The inactive volcano
in Laguna rises 1,090 meters ASL. It has no record of eruption. It is a home to
diverse flora and fauna. It resembles to a form of a woman reclining. More
interestingly, it is well known for the mythical Mariang Makiling.
The day after my twin climb to Mt. Batulao and Taal Volcano,
I was again headed to summit this beautiful mountain. Unlike my other solo
climbs this was truly a challenge to solo trekker like me. Yes, I trekked
really solo. I had no guide.
From the YMCA guest house of UPLB, I walked around the
campus early morning looking for nearby fastfood or carenderia to energize my
exhausted body from the last day’s twin climb. Unfortunately, they were all
still closed.
I headed to the jump-off point at the College of Forestry
with little trail foods and a piece of burger bun and canned tuna reserved for
lunch.
So with an empty stomach, I
trekked alone passing through the forested road.
After an hour, I passed by Station 5 with few picnickers taking breakfast at the small eateries. Good enough, my stomach was filled with
smoky hot arroz caldo.
Energized and with high spirit, I side tripped to Mud Springs
and witnessed the restless smoking, boiling mud.
I continued my trek until I reached Station 11, the entrance
to the forested trail. Accursed by Mariang Makiling, I got lost. I went back to
the lone house at the station and asked for the right way.
When I entered the forest, a heavy downpour abundantly
showered me. I wore my rain cover and noticed black and orange striped
creatures parading towards me. A lot of them!
I was hitting my skin everywhere like hitting mosquitoes. I
was bitten on my head and right eyebrow and anywhere else I didn’t know. I felt
a sudden soar on my BP.
I continued the trek, muddy, dirty, and unmindful of the
slimy creatures that accompanied me. At least, I was not alone. And I just
thought they’re good for my arthritis.
It was a difficult climb, some areas have ropes and wooden
ladders.
No good view was on sight, though the sun already shone. I was about to reach the summit when I
finally saw humans, descending.
When I reached the summit after 4 hours of trekking, I ate
my bread and canned tuna.
The weather was a bit genial. There was a good view of the lowlands.
I put off my clothes, soaked in sweat and rain. I then set up my tripod and took the liberty to pose whatever I wanted.
I even posed at my naughtiest, knowing no one is around.
All of the sudden, I realized I was not alone. NO, I WAS NOT ALONE!
So I hurriedly put my clothes on.
I got many companions wanting to feast on my uncovered skin. Leeches abound even at the peak.
All of the sudden, I realized I was not alone. NO, I WAS NOT ALONE!
So I hurriedly put my clothes on.
I got many companions wanting to feast on my uncovered skin. Leeches abound even at the peak.
And I could see some of them coming towards me claiming their treat. Some had already got their share.
After half an hour, I started to descend. I went backtrail.
I encountered other hikers going uphill.
The view of the lowlands got better.
I never get bored passing the same trail again.
Leeches kept
me excited on my way down. A lot of them got in through my shoes and enjoyed
their main dish.
It took me three hours to safely get back to the UP Campus.
With that experience, I rewarded myself a box of Buko Pie. And I headed back to
Manila so fulfilled with another wonderful experience--- an unguided solo trek!
tnx, they are an added challenge.
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