" stuff.
The
second leg of our journey was a 2-hour rough, bumpy and dusty ride from
the Visitor's Center at the DENR to the Ranger Station in Babadak,
Bokod, Benguet. It was an uphill drive all throughout and I was so
thankful to the driver of the the monster jeep that safely took us to
our destination. The veteran climbers told us that before jeeps plied
this route, one has to spend a half-day hiking from the DENR in
Ambangeg to the Ranger Station in Kabayan, now the jump-off of the
Ambangeg Trail.
We
had a quick lunch here, and after signing in the logbook, we were
divided into sub-groups and were assigned our guides. I was grouped
with Alex, the mastermind of this trip and the one who convinced me I
can make it. He was designated as the Sweeper, the individual at the
rear of a climbing party, so our group was the last to go up.
The
Ambangeg Trail, also called the Executive Trail, is the easiest trail
among the four namely: Ambaguio (Nueva Ecija), Tawangan and Akiki (both
in Kabayan, Benguet), the latter also known as the Killer Trail because
of its higher level of difficulty.
This is a relatively easy trail depending on one's level of fitness.
But the views along the way are simply amazing...pine trees, flowers
and shrubs, the mossy forest, and a very picturesque landscape.
Beyond the mountains lies the City of Pines.
The steepest part of the climb is only 
about a few hundred steps.
At
the end of this steep part is Camp 1 which is within the mossy forest
area. There is a hut where one can stretch aching leg muscles and grab
a quick bite to re-energize. There is a clean water source 100 meters
before reaching Camp 2, the beginning of the grassland, where we chose
to stay for the night.
It
took us three hours to reach the campsite. I was one lucky camper, who
hiked with just my camera and my water bottle with me, because I chose
to be Harry Porter for the day and paid for the services of a porter, a
person who carries one's bags for a minimal fee. He helped us pitch our
tent and even offered to fetch drinking water for us.
As
we were preparing to cook our dinner, I admired the the sight of the
summit of Luzon's highest peak from a distance. Here it is within my
reach. In a few hours I will be able to attain my goal and fulfill my
dream of reaching it and standing above the clouds.
It
is often said that the reason people climb mountains is because they
are there. I asked myself why I pushed through with this weekend climb
instead of staying home safe and comfortably warm in my bed. I had the
answer right away...The mountain's wondrous presence has a certain hold
on me. I can't help but be awed by its beauty and I feel a certain
peace and calmness by just staring at it.
Nighttime has just begun. We could feel the cold wind kiss our cheeks. Tomorrow is another day.
