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Crazy CrisTrav: Traversing the Devil's Mountain
January 12-13, 2013
Dolores, Quezon
No. This isn’t about how we graved through psychic and
supernatural events in Mt. Cristobal. More of tree hugging, mud sliding and
butt crawling adventures in the so called Devil’s Mountain.
First Day – January 12, 2013
7AM
We left Manila for San Pablo City, one of my favorite
weekend destinations. Out of 18 climbers, we’re down to 9 – I think due to the
drizzles a couple of days prior to this climb hitting the entire country. But
why are we still pushing this through? Well, I have mentioned that it’s just a
drizzle right?
9AM
After breakfast, we hopped in a chartered jeep in Medical
(famous landmark/bustop in San Pablo) to the “Basurahan” jump-off. Well, a little background which I learned, there
are three entry points of Cristobal:
ü
Dolores, Quezon – Most commonly used probably
due to a shorter hike to the crater and also its proximity to the famous
Banahaw religious river in Brgy. Kinabuhayan.
ü
San Pablo City – This is known for its
“sagingan” (banana plantation) and an entry point to a place they call “Basurahan”
which I think is a former dumpsite.
ü
Rizal, Laguna – This is also the most common
trail used for traverse from Dolores. With tons of side-trips in mind on that
part of Laguna, this trail can be very enticing.
We’re doing the Basurahan- Kinabuhayan Traverse. Sounds hardcore eh?
We’re doing the Basurahan- Kinabuhayan Traverse. Sounds hardcore eh?
Arriving at Basurahan, we started our hike immediately. I
love hiking with downpours. This greeted our first few hours in the trail.
Downside is, not much use of my camera. And for some who don’t know, I love
taking pictures as much as I love the rain.
12NN
As the weather gets better, the assaults didn’t. Thick muds
slowed us down heavily. We ate lunch a little past noon in a flat surface
surrounded by cogon grass before we enter the “sagingan.”
1PM
The “sagingan” provided us with challenging assaults and
very slippery trails. Although I enjoyed most of it, again, it did slow us
down.
2PM
Entering the jungle is a treat for those who love mossy forests designed with wild orchids, flowers and varied fauna forms. But with the steep ascends, I am starting to consider the theory that these assaults are the main reason why Cristobal is pegged as the “Devil’s Mountain.”
4.30PM
Ending the forest is a cogon grass assault. And although we
got some clearing on the way to the top, Jone’s Peak served us with cold thick
fog. Our guide said that this summit has an awesome view of the seven lakes of
San Pablo. Oh well, I can always go back for that. But since it’s nearing
twilight, my main concern is camping out.
5.30PM
Finally, Bulawagan Saddle Camp. This though is my least
favorite in this climb. We were with I think at least 20 other climbers who
ascended from Dolores. And I so hate a crowded camp. I think this is the reason
why the supernatural creatures eluded us. They, like me, hated the crowds.
6PM
This is the first time in my life I pitched a tent while
raining. And I would just like to commend my REV 20 II Silangan Tent for
braving the rain. I was clean, well, relatively clean, and dry from mud and soaking wet trekking
clothes in time for the dinner prep.
8PM
Probably because it’s the devils mountain that our Socials
themed into devil’s advocate. I would like to give you details but this but ive to be sure you'e 18yo. But by far, that is the most “devilish” thing that had happened
in this hike.
Day 2 – January 13, 2013
3AM
My sleep started to be disturbed by the intense cold. My
feet, which had always been my problem, felt like being amputated. I did that
sleep-wake routine until dawn.
7AM
Although the sleep weren’t that much comfortable, we still
started our day really late. Talk about a lazy schedule.
 |
| This is the Mt. Cristobal Crater |
10AM
The cold fog tricked us it'still much early until the sunrays tell us it’s late
in the morning. Immediately after breakfast, we started breaking camp and started
descend.
11AM
Although not a lot of clearing from this trail, the weather
is the total opposite of what we had yesterday. We had the time to appreciate
the panorama of the Quezon Province. And since the trail is not that steep
compared to what we had at the other side of this traverse, we slithered down.
1PM
A sumptuous and local-authentic lunch greeted us in Kinabuhayan –Chicken Adobo sa gata and fried Tilapia. Now I am totally in love with this mountain.
 |
Dont you just have the transition of a mountain trail and a concrete pavement?
|
2PM
Sir frank, this event’s maker made sure of this side trip
for me who loved the waters. We headed down to the Banahaw river. Knowing how
famous this “religious” river is, I am amazed at how clean it is. Well,
relatively clean.
The river gave us an easier time to clean everything up – our muddy tents and clothes, my gray turned brown trekking shoes and of course, our beaten up sexy bodies.
5PM
After a little water playing, we packed and headed home.
Of course we checked out some unique stores surrounding the Banahaw chapel.
There are lots of intriguing things for sale. Haven’t though that being
Catholic can be that pagan. There’s this one pendant of Sto.Nino with an
erection. They say that it is used by men to lure women. I’m not even a
catholic but I was offended.
_______________________________
Hey i'm on twitter - @rome_john
The Pinatubo Incident
October 21, 2012
Capas, Tarlac
I promised i will have a separate blog entry about this. But for now, here's a shaky video. Enjoy!
Capas, Tarlac
I promised i will have a separate blog entry about this. But for now, here's a shaky video. Enjoy!
_______________________________
Hey i'm on twitter - @rome_john
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