Climb Against Cancer 2010

December 4-5, 2010

A friend invited me in a climb for a cause. Target destination is Mt. Natib located at Orani, Bataan. Another challenging climb for me, and it met my expactation. It was a very challenging climb. This is also my first time to climb for a cause.

After registering at the outpost where soldiers are deployed. The trek is started at the end of the cemented road. The trail comprise of views of a village of rosters (they used to breed rosters for cock fighting). There are also great views of mountains along the Bataan Natural Park.

The first leg of the trail is gradual until your reach a hut where water source can be found. After the hut there is another gradual trail where it will end at the foot of Mt. Natib. Here is where the challenging part of the trail starts. For about 2 hours of very steep ascent with rope installed to support climbers, you end up at the summit. Mt. Natib is the highest peak within the Bataan Natural park with an elevation of 1255 MASL. There is a 360 degrees view, however, the summit was covered with fog.

Some part of the trail are infested with limatik (blood leeches). Some of my companions where paranoid and afraid with those little creatures. Well for me, I am just enjoying the trail. The campsite is also infested with limatiks which made my foot bloody during the camp.

The campsite is large, however, the ground is not flat. Together with strong winds it gave me a hard time pitching my tent. After setting camp, I started cooking. Right after the food where already cooked, the rain started to pour down and with strong cold winds which caused the socials to be cancelled. Everyone started getting inside their respective tents. It is very cold in the summit, about 18 degrees celcius. Well I guess its good night time already.

The noise of some of my companions woke me up early in the morning. Still having hope that there would be a clearing, I get out of my tent just seeing the fogs that where present the night before. Well no chance for a view, I guess a return climbed will be required.

After a very challenging descent, the group was divided into two groups were the other group went for a side trip (waterfalls maybe 3 hours away from the trail) and the rest of us decided to head back to the jumpoff to get home early.

This will be a memorable climb for me, new found friends plus a climb for a cause makes this climb a successful one for me (even without the view at the summit). Thanks to team Mt. Natib Climb Against Cancer 2010 for a very great experience. I hope climbing with you guys soon. Until next time.