20/03/2023
Bakun duo! Ito yung bundok na gusto kong isumpa, pero hindi ko magawa.
Supposedly a single hike to Mt. Kabunian only. I was shocked as I only expected one camp/hike to Mt. Kabunian, but Mt. Tenglawan gets included as a side trip.
Initially, I was hesitant to join this hike. Aside from being a major one, the group is loaded with experienced people, Triathletes, Marathon Runners, and Harkor friends. Compared to me, I have been lazy and inactive lately; I also gained 8kg since last year. My confidence was on the floor.
The sample itinerary was we'd start the hike at 4:30 AM, reach the summit of Mt. Tenglawan by 7:30 AM, and return to JOP at 9:00 AM. Travel to Mt. Kabunian, start the hike at 3:00 PM, and reach the campsite by 7:00 PM.
Due to some circumstances, this sample remains an example. We started hiking around 7:00 AM and reached the summit at 10:00 AM. The hike itself was no ordinary hike to me. I expected the place to be cold, but I was wrong. The place's weather is typical of a forest fire. It is scorched and dehydrating. Plus, the assault in the hike was not advisable for newbies. Imagining the next mountain gets crossed out of my plan.
I crawled from worn-out knees, cramped legs, and a dehydrated body, and almost fainted. I was on the sweep. I was ashamed, and this was when I thought of why I was doing this. I arrived at JOP at 1:30 PM.
I immediately told Aris I would no longer continue the hike as I was exhausted. Luckily, the majority wanted to continue the trek the following day. Still undecided about continuing further. From what I experienced with the first hike, I am still deciding whether to continue. I woke up early at 2 AM the next day, trying to capture star trails. Not long, most of them were awake, and I decided to go back to sleep.
Aris woke me up! "Sumama daw ako".
Mt. Kabunian, We started at 4:30, and I arrived at the summit by almost 8 AM. I got back to JOP at nearly noon. Again, not an ordinary hike, and often, I think of quitting.
I want to take this time to bash my friend Aerish Aglupus for being patient with me. A lot of times I hiked with him, something wrong with me is coming along the way, from having cramps, aching knees, gout, name it. But he keeps supporting me no matter how slow I get, and he keeps helping me sweep! Lol. I can't thank you enough for supporting me and having me not quit, as always. I wouldn't capture these photos if you didn't push me enough!
Sabi nga ni Aris "May clearing ka sa Tenglawan at Kabunian, Bragging rights yan". ;)
