Boondocks - July

Two July's. One scorching hot. The other, on torrential downpour.


July 16, 2011
Buntot Palos
Pangil, Laguna

Buntot Palos, or Eel's Tail

July 21, 2012
Mt. Maculot
Cuenca, Batangas

The rockies

BUNTOT PALOS
The third hike with Chiyoda engineers.

Jump off point

Going to Buntot Palos takes about 2 to 3 hours. An easy trek, but done during the time I was adamant on carrying my backpack. Thus, I had our guide carry my pack for me. I think we paid him Php 400 for his day.

There were a lot of tree cover which did serve as canopy during our hike. But the air was humid, as can be expected from a tropical country. We had to take a breather every now and then.

And then you hear the sound of cascading water. Ahh! Water! The first glimpse, divine. :)

There were no natural shades, ergo tree shades, at our "camping ground," thus we had to set up a makeshift canopy of our own. But it was a futile attempt and we decided to use each of our own bandanas to save our skin from too much tan.

We had lunch at the rocks a few meters away from the falls. Took a dip.

Nature Water Spa

The water was cold, just enough to soothe the tired muscles. And enough to have our drinks cooled.

I had thought the rocks atop the fall's tail was flat. And did not mind where I was stepping next. But alas! Due to the force from the 30-m waterfalls, a convex mini-pool was formed at the "plateau" of the water formation. I slid, and garnered two wounds, not too deep, mind you. It's a good thing I am a certified first aider. And brought Betadine during this climb. Or, wait, did I?

Casualty

We ended where we started. Cleaned up here. There are washrooms where you can take shower. I actually forgot if you have to pay for it. If in case you do, it's a small price for a clean you! :)

See mini heart

MACULOT

A year after. Same month, different weather.
Rain or rain. We were to hike up Mt. Maculot. It is located 2 hours from Manila, in the town of Cuenca, Batangas. My trek-mates are such boondock-addicts, we decided to push ahead even if forecast was laden with rain. Rain. Rain.

It was a first. I have not slept a wink the night before. Too much marathon of Fringe, and an early call for the dayhike made me sleepy most throughout the hike. Nonetheless, sugary trail food was enough to boost the system up. Not to mention the dab of alcohol mid-up.

See here, this is the team. Formed after my blunder in Nagsasa. United by one love that is for the mountains. :) And all the exercise it brings, forming big arses out of us. Haha.

 At the third rest stop:

Climbing rocks. Climbing trees. Climbing trees rocks!

Paved roads, muddy trails, steep ones too.

 The view.

Several rest stations

  I managed to catch a few precious wink at the hut.

Hut at the top

 Afterwards, we headed to the rockies, had to pave our way out of 6 feet tall grasses.

Without any view. Just like my Pulag summit.

Til next time, folks. It was fun climbing with you. :)

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