Pre-climb struggle
From the jump off point, you will still have to walk for about an hour to Kubo ni Lola. The trail begins from a cemented uphill to a flat reddish soil. I was able to notice the flowers blooming beside the trail, they are beautiful in vibrant colors! We took a rest when we reached the Kubo ni Lola and she gave us a few instructions before we begin the real thing.
The beginning of the trail is pretty flat although you need to cross some rock formations. It was raining when we began so the trail is quite muddy and the rocks are slippery. There is also a series of uphill and downhill and it seems that you're just climbing and then descending. There are lots of bushes beside the trail before the Papaya River, just be careful of the pretentious plants that may prick you. After an hour or two, the sun greeted us.
The Papaya River is one of the remarkable spots. The water here is very cool and potable! Some of us took a dip while some refilled their water bottles. We also had our lunch here. See the beauty of nature!
After the Papaya River, the trail becomes steep and more of assault. There are trails made of rocks or roots of big trees. I love it when the wind whistles or gushes that we always thought it is raining hard on the other side of the forest. It feels like you're one with nature.
The trail may be hard but I wasn't able to feel it because of my supportive groupmates backing me up. I pull myself up using the branches and twigs from the trees. The shade is also very helpful.
When we get out of the trees, the view already welcomed us. It is really amazing! The wind is really great I had to sit and hold on to a rock to make myself stable. Some of us seems to be lying on the wind. It has always been my dream to be in clouds and seeing those fluffy cottons embracing the nearby peaks thrilled me. Pitching our tents amid the Aeolus' wrath looks impossible. Good thing, one of our senior member found a forest-like place where we could stay.
The night was history. Besides the majestic stars, the chilling breeze, the splendid city lights from afar, the wonderful memories, and the noble stories, I have nothing left to say about that night.
It was a dizzy morning. As much as I still wanted to sleep, my mind was telling me to get up and fight the cold for a much-awaited sunrise. Tarak, as usual, did not disappoint me. It was indeed beautiful! One of the most perfect mornings (although without coffee).
UST Mountaineering Club is really a one of a kind family. I'm glad I found these people who share the same kulit as me, even worse. Looking forward to more climbs with all of them.
Kudos to everyone!
Last month I had my first climb of the year, my fourth training climb in UST Mountaineering Club. We climbed Tarak Ridge. I always hear good feedback and stories about Tarak so I promised myself I will do everything to be part of this team and experience Tarak myself. I had to survive that 10.4K Diagnostic Run and skip my Saturday classes in order to join and I made it, all for Tarak! (I know skipping classes is not good. I promise I won't do that again.)
Tarak
Tarak Ridge is part of Mt. Mariveles situated in Mariveles, Bataan. Standing 1, 006 MASL with gusting winds from South China Sea, Tarak Ridge is truly breathtaking.
From Cubao, we had 4-5 hours of bus ride to Brgy. Alas-asin, Mariveles which was our jump off point. There are lots of carinderia around in case you were not able to take a good breakfast for this major climb. There will also be a registration at the Barangay Hall.
From the jump off point, you will still have to walk for about an hour to Kubo ni Lola. The trail begins from a cemented uphill to a flat reddish soil. I was able to notice the flowers blooming beside the trail, they are beautiful in vibrant colors! We took a rest when we reached the Kubo ni Lola and she gave us a few instructions before we begin the real thing.The Papaya River is one of the remarkable spots. The water here is very cool and potable! Some of us took a dip while some refilled their water bottles. We also had our lunch here. See the beauty of nature!
The trail may be hard but I wasn't able to feel it because of my supportive groupmates backing me up. I pull myself up using the branches and twigs from the trees. The shade is also very helpful.
When we get out of the trees, the view already welcomed us. It is really amazing! The wind is really great I had to sit and hold on to a rock to make myself stable. Some of us seems to be lying on the wind. It has always been my dream to be in clouds and seeing those fluffy cottons embracing the nearby peaks thrilled me. Pitching our tents amid the Aeolus' wrath looks impossible. Good thing, one of our senior member found a forest-like place where we could stay.
The night was history. Besides the majestic stars, the chilling breeze, the splendid city lights from afar, the wonderful memories, and the noble stories, I have nothing left to say about that night.
It was a dizzy morning. As much as I still wanted to sleep, my mind was telling me to get up and fight the cold for a much-awaited sunrise. Tarak, as usual, did not disappoint me. It was indeed beautiful! One of the most perfect mornings (although without coffee).
We went down to Papaya River before we took our brunch. By the time we reached Papaya River, we are already hungry and tired. We had good food though. We also had our socials there where we performed a really embarrassing number. We won, anyway.
It was already getting dark when we took our path towards reality. We had our much need bath at a house at Barangay Alas-asin (this community knows how to treat hikers really well). The night at the bus is one of the best nights of my life. Wow! Perhaps, this climb is one of the best climbs I've had so far. Thanks to my groupmates who became a great part of the success of this journey.
Kudos to everyone!
