The new calendar year is here. I have a clean, fresh start. Now what shall I do with it?
Since fear of heights is something I have always wanted to overcome, I have been throwing myself into rock climbing adventures.
If I'm going to take advantage of this New Year to start something new, I need to make sure I'm starting the right things.
And to ring in the new year right, my favorite first ascent for 2015 is Scrambling at lioness back and rhinoceros rock.
Finally! I made it to the lioness back again and rhinoceros rock all at the same day. This has been a dream destination for quite some time now, and I finally found time to make the trip out there.
I am taking you to this unplanned trip of mine to face my fears. A journey to check the ability to act in spite of fears. I know It takes emotional strength to accept an invitation to do something when your brain is screaming with fears. But for people like me who really want to push their limits should consider trying their hand at one of Bulacan's most adrenaline pumping activities: rock climbing.
With nothing but myself and my pair of flip flops I left my place without any permission and without clues of my destination.
It was an easy travel to the Jump off.
For our first climb, we did the Lioness Back. The landscape is abundant with gorgeous scenery and challenging terrain. There were very young children climbing next to us on the rocks, some serve as a guide to other climbers.
When we arrived at the top, there were many climbers alike taking pictures so we need to wait for our turn to finally reach the Lion's back.
It is amazing to be back at Lion's Rocks again.
The scenery didn’t hurt either. What did hurt was my legs, with bruises left and right from the sharp and pointed rocks.
When I reached the top, my legs were shaking and I was out of breathe, but I felt on top of the world, and well, I kind of was.
The second climb which is at Rhino rock was a little scary, and when I stepped back to look at it, knowing that I will be climbing straight up. I said to myself what the heck I had gotten myself into.
The supreme challenge for me was to be able to find adequate handholds and footholds, balance myself in a safety positions, and move from one point to the next without falling. Rock climbing involves strength, control and skills. As I went up to the top, it got more difficult as there were thin cracks with sharp and pointed rocks to grab/hold of,by this time something worse happened, i experience severe muscle cramp, imagine hanging at the top and you are in pain. I felt like crying.
However, I knew I did n’t want to back out, so I continued going up. I’ve never felt more accomplished than I did when I finally pulled myself to the top.
Though it seemed like an eternity, it only took me about thirty minutes to reach the top.
The climb itself was breathtaking, but expectations were exceeded as we completed the massive rock formations.
If you love rock scrambling and you love adrenaline rush in extreme adventures, you need to put lioness back and rhinoceros rock on your bucket list.
At the end of the day i was very exhausted but very pleased and satisfied, i’d met some great people, thanks yhanee (specially for the pix) and aris, i also met Sir Mikko again after a long time and had a very enjoyable time.
Itinerary Details
Description: Challenge yourself with a day of rock scrambling and experience an epic view from the top of the rock formation
Where: lioness back and rhinoceros rock
How long: half-day
Level of difficulty: difficult
While on my way home, I reflected upon the earlier events and it all just felt quite surreal. Had I really climbed and completed that rock formation today? Indeed I did, and now I have the photos to prove it.
