Why do I climb mountains?
Guest writer: Steph Borje
The line struck me and so I ask myself "Why do I really climb
mountains?!" Honestly, I don’t know how to start this article since I’m not really a writer but I guess the best way
is to tell you my story.
Ever since I saw a friend’s pictures of Mt. Pulag sunrise with an
amazing sea of clouds, i have always dreamt of climbing it. They called it the
Playground of the Gods and one of the beautiful mountains in our country.
So when i got an invitation two years ago, I did not hesitate and
went for it even though I’m the only girl in the group and barely know
anybody. To tell you the truth, I don't know what to expect and what I am
about to go through.
I conveyed my anxiety to someone I knew from the office who hikes
all the time. She just said that I can do it. The Ambangeg trail is just ok for
first timers like me. She was so happy that finally one soul shared her
interest in hiking. She even let me borrow some of her stuff to lessen the
things I needed to buy for the trip.
During the hike, it was raining the whole time that's why we only
reached campsite 2. We spent the night with heavy rains rocking our tents and
it was very cold. I even checked the accuweather app and it register a 0 degree
Celsius.
The next morning, it was still raining that we decided not to push
for the summit and start packing all our drained stuffs and descended the
mountain. I didn’t
get a single picture of the view I was hoping for. And I endured a cold
and muddy trek from ranger station to campsite 2 and back.
So this was my first attempt and unfortunately it has been
unsuccessful.
But this experience taught me a lot of things such as To never ever give up on the things
you really want. I promised myself that I won’t stop trying to climb
Mt.Pulag until I finally get a good clearing of the summit. Also, this is a test of physical
and mental toughness specially when faced with difficult situations and/or
circumstances. When you are already there, the important thing to do is to stay
positive and focused on the better things ahead. You can’t let the bad
situation gets the better of you. A true test of pushing yourself to the limits
is the best way to put it. And, I can say that climbing mountain gets you
physically trained since it involves full body workout. And you’ll get a great serene
view and peaceful time to think things for yourself.
Last January, I had my second chance to
climb Mt Pulag. Unfortunately, it was raining again. We were having doubts that
we can make it to the summit but we all agreed to push through with it. We
withstood heavy rains and strong winds. It was pitch black with only the lights
from our headlamps to guide our way.
Battling the bad weather we carried our
heavy stuff. Donning multiple layers of clothes under my raincoat, I still felt
very cold. Raindrops felt like hundreds of pieces of ice coated needles
piercing my face. I was praying the whole time, hoping against hope for a good
weather and a beautiful sunrise waiting for me on top. My companions told me
later on that they were just waiting for me to give up and we will turn back
but my determination was very strong hence they saw that there is no turning
back for me.
And I am grateful that my ever reliable
friend was with me. He was always ready to lend a hand especially when the
strong winds almost blew me off to the edge of the cliff.
Despite what seems to be a Deja vu for me,
I’m happy that I didn’t give up until I reached the summit. And Yes, It
never stopped raining and sadly the rain washed away my hopes for a sea of
clouds and beautiful sunrise but I won’t give up. In fact, I am already excited
for my next trip to Mt. Pulag which I still don’t know when and will just hope
for the best.
For the religious souls out there, I think
conquering mountains not only brings you closer to God but also strengthens
your faith. When faced with life threatening situations or even a little brush
with death, you call out to Him. The more intense is your climb, the harder
you’ll pray to endure the journey. But then again, when you finally reach the
summit, you will feel an overwhelming sense of happiness and gratitude. Every
hardship will be worth it and you’ll be amazed on how wonderful His creations
are plus He gave you the chance to see it.
It took me two years to climb again after
that dreadful experience. This time, I just went for a day hike at Mt.Palay
Palay popularly known as Pico De Loro. One day it just came to me that I wanted
to do something big, different and adventurous. Strange?! Did you ever get that
feeling?! I guess when you are
down & low, wanted to escape life for just a bit or had your heart broken
you would really want to do this kind of thing.
The long and old trails of Pico
De Loro were a good welcome back climb to me. And since I was with experienced
mountaineers, I tried to keep up with their pace. My companions keep telling
me, “Mawawala pagod mo pag
nakita mo ang view sa taas” as
they try to encourage me to keep on pushing for it. Upon reaching the summit
and seeing it with my own two eyes, everything they said are true!
It was a very beautiful 360
degree view of Batangas and Cavite. The part where you can see the cove is my
favourite. It was very satisfying because at last, I experienced a climb that
has a good clearing of the summit. I even get to conquer the Monolith, others
called it The Parrot’s Beak, which I think was impossible at first.
In the span of five months
and seven mountains climbed, I can say that the highlight of my mountaineering
journey is climbing Mt. Apo. It is the grandfather of all mountains here in the
Philippines. It stands 2,956 masl which is also the highest peak. Never did I
imagine that I could climb this mountain so soon with less trainings and
experiences. I just grabbed the opportunity and went for it.
After a gruesome 8 hour
trek from Kidapawan Jump off to Lake Venado campsite, I got to see a pristine
forest with huge strange trees just like in the African region and the one you
saw in the Avatar movie. The photo
below doesn’t even come close when you see it for yourself.
Doing major climbs for 2-3
days or more are so much fun when you’re with a group. You will get to know
different kinds of people and how to deal with them. Also, it builds
camaraderie. And I think you'll form stronger ties to people you’re with during
intense and unforgettable climbs.
Mt. Apo trails has
different array of landscapes. It’s like a bigger version of Mt. Arayat
Traverse which I use for my training. Feast your eyes with the beauty of its thick
virgin forest, craggy rockscapes, mossy swamps and volcanic structures &
boulders that reveals the magnificent site of the crater. And if you’re lucky enough, the sea of clouds
and rainbow at the summit will be your cherries on top.
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| The Author at Mt. Apo summit |
I found my love of the great
outdoors and adventures in the mountains. It
is just not the pictures but also the whole experience of conquering the
trails. Indeed, Mother Nature has a way in bringing some sense in us. That’s
why I am hurt to see that numerous trees are being cut down and there’s a lot
of garbage in the mountains. So, I would like to take this opportunity to call
out to all of you out there to please take part in taking good care of our
environment in any way you can. We have to be responsible in our own garbage
specially when climbing mountains and do our share in any tree planting or any
clean up drive. Our country has so many beautiful places to wander around
and explore into. And some of them are comparable or even better than other
countries. So let’s take good care of our surroundings so the next generations
can appreciate them as well.
I’m NO expert and barely
new to this adventure. And I still have a lot of mountains to climb in my PHMountains
app but my experiences had already taught me so many things which I got to
apply it in my everyday life. So if you’re tired of the usual stuff and would
want to strengthen your inner game, why not try an epic mountain adventure.
