This is it, we said, after the last stop.
We were wrong though. Apparently, the last stop was just sort of the beginning of another segment of the journey. Continue reading
The Crater (Mt. Pinatubo, Zambales Part 3)
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The Trail (Mt. Pinatubo, Zambales Part 2)
More than the beginning and the end, for me, what’s most important is what happens in between.
And this is what happened in between. We get down our 4×4 truck after that bumpy ride, and the beginning of the trail greeted us with a warm reminder to watch our steps.
This is what I wore: comfy shorts, a white top, slippers, and bikini underneath (because we plan to swim). I brought a jacket because the breeze was cold early in the morning, and extra slippers – which was proven to be useful later on.
The beginning of the path was an easy walk. Continue reading
The Beginning of a Journey (Mt. Pinatubo, Zambales Part 1)
They say there are two types of travellers – those who travel for the journey and those who do so for the destination. Although I may be a little bit of both, I’d say I’m a journey person more than anything.
The visit to Mt. Pinatubo was my first official trek ever (I went up Taal last week, but I realized that was nothing compared to real hiking). Our itinerary said it was going to be a 30-45 minute walk towards the crater, but when briefing came, we found out that what they call the “Skyway route” no longer exists. Apparently, the route has been destroyed by the ever-popular typhoon Ondoy back in September 2009. Here’s our Trail AdvenTours itinerary:
- x1x1
- 0300am Registration at Mcdonalds, El Pueblo, Ortigas.
- 0330am Departure from Manila to Capas, Tarlac via NLEX.
- 0430am Stopover at NLEX after Malolos Exit (You may eat breakfast here or buy your packed lunch for the trek).
- 0630am ETA jumpoff point. Board 4×4 vehicles. Adventure begins!
- 0800am End of 4×4 ride. Start trekking.
- 0930am ETA at the crater of Mt. Pinatubo (with adjustments).
- 1200pm Head back by foot then by 4×4 to jumpoff. Option to have spa/massage at Pinatubo Spa Town.
- 0430pm ETD to Manila.
- TREKKING ROUTE: We will be using the Skyway route (30-45 mins walk) unless not passable (which happens if there is too much rain on the previous day. We ask all participants to be prepared for the eventuality of the longer route).
The thought of a longer journey actually got me a bit more excited. The route is about 10km and is a 2-3 hour hike. I’ve seen photos of the crater; I know for a fact that it’s magnificent, but I know there is so much more to this trip than that.
We got to Capas, Tarlac right before sunrise. We went on board the 4×4. It’s a 1-hour long ride before the trek.
These things seat 5. So in our red truck was me, master hiker Joie, sister Nica.
Taal Cam-whoring (Taal, Batangas Part 2)
Warning: contains me and my family and lots of touristy photos
We actually went up Taal because my cousin Joie (in brown shirt) is an avid hiker in Portland. This is baby stuff for her, so I’m looking for a level 2 place to go to this weekend. Open for suggestions!
It also happens that I love talking to strangers, so we met a few people. Continue reading
