iamerwinsy: Mt. Tapulao the 2nd time around

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Mt. Tapulao the 2nd time around

The first time i set foot on this mountain less than a year ago, I got a taste of all the elements the nature has to offer. In the first few kilometers of our trek we were under the intense heat of the SUN. When we're about to resume our journey after we had our lunch, it RAINED and it continued raining from that point on wards until our descent the next day. During the night, the AIR was freezing cold. I also experienced my first limatik bite. Along the trail I had my ups and downs literally, giving me minor cuts and bruises. The rain had the 15 km rocky trail wet and slippery poising added challenge to us. we trekked for almost 12 hrs for our ascent and less than 8 hrs for our descent. It was not easy. Our endurance was put into test. Days after our climb I was still feeling muscle pain. Even though the weather had not been cooperative, it was still a successful climb. The mountain was still beautiful with all those pine trees and wild orchids in bloom. Fog covered the surroundings all throughout failing us from seeing the rest of Tapulao's wilderness. Same scene greeted us the next day when we had our summit assault.

Pine Forest

Though i was not planning to climb Tapulao anytime soon, at least I still got reasons to go back. Months after, February 2013 to be specific. I found myself going back. This time with a good weather just exactly what i was hoping and praying for. This time we were devoid no more with beautiful sceneries. Tapulao has showed us it's charm and beauty. How it looked like during good weather. The trail has not shortened nor became free from being rocky but this time it's not slippery. Definitely trekking a dry trail is a lot easier. Considering my first experience, this time i came more prepared. we completed the Tapulao challenge this time the hardcore way. Yes it was still tiring, but we're all in agreement that all the sweat and effort were more than worth it.