It was not too long ago when I first trek a mountain in Anwangin,
Zambales. With my gasping, mood swings and scarcely talking temper close to summit
because of an irritating tiredness of a supposed stroll, I never thought I
would ever trek again.
But then here I am, almost fresh from a straight nine hours
flight from Dubai (from a manic duty at work and barely had sleep), prepared my
bag and went straight to Baguio with my good friend, Rose eight hours from
landing to catch the famous sea of clouds in Mount Pulag.
We reached Baguio at 6am then transferred to a jeepney to
bring us to Benguet- where Pulag is. We passed by Ambuklad Dam before heading to
DENR office for some protocol briefing. Apparently, station 2 was full that day from earlier campers, hence, we can no longer pitch our tent at night and
gaze at the stars while we wait dawn and start the trek. While I loved the
stars, I am a thankful though to past the night on a local house because one,
they have comfortable beds to get good four hours sleep, second, the warmth is way
greater than what an open space camp has to offer and lastly, you can make new
friends with your little time with your group mates in the house.
The cold was extreme when we were about to begin the trek at
midnight and being stationary will not help at all. With our gears and minions
look (head lamp on), we started the trek via Ambangeg trail from the Ranger
Station. We are 24 people in the group excluding our three local guides sited
in the head, middle and tail to make sure no one will be left behind.
The initial trail was easy but the next ones are easier said than done. They were steep and at times, slippery. The gasping and spasms had
started and thoughts of quitting were being entertained several times. I was
left behind. Many times. Even found myself alone at times into the woods. The
trail were narrow and are cliffs most of the time, if not all. Plus they are
rocky. Any wrong pace can lead you to danger (twisted foot or falling off the
cliff)
I had to stop multiple times to catch my breath as was not
forcing thyself too much- taking care of my glucose level. I’m sure passing out
is the last thing you want to end up on cliffs. Lol. I enjoyed the solitary
moments though for they were also the times I had my conversations with God. Boasting the strength I have in Christ Jesus and the hope in my heart to finish the
race, even despite the several stops and doubts.
But His grace is indeed sufficient. I reached the summit an
hour or so later than my friend, which concludes all the more the number of my
stop overs. Haha! Nevertheless, I still reached and finished the race. And
still even a little early for the sunrise and sea of clouds.
The cold was more apparent on the summit that we have to
hide ourselves on the tall grasses. My fingers were numb hardly clicking my shutter.
Haha. They said, it was only 10 degrees at that time but the wind were strong making it
colder. I really thought it was freezing point. Lol! (Friendly advice though- do not underestimate the cold in Pulag!)
The view on the summit is Pulag’s crowning glory and reward.
It was breathtaking and magnificent. Staring at the beauty of endless mountains
panorama and the jaw dropping sea of clouds- It was beyond words. I just know in my
heart that it is only God who can create such perfection. What a joy to see all
these.
But as any journey would end, so is this experience. We went
down using the same trail but with a more joyful heart after reaching the
summit and seeing the sea of clouds. In fact more grateful with the bright of
sun highlighting the beauty of the trail you once went. Just in complete awe
wherever side I turn.
After all, I still want to go back and trek maybe through a
more complicated trail. Maybe when I am engaged. They say, you can see the
character of your partner when on Akiki Trail. The hardest of all- maybe because
cursing is more tempting there. Lol.
Until the next trek and/or new summit. Gracias.
