Through the Mt Kanlaon Trails
This is part of 2 of 3 of my climb log for Mt Kanlaon. Read part 1 here, My Mt. Kanlaon Climb
Day 2
05:30AM Wakeup call. I slept like a baby throughout but still felt my 8 hours of sleep was insufficient. Warm sun rays greeted us through the cold morning mist foretelling good weather and sunny skies. Canlaon City loomed below, reminding us that we were still at the foothold of Mount Kanlaon.
We broke camp after preparing breakfast and packed lunch. Breakfast consisted of champorado, dried fish and arrozcaldo while we whooped up macaroni for lunch. Our breakfast recipe was a mistake, I think.
07:30AM Ascent proper. Jorj, who was dehydrated and feeling ill since yesterday evening vomited on our first ascent. Even without a pack, she had difficulty climbing, and we weren’t even within the forest yet where felled logs and vertical ascents were commonplace.
She couldn’t climb with us and risk her health. We stalled for an hour, assessing the situation. It was decided eventually that one of our guides would accompany Jorj back to Canlaon City where she was to stay with a friend. I felt bad for her but this was the best choice for everyone.
08:30AM With Jorg on her way back to Canlaon City, we started assault proper and took breaks within an interval of an hour. During my training climbs, there was always an instance where I would ask myself why I was doing these climbs.
That never happened in Kanlaon. Even when tired, I managed my breathing when I could to restore vigor. Roughly an hour after we started our assault, I was starved and had difficulty keeping up with my ever getting heavier pack.
This I attribute to, what I feel was, our inappropriate breakfast meal. Out of dried mangos, I recoursed to my energy gel, 120 calories of sweet honey.
Mt Kanlaon from the vantage point of Makawiwili Peak
http://nagbabasangpinoy.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/kanlaon-152_3_4_tonemapped-5-copy.jpg?w=640
Makawiwili Peak
01:30AM After about 3 or 4 15 minute stops, we reached Camp One (supposedly if we followed our IT), Makawiwili Peak. All I could utter was a wholehearted WOW. Margaha Valley was a sight to behold, which took the whole expanse of the ground from where we stood.
Further beyond beckoned proud Mount Kanlaon whom we would now and then lose sight with the parade of clouds blowing from different directions. From the slopes of Margaha Valley, the ridges, Camp 2 was a comforting sight though still two hours and a half away.
Finally I was beyond admiring Mount Kanlaon through pictures. I must have heaved a deep sigh of triumph and bore a bundle of smiles. Truly, the beauty of a mountain can only be appreciated by those who are willing to sacrifice, to climb her.
Such even is the way of life. After gaiety photo shoots, I silently gave prayer and thanked God for the blessing. We were now en route to the saddle, for Camp 2.
02:00PM After the prevailing ascents, we were treated to a downhill treat which was an overture to Day 3. The trek dragged on for 2 hours. For some reason, I was fatigued and couldn’t keep up with my pacing with Shiela who was ahead of me. For one, I was out of trail food and with sparse water left.
04:00PM We finally reached the saddle. I was in the last group of NJ, Rain, Voltaire. I didn’t mind. Camp 2 was a welcoming sight of wide expanse of even camp ground with an awing view of the Negros Mainland. Above us was the crater whom everyone else was already summiting with a headtime of around 20-25 minutes.
Not bad for a last group. Jake prodded us to summit immediately. A clear weather as ours was truly a blessing for a November climb. We unloaded our packs, left our water containers and started to assault which took us around ~30 minutes.
Mid-summit, behind us was Camp 2 and further behind the Negros Mainland. It truly was a blessing. Summiting took us through loose rocks almost devoid of foliage. I couldn’t help but imagine how it was when the Volcano last erupted.
Where the lava flowed downstream and if the rocks I was fending off came from the crater itself. None of which however were distinguishable by me, instead, I was dismayed by vandals left by irresponsible mountaineers.
View from the summit.
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Summit At Last
04:30PM Reaching the summit, I hefted yet another sigh of both relief and fulfillment. We summited Mount Kanlaon on clear weather devoid of the gory climb ills experienced by other mountaineers. I was blessed, we were blessed.
I didn’t take a peek through the crater, I felt it was unnecessary. Now I feel bad I didn’t. I will climb Kanlaon again. I will do so because next time, I will bring my camera and take a peek through the crater. And if it’s not asking for too much, she will be with me.
After the photo shoots which seemed endless with the clatter of childlike joys, we started descending. It was getting cold and the sun was bidding us an early goodnight.
05:00PM Back in Camp 2, we started pitching our tents and preparing for dinner. While the initial plan was that I was to share tents with Lyndz and Shiela, I asked permission to use my tent on the condition that I would transfer the moment it got too cold.
