I can't for the life of me understand this craze over mountaineering. For me, a one-hour Thai massage or facial would be time worth spending as opposed to traversing a mountain for hours or even days!!
But as they say, love conquers all. Since my husband is so into mountain climbing, for the love of him, I needed to try it out. I needed to know this side of him and understand where he is coming from. I don't think this interest in mountain climbing is going to die anytime soon, so might as well get on with the program and enjoy the show.
And so, last weekend, I joined him and our friends on a day hike to Mt. Batulao in Nasugbu Batangas. Since Jai & I have yet to really test my capabilities, interest and passion for this sport, we decided a simple day hike is a good place for me start.
Here's a little background on Mt. Batulao:
MT. BATULAO
Nasugbu, Batangas
Jump-off point: Evercrest Golf Course, Nasugbu
LLA: 14.0408 N 120.8011 E 811 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 2-4 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 4/9, Trail class 3 with 60-70 degrees assault
Features: Open trails, rolling slopes, scenic views of Batangas
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| photo from pinoymountaineer.com |
Our group decided to take the Old Trail going up and then down the New Trail. It looks pretty short and easy in the pictures but looks can be deceiving!
To be honest, Jai and I really did not physically prepare for this day hike. We did not exercise nor diet before this trip at all. So I knew that my only weapon for surviving Mt. Batulao was to be mentally prepared. As the weekend came close, we asked Chrys [who was the only person from the group who has been to Mt. Batulao] what we could expect from this trail. I also read through pinoymountaineer.com for information that would help me better prepare for our upcoming trip.
We left Manila at around 5 in the morning and finally reached Nasugbu by 7. After settling down and changing into our hiking outfits, by 8 am we were on our way. Our hands clasped together, with only our enthusiasm and sheer will power to get us through the day. So help us God.
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| photo by Ruel Abion |
We opted to walk all the way to the start of the trail instead of taking the tricycle. By the time we reached the little bahay kubo at the tip of the fork that separated the old and new trail, I was already dizzy and nauseous from the heat.
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| photo by Ruel Abion |
Jai and Chrys asked me if I still wanted to continue. I didn't want to quit so early in the trip, of course not! We barely even begun so backing out is not an option. I was thinking that this was only a matter of will power and I knew I had it in me to finish this trail.
Good thing, one of our group mates offered to lend me his hat. That actually helped me a lot. I realized as we continued on with our hike, that I no longer felt nauseous and dizzy. I felt my heart beating steadily. I was able to hike and climb with the rest of the group with no complains! It was like my body suddenly jump start and just needed time like a diesel engine to finally warm up and run smoothly. But once my body got used to hiking, it was like I didn't want to stop.
After 3 hours of hiking, we are finally near the peak.
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| photo by Ruel Abion |
The last part to the peak required us to climb up a short rocky slope. From the bottom it looked quite intimidating. But thanks to my coaches Jai and Chrys, I was able to reach the top!
Finally!!! We've reached the peak!!!! Yehey!
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| photo by Ruth Cabria |
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| photo by Ruth Cabria |
Of course, we can't leave without the required group shot at the peak. After we ate halo-halo and drank Mountain Dew. Yup, that's right. There is a little store on the peak that sold halo halo and soda. =)
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| photo by Ruth Cabria |
Now for the long road down....
The last leg of the hike was extra difficult for Jai and I since we ran out of water. With the scorching afternoon heat, both of us were ready to pass out. The whole time, all I could think of was that we're almost there. After an hour and a half, at 4 in the afternoon, we finally reached our pit stop.
Looking back, the trail wouldn't have been that hard if it weren't for the hot, dry weather. The trail was bare under the heat of the summer sun at noon with barely any winds. It was really a struggle against the elements that added to the difficulty of the trail.
But what I realized about this trip was that, the whole time, I didn't or couldn't think of anything else but reaching the peak. Other concerns were all far away, left here in Manila. I felt a certain relief that even for a few hours, I didn't have to think about them. Although I enjoyed the challenge of a day hike, I am unsure if I have the passion to fully immerse myself into the sport and join them on their 5 day trips. Well, maybe if my backpack matched my hiking shoes.... just kidding!
I'm sure people have their own definition of mountain climbing but for me, I think it is best described by author Jeff Rasley, writer of Bringing Progress to Paradise: What I Got from Giving to a Mountain Village in Nepal when he said that if you are "chasing angels or fleeing demons, go to the mountains". So maybe, just maybe, in times when I feel like clearing my head or run away from it all -- I might do this again.
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