MakTrav II

January 15, 2011

After three months, I'm back at the trails of MakTrav. I have never thought that I will be back here in just a short period of time. Atleast I was able to see the beauty of MakTrav again, and it will surely be my favorite dayhike. MakTrav never fails to amaze me; the steepness of the trail after Haring Bato, the technicality and the great views of the Melkas Ridge, and the denseness of the Wild Boar Trail.

Three months have passed, the trail seems to have changed. Well, that proves that mountains are alive. I cannot remember some part of the trail, and was thinking if we pass by those trail the last time we were there. It's good to see this mountain in a different mood.

Actually, no one from the group is familiar with the first part of the trail (the trail after the dead creek). Luckily we haven't got lost, we met some locals and pointed us the right direction. Also, we got advise from friends who are familiar with the trail, and I have read some article which states that the way to MakTrav is North East (NE).

We then reached the "bahay kubo" (nipa hut). From here and on, I'm already familiar with the trail. I'm already complacent that there is a very minimal chance for us to get lost. Our next stop is Haring Bato, this is one of my favorite spot. The view are great with clear sky. Nice place to take pictures.

We decided to take our lunch at the Melkas campsite, after resting we then scaled the Melkas Ridge. This part seemed to be more difficult than the last time, or maybe because I was the one leading the group. It is good to see that there are newly installed ropes in some segment of the ridge. After reaching Peak 3, we then stopped to take a rest after proceeding to Peak 2.

We then entered the Wild Boar Trail, in contrary to the Melkas Ridge, the Wild Boar Trail seemed to be more easier than the first time I was here. However, it seems that there are too many thorny plants this time.

After more than an hour, we then arrived at Peak 2 (1080 MASL based from my watch), the highest point of Mt. Makiling National Park. We met some teenagers, they will be spending their night here at the summit. After a few chit chat, and a quick rest, we already start descending. It is getting dark already and the fog is getting thicker. It was very hard, my headlamp won't pass through the thick fog which gave me minimal view of the trail and brought me to dead end trail.

The rain started to fall when we are about to reach the "kalsada" (road). It rained hard before we reach the Nursery, it was very hard for me trekking in the rain because I have already changed from my shoes to my old pair of slippers (slippers that is slippery when wet).

After taking a bath, we then proceed to the town proper. Here we ate our very late dinner then grab two bottles of beer for our reward. Well it was a tiring day, but it is worth tiring for. Hoping for more MakTrav to come.