I didn’t want to have dragged my Speedup throughout the 8 hour trek and to not use it. Dinner consisted of corned beef and soup which filled both my void stomach and hungry spirit.
10:00PM Lights out, at least for me. I was dead tired and even with the inviting comfort of alcohol, I only managed a few rounds then dozed off.
12:00AM Awakened by constant flapping of my tent which sounded like a motor engine. I carefully checked if it was raining as I didn’t want to wet myself and risk being chilled. So far, I slept too well. Fixing the pegs of my tent, I shared small talks with Rain over a cigarette who was also up to take a pee.
It was nearly 10 degrees cold probably with wind factor, 7 degrees. These however are mere presumptions as I never had a thermometer but typically, the temperature drops down around midnight. My gloves were a lifesaver. I wore them even while sleeping for comfort.
The Book of Aggression: Chapter III of III
Aggression, the Death Knight
You snap to! You realize you were dreaming yet awake! Where did that story come from? You open your eyes to see the being before you speaking to you. He coldly continues…
“When all the societies were reborn the spirit of Aggression had coalesced into a sentient being. It scoured the world for a host, a body. It came across a young squire who was well versed in the good ways of the knighthood. His mind was pure, body was ripe and the spirit of aggression took this form for his own. From that time on he was known as Aggression the Death Knight.
“Through the thirteen or so decades that he existed in this form he turned the brotherhood of death knights into something it had never been, a revered entity. His kights sinister honor drove him on endlessly. It gave fruit to his epic quests of daring, quests of skill, and quests for knowledge.
Aggression concludes, I came forth from the nothingness in the form of a human male. I am driven from within and from without. I make my own paths, and heed little of society since it is fleeting. Paths taken cannot be untaken. Those who tell you not to take chances, they are all missing on what life is about. You only live once so take hold of the chalice and drink up of this life before it runs you out.
.. . ..
Previous Chapters:
The Book of Aggression: Chapter I
The Book of Aggression: Chapter II
The Book of Aggression: Chapter II of III
Aggression the Death Knight
After taking a breath to gather yourself you look back at him, he’s no longer looking at you. He is humanoid. And dressed for battle. He moves quickly, decisively. You think you hear screaming, a terrible screaming. As if one, no, many, are screaming out for something. But it’s worse than that, what are the screamers screaming for…
There is an aura about him that you did not initally notice. Is it red? Is it black? Is it power? Is it death? Or is it just your imagination? You ponder this for a moment, then realize he’s looking through you again!
This gaze isn’t as intimidating as the other. What he’s doing you soon realize. He’s studying you. But none you’ve met before have gaze so. Is this real? What does he want to know? Did he just nod?!? Your eyes meet his …
“In a time long ago, this world, the world of the raven was a flourishing land. There were great cities and secret keeps. The cities were bustling with the activity of many citizens. Young, old, naive, and wize people traversed the land. Humans were the only beings posessing the ability to speak. For a time…
First came rumors, then 2nd hand testimonials, and finally it came to be realized that other beings could speak! These beings wanted into the societies of this world. At first they tried, but there were problems. These ill-begotten beings brought with them an epidemic worse than life itself. Unbeknownst to all, they were destroying the world. Then, one day, the sun didn’t rise, yet the night had ended.
Nothing. That’s what was left, nothing. No city bustle, no secret plotting, nothing. Every single being was gone. Then, after countless unobserved eons, the sun rose. Speaking people woke. They ventured into cities, learned of commerce. They ventured into the wild, learned of nature. They heard rumors and searched to see if they had any basis. It was in this time when a being emerged. A being that was old yet new. A being that was young, yet had much experience. The being knew of it’s nature, for it has always existed.
It was Aggression.
.. . ..
Other Chapters:
The Book of Aggression: Chapter I
The Book of Aggression: Chapter III
The Book of Aggression: Chapter I of III
Before the sun was given her path, before the moon was set to motion, before time received her wings, before rain fell, before blood flowed, before lands were wrought, before stars shown, the seed of aggression was planted in the world. Aggression plays a role in everything known and unknown. The seed that is his seed has affected everything, everywhere, everywhen.
As you look at this being, you are disturbed to the core. What is he? Where does he come from? What roads does it take? Are there others? Is he alive? Dead? Is he Death? or his disciple? You imagine that this being may be above the topics of these thoughts. While you ponder these questions, you realize the being before you is staring right back at you, through you even. You close your eyes and are taken aback. What was that?, you ask yourself. You think it resembled a man, a human man vaguely. The thought sends chills throughout you. But such a thing can’t be man, can it?,” you ask yourself in disbelief knowing the answer before you asked the question.
