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?

10AM

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.

Well, what do you know. Like Mt. Cristobal and Mt. Banahaw, sometimes the “devil” and “holy” coexist and are just two ideas differentiated by a very thin line. 

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