Four Peaks, One Day

The unavailability of bus that would take us to Nasugbu on our desired time prompted a last minute change in our itinerary for this event.  Originally, the mountains to be covered were Mt. Talamitam, Mt. Batulao, Mt. Marami, and Mt. Pico de Loro.  With the change, Mt. Marami and Mt. Pico de Loro were dropped and replaced with Mt. Apayang and Mt. Toong.  The adjustment was done for us to make the most of the time we had for the day. The traverse from Mt. Marami to Mt. Pico de Loro is long and would considerably eat up time which will lead to not finishing the four peaks in a day challenge.  We were supposed to start at 3am had the original IT been followed but it was already 5am when we actually started.  It will be the first time that the Mt. Talamitam-Mt. Apyang-Mt. Batulao-Mt. Toong route will be attempted.  Luckily, there was a guide who knew the route and was willing to accompany us all day long. 

the beautiful dawn as viewed on the summit of Mt. Talamitam

The event was spearheaded by Lady D. and a part of a series of training in preparation for future running events.  I was hesitant at first because its been months since I did a multi-mountain dayhike. The convincing powers of Lady D was hard to resist though.  We were joined by four other trail addicts namely: Darell, Edward, Rommel and Jeysen.

After completing the registration and saying a little of prayer, we started.  On a star dotted sky, we slowly made our way to our first mountain, Mt. Talamitam.   I had been into this mountain several times so I was thankful we had it first.  It is an open mountain and a trek on a sunny day would surely have our sweat glands extremely working.  A large portion of the trail from the jump off to the summit has no forest cover.  Less than an hour of trekking we reached the summit just in time for the sunrise.  Hikers and a beautiful dawn greeted us on top.  We rested for a couple of minutes and took photos before heading to our next mountain,  Mt. Apayang.

                                           the group at the summit of Mt. Talamitam                                 (c) Lady D

Our second mountain, Mt. Apayang was close to Mt. Talamitam that in less than 30 minutes we reached its top.  Unlike the latter,  there were no hikers in the former.  We had the mountain all to ourselves as we watched the beautiful sunrise signalling a hot day ahead.  After a few minutes spent on top, we descended.  It was a steep descent under a forest cover contrary to the open trail of Mt. Talamitam.  By 8:30 am we reached the exit point at Brgy. Mataas na Pulo.  From there it was around 6 kilometers to the highway (KM 91).  We had an option to ride a tricycle but all of us agreed to run instead.  Well we came to train and as much as possible no wheels.  At around 9:15 am we reached the highway and a jeepney took us to Evercrest, jump off to Mt. Batulao.

                                              The trail of Mt. Apayang                                                 (c) Drell

At Evercrest we had our breakfast first.  We needed to eat and refuel ourselves because the next time that we'll be seeing food will be at the end of the trek.  Our trek resumed at exactly 10 am.  The sun was in its full glory as we walked on the road leading to the foot of Mt. Batulao.  No one of us seemed to be bothered by it though as excitement can still be manifested from all six of us as we minced on the trail of Mt. Batulao.  However, we were annoyed be the numerous registration sites.  It was irresistible and mandatory!  Not to ruined an already beautiful day, we paid as we pass each registration site.  Despite this status, hikers still flocked in numbers to this mountain.  I have been into this mountain several times and in all those instances, its trail was busy.  

                                                the summit of Mt. Batulao                                                  (c) Lady D

We told our guide, Kuya Noel to wait for us at peak 8.  We did a loop from old trail to new trail stopping at the summit to drink the best tasting mountain dew.  By 12 high noon, we reached peak 8 and Kuya Noel was all smile waiting for us.  We rested for a while and put on some sunscreen lotion to combat the mid-day sun.

                                                      one of our rest stops                                                 (c) Lady D

From peak 8, we descended into a not so established trail.  Our guide told us that the trail is rarely used by hikers.  Good thing though, there was a thick forest cover all the way to the foot of Mt. Toong.  Ascending the mountain however was different story.  The sun was unforgiving and I think it was on its hottest during the day as we negotiated the open trail.  Fatigue started to set in also.  I was on the verge of getting a leg cramp.  I had to stop during the ascent several times.  Slowly and patiently we reached the top.  We had an incredible view of Mt. Batulao from the other side. 

                                                     the open trail of Mt. Toong                                                               (c) Darell

Nasugbu and other nearby towns were visible too.  Mt. Talamitam, Mt Apayang and other mountains can be seen too.  After the mandatory grouphie, we continued our trek to the other peaks.  One notable peak is Susong Dalaga (Lady's Breast Peak).  We had to climb boulders to pass this peak.  After this part,  all the rest was descending.  However, it should not be underestimated as it is still a long trek to the exit point.  Woodlands and farmlands will be passed by and a river need to be crossed before finally reaching Sitio Bayabasan.

Susong Dalaga Peak

We stayed at the river for a couple of minutes to cool down.  Its been a hot day and a bath in the river with its cold water was a big relief.  It was very relaxing.  From the river, it was an hour trek to the exit point.  At exactly 5pm we reached Sitio Bayabasan with all of us safe and sound.  It took us 12 hours to complete the four peaks.  We were the first group to have done it.  Kudos!

cooling down

As we were enjoying our second meal of the day,  my companions were on an idea of doing a part 2 that will include Mt. Marami and Mt. Pico de Loro.  A more challenging six peaks in a day.  Insane!