 |
| Last therapy session at Tokyo Healthlink Makati |
This was a bet I made with myself when I joined the Mt Damas climb. It was the first climb I did after finishing my almost 2 months of therapy. I was hopeful for the result of the therapy but was not expecting much since my knees hurt even from daily activities like walking and sitting in the office. It was a time when I couldn't tell myself honestly that everything will be fine - and I can still aim for the summits.
I read about how Mt Damas is a small but terrible mountain. At only 685+ MASL, it was considered a major climb, with a 6/9 difficulty level, and around 10hrs of trek with various trail categories.
Feelings
I was anxious. I didn't know if I wanted my knees to hurt or not. But I did not want to test myself carelessly in an uncontrolled environment such as a mountain - it's dangerous for me and the group, and disrespectful to the mountain itself. Hence, I made sure to prepare as best as I can.
It was still dark when I opened my eyes. But the light was taking over as we moved. It was a good morning :) The light takes over every morning, is that not enough reason to say that the world is perfect?
Trek Proper
The trail started of as a wide plain, and then there was 2 hrs of river trekking with few rock climbing. Afterwards was a continuous 1-2 hours of pure assault and sharp cogon grasses to the summit.
 |
| Wide Trail |
 |
| River trekking |
 |
| Roped segment |
I got blisters on my feet soon after starting the trek. Afterwards I got several cuts on my hand and arms from the cogon grasses. Nearing the summit, I felt bruises on my shoulder from the pack that I was carrying. And although my knees don't hurt yet, I feel its clicking already.
"Am I losing the bet?" I thought.
For a moment, I was actually scared to lose the bet to myself. It was a sudden realization of what I wanted to accomplish at that moment.
But I still haven't lost The Bet...
I requested for a quick stop to change into my rubber shoes to relieve the pain from the blisters. I rolled up my arm sleeves to protect myself from cuts. I fixed my knee support. I gulped some water, and breathed out, "I'm still in the bet."
I was now more careful with my steps. I tried to distribute the weight of my body correctly. I used my upper body whenever possible. This is perhaps the most mindful I've been ever since I started hiking.
The summit was within sight, so I calmed my mind to avoid unnecessary fatigue from stress.
Summit and Ubod Falls
We passed by Cardiac Trail to and from the summit, but to be honest I do not remember which part is it, since I feel most part of the trail made my heart pumped fast anyway. Not that I'm complaining - I like that feeling of being so alive anyway :D
We took some photos in the summit, and headed down to a place with shade to have lunch. I was so hungry that I did not enjoy the summit at all.
 |
| Sab in the summit, Oye! |
 |
| View from the summit |
 |
| Tree (Reminds me of the tree on Tarak Ridge Summit) |
After having lunch, we headed to Ubod Falls. The trail from here was mostly river trekking and bits of rock climbing. I had mini heart attacks whenever I slipped because I didn't want to jump forcefully and cause any strain on my lower body.
I'm still in the bet after all.
Ubod Falls is breathtaking. I remember gasping when I saw it. I was sooo amazed. I hear the rushing water from the top, and chill from the cold breeze it produced. All my senses awoken at that time.
It was beautiful.
 |
| Ubod Falls |
 |
| Group shot! |
Expenses
Bus from Victory Liner Cubao to Tarlac and vice versa - P404
Tryk from Camiling to Papaac - P30/head
Tryk from Papaac to Camiling - P50/head (more expensive at night)
Guide fee - P500 / 5 headcount
Registration fee - P20
Hiking Notes
Wear thin arm sleeves during summer to protect yourself from sharp cogon grasses and not feel too hot. Also wear open finger gloves, pants/leggings, and thick socks if you're like me who gets wounded easily
Bring headlamp if there's a possibility of your team getting delayed with the trek.
Always be extra careful and guarded - it's very easy to slip and be seriously injured during river trekking.
Epilogue
Of course I won the bet :)
I'm not the betting kind, but I guess I'll bet on myself anytime.
 |
| (c) Miguel |
No comments:
Post a Comment
Ooops, watch out for the captcha!