Mt.
Tapulao
Palauig, Zambales
Moving Time and Day(s): 7 Hours and 50
minutes | 2 Days
January
26-27 2013
Long and drawn out trek as expected. The
entire hike covered a total of 36 kilometers back and forth. An early start is
a must.
Day 1. Before the sun totally unfolds, we started our
trek by 0555H. Other mountaineers started earlier than us. The trail starts
with an uphill, open and looks like a never ending rough road. More curves and
rocks have passed by. We reached the first water source (km. 5) at exactly
0825H. From there, the trail is shaded with trees. After 45 minutes of steeper
ascent, I reached the second water source near kilometer 10 marked. Then, I and
Sir Mike (group guest) took some rest and sleep. We didn’t notice that we
almost sleep for more than 1 hour. Sir Peter and other guests were already
eating their packed lunch at the water source. Then, the last batch of UE
Mountaineers came. After we took our lunch, I and Sir Mike trekked ahead to
secure campsite (1150H). Few meters away, I passed again the other group who
I’ve passed before I reached km. 10. After the constant steep trail, the pine
trees appear. I hastily walked and crossed the ridge which is graduallydescending
and easy. The trail became steep again. Between km. 14 and 15, the trail is
relatively easy and descending. There is a campsite near abandoned guard house at
km. 15. Few minutes later, I arrived at the bunker (1330H). I secured our
campsite and pitch my tent. It was difficult to put pegs on the ground but luckily,
the campsite is covered and protected by trees and slope of the mountain.
