Training Climb for Mt. Pulag

January 29, 2011

This climb will be our training climb for Mt. Pulag. An early morning trek will gave you an idea on trekking in a cool breeze. We started at 6:00AM and it was still dark. The trail was not familiar to me because it is not the starting point I remebered the last time I am here; it was also confusing for me because it was still dark. The group consist of me, Onin and Shirley. I am the only one who knows the trail, so I guess I am the tour guide here. My worries has been vanished when we reached the first station going to Grotto.

After a 30 minutes trek along the fourteen stations (I guess), we reached the Grotto which is the fifteenth station. We rested for a while and took some snacks. The last time I am here the area was still wide, however, this time it was full of tall grass (talahib). Thankfully it still doesn't ruined the view at the Grotto. Knowing that this will be the last view point until the summit.

We then continued our trek via the forested trail. This section of the trail is the most challenging (Grotto to summit). Steep trail with an almost 90 degrees. Maybe this will give you a feel of the steep trail of Akiki Trail. After more than an hour, we then arrived at the summit. You can have a peek of the Rockies here. If your itinerary includes packed lunch, you may eat your lunch here.

About an hour we then reached the saddle campsite which is 15 to 30 minuetes away from the Rockies. We rest for a while and take a snack. We also had a chit chat with the store owner, she sells any kinds of food/drinks/snacks and ofcourse very pricey. 35 Pesos for a small bottle of softdrinks, nice business. After taking our snack, we proceed to the Rockies. We just took pictures here and of we go.

We started descending via the traditional trail. It was hot already when we started descending. On the way down, we encountered many groups that are heading up Mt. Maculot. We descided to stop for a while to take a rest and eat Halo-Halo. A very refreshing one. About 15 to 30 minuetes, we arrived at the mountaineer store. We ate our lunch here and took a bath. Gotong Batangas and Loming Batangas for lunch, a rewarding lunch for us. After the lunch we then proceed back to Manila.

Nice one Onin and Shirley, training climb successfull. Congratulations for successfully completing the trail ahead of time. Hope this helps us on our journey to Mt. Pulag.