Boondocks - Bulusan DAY 2

Greens

Since we were late the previous day, we were not able to climb up to Aguingay Lake campsite. Thus, we decided to push through in the early morn. At 0230, I already awoke from the alarm coming from my watch.

We divided ourselves into groups of five, each team - with our own respective guides. Without breakfast, we started our hike. (Save for me because I brought along instant cup noodles, and was sipping from it right after I was geared up.)

Start of Trek

We reached the ranger station in about an hour. I was a bit miffed and paranoid since there were times when I was lagging from my team, but also too far from the next team. I swear I could hear leaves ruffling parallel to the pathwalk! Haha! Perhaps it was just the wind, or some animal just awoke. The snake went out of hiding? Beats me. Nevertheless, I think I should stick to someone my own pace when walking in the dark, through forest covers and lush greens. Aside from animals, there are more pressing concerns, such as insurgents I may know nothing about. Besides, my Manulife insurance explicitly states my mountaineering activities are not covered.

The trail

The trail, as expected, is almost always ascending. With parts when we had to hold on to roots, walk through the littlest foot step, and not one inch from it, a very steep cliff. Whew.

Too narrow for comfort

Another three long grueling hours and we reach the Aguingay campsite. See the peak of Bulusan? It was way steer clear out of clouds. I wished we were already up the peak at 7AM. But no such luck.

Campsite at Aguingay Lake

This was supposedly a lake, but when we arrived, we saw no signs of water. Only telltale signs that at one point, yes it was a lake. Some parts of the land were covered in moss, while in other parts, there were grass already growing. The earth was sandy, and although I am not a geologist, I can fairly conclude previous signs of H2O.

We tread on. Sighting beautiful trees along the way. Climbing them a bliss.

Tree hugger

After another 2 hours along tree area, we arrive at the grassland. We were already halfway up. 

Then, meeting and beating life-sized cogon grass. It was a battle fought and won. We readied ourselves with gloves, long sleeves, long pants, caps, and head gear. Sadly, my shirt caught a lot of stray grass, some of its thread gave way.

Grassland Trail

The perennial cogon grass along the way was helpful in getting us up. We had to hold on to them for dear life. However, there are wayward grass strands which when passed by, retaliates and smacks us right up our faces! We had to cover our eyes, our cheeks, our hair, and every inch of skin.

We also ate some berries. I was excited about the idea of eating wild berries. Chichi saw them instantly. Picked them up, and ate 'em. I had to wait a couple more minutes up so that I can eat my share. Haha. It was not altogether unique, the texture a bit rough, and the taste, not something I would rave about. Nonetheless, I should try anything and everything at least once. So there goes eating wild berries. I just checked it off my tick boxes. :)

Temporary reprieve from walking through grassland!

Now we reach the end of our harrowing tales of walking.

Oops, I take that back. The walk is just halfway through. One thing about mountain climbing is, you can't give up. You simply can't. Else, you will be left in the wild, with meager supply of staple food, as can be expected from city rats like me.

Also, this peak looks like a quarry. It was quite difficult to tread on these loose rocks. Some of us literally walked on all fours. You need all your extremities to trudge on this area. 

We also did not see signs of the Blackbird lake. After Bulusan's eruption in the 2011, even the locals find it hard to spot the lake.

Our summit

We note one casualty on our way back to Aguingay Camp Site. I think Tish was too excited to eat food, she hardly saw where she's stepping on. The trail was a bit muddy for my liking. But, I was sliding through and through. A big help for my tired feet.

We ate lunch at 1400 in Lake Aguingay. There is spring water just 10 minutes from this campsite.

After our lunch, we hurried on. I was extremely excited to get back. Pack my tent, and see my bed.

I was briskly walking, trying to catch up with Sir Jovi and his wife Miss Jenny. But there came a point when I could no longer see Chichi and Dino, and I was not sure if I was treading on the right path. I just went on hoping my sense of direction would not fail me. True enough, I saw a group of mountaineers just trekking up. I had to ask if the ranger's station was far, and yes it was, but I guess it was worthwhile since all my walking was not for naught. No feeble attempts at guessing trail tracks. 

At ranger's station, I saw one of my groupmates and his battle scars. Apparently, he was not used to trekking in long sleeves and long pants, so we see the aftermath of trudging on grassland.

Battle scars

At Lake Bulusan, we await for our rescue. We ate pansit and hotdogs at the campsite, packed our tents, and took baths at a local hot spring resort.

This climb is one of the most harrowing, if not the most, that I've done. As Yeye would put it, "Nakakadala!"
Imagine climbing a 6/9 trail for one day. Fourteen hours. Narrow trails. But it was worth it. Albeit I may not return anytime soon, if at all.

=)

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