You think about the instant he was gazing at you, through you. What did he see? What did you reveal? What does he want? Does he intend harm to you? Direct? Indirect? What type of powers does he have? His terribleness breaks your train of thought for a moment. Yes. rings in your mind but for a moment. Did you really hear that? You didn’t think it, then who did…
Your eyes fly open and land on him. He’s still stareing through you. Did he say that? Did he make you think it? By the gods! You look him in the eyes, you think, but at that instant everything goes dark yet you see. You see the elements. You see chaos, anarchy, desire, kings, lands, fire and water. As soon as that thought fades you hear a deep, sinister laugh. It mocks you to the core. You turn away and the laughing stops.
Did you really hear it?
.. . ..
Upcoming Chapters:
The Book of Aggression: Chapter II
The Book of Aggression: Chapter III
My Mt. Kanlaon Climb
Aerial View of Mt. Kanlaon
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7108/7038550515_c1d4110be2_o.jpg
Alot has put into writing about Kanlaon, most of which aptly describes as how the Mountain Volcano presents itself to the mountaineer. Mine was that of good weather, spectacular views and a relatively easy climb in spite of the usual bruises, cuts and thankfully, only a minor sprain on my ankle.
I didn’t expect the climb as it turned out. The best season for climbing usually ranges within the first 2 quarters of the year, after which the rainy season takes over. A November climb was taking a risk in all aspects. But the event was hard to pass on and I was hungry for my first major climb.
Early on I mentally prepared myself that this was nothing less than a grueling test of my capacity within an unforgiving mountain. Most of my training climbs ranged within 5-6 hours total of trek time. Our itinerary listed 8 hours considering good weather. A base camp in Mount Kanlaon was enough for me should it rain.
Day 1
12:00AM I was supposed to leave from work early but our meeting dragged on until midnight. Regrettably I had barely 2 hours of sleep as most of the day was spent finalizing my gear and last buys. Best decision of the day was to pack early on.
02:00AM South Bus Terminal. We had a few rounds of beer while waiting for them latecomers. I didn’t mind at all. Between the casual talks and rounds of beer, I tried hard to manage some rest.
03:30AM Departure from South Bus Terminal bound for Toledo City. I was sweating with my cotton shirt and wished I was on my dri-fits. The bus was packed with no stretch room for my legs and headrest. Tough. While I’m not one who’s usually late on boarding vans, buses and ships – experience has taught me to be prompt as it’s either everything or nothing, I bought some food along the way and paid the price. Not the best bus ride ever.
Toledo City
05:30AM Arrival at Toledo Terminal. Thankfully this wasn’t a prelude of how things were for the entire climb. My pack fell hard from the motorcycle and I watched from afar as it skidded through the rough pavement. My rain cover took a tear in the lower side which got worse throughout the entire climb. Thankfully though, nothing else was damaged.
06:50AM Departure for San Carlos City. I managed some good rest thanks to the air conditioning and run-down comfortable seats.
San Carlos City
We arrived at San Carlos City about 2 hours (or was it an hour?) afterwards. Had quick breakfast and last-minute buys since Rain and I were in-charge of dinner for later. Added load on my pack were the uncooked rice and pork.
On our way to the terminal, bound for San Carlos City, we made another stop at Gaisano San Carlos. I rushed to buy some arm warmers and knee support. Yet another good decision come day 3.
From the Terminal, we chartered a jeepney bound for Maput, our jump-off point. Approximately around 2 hours of travel time. Realizing that we were getting nearer, I dozed as much as I could, ignoring the scenery. I thought of nothing else but to get some rest.
Start of the Trek
11:00AM Start of the trek and was wearisome. The heat and the open trail was energy draining save for the cold weather and shaded stops. As I’ve noticed from my training treks, it takes me around 45 minutes to an hour for my body to warm up thus the straight up ascent was tedious.
We decided to camp at the 2nd to the last water-source before Makawiwili peak, which was still roughly 5 hours away. This was at around 1:30 in the afternoon as some mountaineers has already gone ahead of us. This meant no sufficient camp ground for everyone.
We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening with socials. I didn’t mind as I needed to test drive my Luxe Speedup with 2 persons. With good weather, we could setup everything without a problem save that we would have no inner mesh.
Rain didn’t bring the ground sheet so we had Lyndi’s rain cover which is convertible, as our groundsheet. We added our earth pad and sleeping bag as ground layering. Good sleep was key.
09:00PM Lights out for everyone. Tomorrow was a big day.
Continue reading part 2 here, Through the Mt Kanlaon Trails