Mt. Maculot Traverse for a Bon Voyage Louise!

“All good things must come to end” as the saying goes. And with that, our French friend Jean-Louis two year stint in the Philippines is over. He’s going back to his homeland on December 22. We share the same passion for climbing, these brought our group together. Hes been with us for several past climbs including the infamous Guiting-guiting. To celebrate his departure, a friend organized a climb for him in the mountain which is grand yet easy to climb. Mt. Maculot . Its my first time to climb Mt. Maculot (traverse) during the rainy season. I never thought that it was very grassy during this time. I guess it is true that each climb of a Mountain is different, the trail differs and the trees grows.

We had a great time with your company Louis! Hope to climb with you again someday, even on another part of the world. Till next time!

A few more steps to the summit of G2.

Go ahead... Make my day!

Trying to ride a carabao in carabao island!

Last climb!

Gianne at Mt. Pico de Loro

I specifically organized this climb for Gianne. Me, being brought up in the countryside knows what she had been missing since she was mostly brought up in the city. I want her to see how nature as it is and give some awareness on how we can also conserve the environment. But I’m a bit wary of her physical capacity since Pico de Loro is more difficult than her first climb Manabu. To my surprise she was able to keep with our pace and still enjoy the trek. She was delighted to see mushrooms that she only saw on her books. And huge stones that was normal for me, but for her was totally extraordinary. When we reach the campsite several climbers were already there and were very surprised to see a kid with our group. I think the part that totally amazes them was that Gianne is not that exhausted, not like some of them specially the new climbers. This made here an instant celebrity. =D During our free and cook time she kept roaming the ridges looking at the view and playing around with the flowers and grasses. She said there were at least eight persons who took her picture.

With regards to the mountain status, I guess more climbers are visiting this mountain since the trail is wider now. There was minimal trash on the trail now but we saw several of it on the campsite, mostly on the hidden parts. Proof than more awareness is needed. I am really wondering whats the registration fee was for (DENR and Kubo).They should at least inform that climbers that they should bring down their trash. Geez….

By the way, two other climbers joined us for this climb. Special thanks to them for such a great time.

mushroom at the trail

Giant Gianne

Celebrity status =D