Mt Damas - Damn that Traverse

September 30, 2012 Dayhike

Camiling, Tarlac

A major climb with some real mountaineers and hardcore runners, not to mention barefoot runners. At first i was like, what the hell have i gotten myself into?

We left Cubao to Camiling Tarlac at around 12MN. We're in Papaac jump-off 4AM but started the trek past 6AM already since our guide just arrived then. We'll take the not so famous Papaac-Papaac Circuit. 

As i sail along, nothing ready had been a challenge for me. The river trail and Si-El falls are amazing. We took our very early lunch as we played in the cold waters of the falls. 

Thanks to Ron for this picture

Little did i know that the real deal awaits me after that nice lunch. It was a two hour long steep ascent to the summit. And i am talking about 40-80 assault all throughout the entire trail. With the scorching sun adding to our hurdle, i struggled to keep my pace. 

Then again i told myself, "what the hell have i gotten myself into?"

Matet, then taught me her 10 steps motivation trick. Take 10 steps and breath. Then another 10 steps. Breath. And another. It did helped me a lot and still i'm using that trick until now with my own little variations like cursing after the heavy breathing. ;p

Past noon time, we arrived at the bare summit. Now that the sun is gone, heavy clouds seemed to be our next big hurdle. These are just few of the many factors why Damas had really been challenging for me. 

My Damas Team resting in the summit

Garnering strength from a very short rest, we trailed down traverse the summit. As per schedule, we should be at Ubod Falls after 2 hours descend. But Damas served us a different menu. Rain poured on us heavily as we started going down. And i am talking about serious rain down pour. 

We're drenched in an instant. The trail flowed with waters coming form everywhere and the steep trail now serves as our mudslide. Ironically, this is what i loved most about the climb. Probably just so irritated with the humidity that morning, i have made the rain my ally. Then i discovered that descends this way, like what i had in Pico De Loro, is oddly the things i enjoy. Much to the dismay of many climbers who hated these scenarios. 

Alongside with the steep and complicated trails were amazing view of the mountain range. 2 Waterfalls on sight and the gorgeous greens everywhere. For Damas, summit is not the climax of your trek. As cliche as it may sound, the journey to and from serves the best views. 

When we arrived at the river base, this greeted us:

Along with our guide, we decided not to pursue Ubod Falls. Instead, we detoured two more peaks to go home. Yes. two more mountains as a detour. Worse part is, it will not spare us in crossing the deadly river.

The trail to the next mountain, since not usually a part of the itinerary, seemed unestablished but our guide seemed to know what he's doing so we pushed another steep assault. This time, a grassy terrain like the one in Tagapo, only steeper. I swear i have been using the word steep too many times now. 

The descend to Papaac had been a way for us to meet the locals of Sitio Dueg. They're now on their way up home  from downtown and their smiles are warm as we greeted them. 

Matet, with some of the locals by the river.

The moment we saw the familiar Dueg-Papaac trail, negotiation was easier. We're back in the jump-off by 5PM. Told the team that i just conquered the hardest mountain in my life just yet.

More pictures here - Damn_That_Traverse

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