Weekend with the clouds – Mt. Pulag

I won’t be putting a lot of details in this post because there are tons of infor

mation already online.  So I’ll make it short and sweetah.

My plan was to post as much as I can using my phone – mobile internet – bu

t unfortunately the signal wasn’t as strong as I expected it to be.  While we were still in baguio city, I had a decent connection but when we started the jeepney ride to mt. pulag visitors lounge the signal gradually decrease – boo-hoo.

Anyway, here’s a quick summary:

• 6-8 hour bus ride from manila to baguio
• 3-4 hour jeepney ride to mt. pulag visitors lounge
• 2 hour jeepney rie to rangers station
• 3-4 hour trek to basecamp 2

Now the so-called executive trail that we took was far from what I imagined as the ‘executive’ leisurely walk up the mountain not to mention that it was raining which simply means that the trail was muddy and slippery.  Hahahaha.  But I’m pretty sure that that trail is easy for seasoned mountaineers… not for guys like me who’s over 40 lbs overweight and smokes a pack of cigarettes a day.  Before I forget, this climb was for charity – medical supplies – so we jumped at it with zero experience.  In fairness to the organizers they did remind you almost every week to start getting in shape for the trip… hahaha… I guess im not just into the getting in shape thing – and I

do have major regrets.

While doing the long trek, I even thought of quitting smoking when I get back to my normal life twice… one more and I would probably do it.

Here’s a few tips that we learned the hard way:

• Pack ready NOT Pack Light – pack light is stupid.  If you think you can afford not to bring extras – think again!  It rained while we were there so imagine that.  Hahahaha… I honestly thought that I might die or get sick.
• Cook! – we figured that we’ll just bring some bread and canned goods and just eat out of the can without heating it or anything.  Again, stupid decision – nothing beats a hot meal after a long trek to a very cold and high altitude location.
• Check your tent!  Hahahaha, if its not water proof… I’m sure you’re in for a long night.  I thought I was gonna pull it off by putting trash bags inside the tent with my sleeping bag on top but I was wrong, I woke up with my socks wet and it was FRRRRReezing!
• Invest in a good reliable bag – pack light was my first mistake so I brought a regular back pack and whatever fits – that’s it.  Tied my sleeping bag to the side and stupid me decided to carry the tent by hand – hahahaha

Overall, it was an amazing, inspiring, fulfilling and challenging trip!  I would recommend it to everyone… everyone who’s prepared, fit and… hmmm… coordinated?  simply because there are some parts of the trail that line the edge of the mountain, one slip and ah-hooohoooey… long drop.

Here’s some pics – enjoy!

By the way, the peak was 8 degrees, 99% humidity..wind chill factor, probably another 6 degrees off it.. bRRRrrr

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