Pulag : my surreal encounter

I was just coming off of a busy and tiring weeks at work and was feeling the need to relax.So, when my climbing friend Master Jc batayola invited me to join him for a weekend climb to Mt. Pulag via Akiki trail I jumped at the opportunity right away.

Pulag is known for their rugged high peaks, long hours of  hiking trails and epic mountain climbing experience.It's about the thrill of the challenge and the fun.I know for me at least, stunning scenery can be really distracting from denr all the way to akiki jumpoff , so just make sure to keep your eyes on the road most of the time.

We walked in silence all the way to the akiki trail visitor's center, our unspoken words shrouded by the damp,misty and cold air. Rain begins to fall as we arrive at the registration center, Would heavy rain stop us? Bad weather thwarted the start of our ascent, which is a bit of a letdown. I struggled to be more optimistic, because you never know what the weather might bring.

The heavy rain continues that night, our itinerary was at risk, our first night was spent at a school nearby. Sad, but our safety should always comes first. The next day the weather has improved! There was a chance now that we could start our hike and try to summit the next day. My hopes soared. We scrambled to get ready,started our hike early at 4 am,  then dashed off, feeling shrewd, like we could outsmart the weather. But no, weather had other plans. The weather changes, and after the akiki trail off to marlboro heavy rains begins to fall again.

After doubting myself climbing Mt. Pulag via Akiki trail again after several years, i was thrilled to accomplish each day’s itinerary. Akiki trail is a great way to feel a sense of accomplishment from strenuous hiking and to see the spectacular views starting from Eddet river all the way up to the Pine forest of the killer trail and off to marlboro country.

We moved along very carefully (as in very very careful..being the sweeper of the group together with master JC and Sir Tolits) finding and holding our own pace, and turned up the killer trail. The path was defined and fresh with amazing pine trees, and it awarded us with a reasonably amazing views of the surrounding peaks. Over the next five hours, with my knees weak from the weight of my packs, I'm still happy and content, if not forced, to stop every other hour (may kasama pang power nap na 1 hr sa trail).

Eventually we arrived at what would be our campsite for the night which is at the saddle camp: an unassuming and designated campsite below the summit. It offered us a place to set up our tent (luckily for me my tent is set up already when i arrived at saddle, courtesy of my porter) and had inspiring views of the surrounding peaks. Once settled in, i immediately went inside my tent and started the much needed rest and good night sleep after a very long hike.

But I’ve come to realize that just because I did not make the summit doesn’t mean I failed. There’s so much more to it than that. And, I believe that i just conquered myself rather than i conquered Mt. Pulag.