Brgy. Alas-asin Mariveles, Bataan
Minor Classification
August 28-29 2010
Tarak Ridge/ Peak is one of the prominent peaks in Mariveles Mountain
Ranges including Vintana Peak and Pantingan Peak (highest peak). I recommend
this mountain as one of the best training grounds for mountaineers and trail
runners.
Long stretch of trekking starts at Brgy. Alas Asin national highway.
The first leg was concrete road going to rough road. In front, you can see the
vast Mariveles Mountain and far behind is the superb Corregidor Island and
Islet. Then, entering the forest area
was covered by gigantic Acacia Trees and other trees. It’s just like
walk-in-the-park scenario. Slightly going up, down and the rest were gradual
and easy trekking alongside of the mountain. Wet season makes soil muddier.
It’s difficult to remove dirt from shirts, backpack, shoes, and other stuff
when it dries, so quickly eliminate dirt using water.( During our climb in 2010
there are 6-7 small waterfalls can be passed through.)
Papaya River serves as the
first camp site. Others stayed overnight here then summit assault the next day.
Campsite was big enough, covered up by trees. The water in river serves as
potable water source. You can also refresh your body here.
The challenging part was the steep ascend from Papaya River up to
ridge campsite. Some parts of the trail were rocky, slippery, root climbing
(need to hold on roots of trees and I remember my Descend in Kapatagan Trail –
Mt. APO) and narrow. You need to push through up to ridge campsite because
there are no space or e-camp between Papaya river and Ridge campsite. You can
choose different campsite in the ridge campsite but be prepared for windy camp.
Aero dynamic tent and additional pegs are recommended. The view was dramatic,
marvelous and stunning from the ridge.
The descend was non-stop knee breaking down to Papaya river. The lunch
area usually done in Papaya River during ascend and descend. It’s more faster
going down specially from the gradual trail of Papaya river to Jump off but be
careful because it’s more prone to slippery when going down or rushing.
There is one trail that we need to slide for about 7-10 meters down.
We have neither chance nor choice to use our feet or hands because it’s
literally mud and slippery, so the others did it too. Hahaha! What a climb!
( By the way, I left my TNF hat in Papaya
River before we finally descend. My Conquer 35L backpack has been slashed and
got my phone in Manila while I’m riding in mini bus going home.)
