NO OTHER WAY BUT UP: THE UGO EXPERIENCE 2/3

STRONG WINDS

Battered by strong winds, the tents stood their ground

From the time we reached the campsite, we were already battered with super strong winds. The tents were difficult to assemble because we could not stabilize it. There should be two or three persons erecting the tent. From inside the tents, we tried to sleep the night away. Waking up more often in the night and at dawn, the wind did not stop but it made the clouds disappear. Just days after the full moon, I got to witness the beautiful lunar brightness that enlightened the whole campsite. I went out of the tent and there was the roar of the mighty wind but the tents stood silently. Everyone was fast asleep. I made my way through the bushes and relieved myself from the burden.

BREAKFAST ABOVE 2K MASL

All smiles as the ladies had their first meal at the campsite

Wake up call was around 630am. I rounded everyone up to see if they are alright. Thank God, everyone was ready for another day. We started unpacking our provisions, looking for a place to assemble our stoves and we prepared our breakfast. Some of us are busy trying to answer the call of nature. The chill was around 14degrees C. I was busy looking for small parts of logs that we may use as benches. I collected broken branches to cover our cooking area from the wind. Hot water was shared and coffee aroma filled the air. We then prepared the tarp and the ground sheet for our meals. Pegs were collected to stabilize our small mess hall and we also stabilized our tents. Breakfast is ready. We hopped in, recited our grace before meal and we feasted on the variety of food that we have prepared. We talked about the experience yesterday and how we survived the climb and the weather.

ALONE AT THE CAMPSITE

By 10am, the group that came ahead of us, broke camp and hiked towards the summit and towards their traverse course to Mt. Pulag. Only then, the group was left alone at the campsite. We took the liberty to make the whole campsite our own. We took pictures and selfies and chanced upon the clear skies that we saw the surrounding view. Everyone enjoyed the breathtaking view. Jump shot, climb shot, low shot, high shot, selfie shot, dangerous shot, and all kinds of shots were executed.

INTRUDERS

Checking up on the visitors

Not for long, cows started to arrive at the campsite. We were warned by the guide and porters to secure our wet clothing because cows usually nibble on them like food because they like the salty content of the human sweat in the clothing. They also will rummage into our food supply. So, we were shooing them away with just about anything we can pick from the ground. Unfortunately, we could not find stones so we use their own dried wastes to hit back on them. But in vain, they come around and we could not let them leave us. We just tried to keep them away from the tents and from the mess hall. I guess we are in their habitation. We are the intruders.

THANKSGIVING MASS

Celebrating the Holy Eucharist at 2,000MASL

At around 1130hrs when we were all tired from all the picture ops, we rested and we thanked the Lord for the strength to bear all the hardships and for the wonderful creation that he has kept from those who are not brave enough to climb the heights. Under our makeshift mess hall, we prepared for the Holy Eucharist. The Saturday before the first Sunday of Advent we were encouraged to prepare for the coming of the Lord. We partake in the holy communion and we spent moments of silence for our personal intentions. It was wonderful to celebrate the Lord’s mysteries on top of the mountain that we can call heaven on earth.

LUNCH TIME

Still the rice was half-cooked. Who cares, we are hungry.

After the Misa is Lamesa. We are now busy with preparing the lunch. I made sure that everyone is involved in food preparation by assigning two climbers for each meal but unfortunately, the notes were left in the van. So, everyone just helped in every way they could. I can see that they really like the setup. It’s reminiscent of the bahay-bahayan that as children we usually play. Some are washing the dishes, some are cooking, some are preparing the drinks, while some are taking pictures. Documentation is also necessary. Food was ready in a matter of an hour and we squatted back again in our mess hall to enjoy share the food. But as of lunch time, our cooks found it hard to cook the rice well. They always end up with half-cooked rice.

ASSAULT TOWARDS THE SUMMIT

As we near the summit

The plan was to go by batch since we could not leave the campsite with cows roaming around ready to eat our provisions. Good thing that after lunch, a group of mountaineers arrived and started to camp. Our porters also came with them with a 20-liter potable water brought from the nearest water source. We paid P300 for the service.

So that we can all go climb together the summit, I requested one of their leaders of the other group to look after our campsite and our provisions from the cows. Thus, at 1500hrs, we commenced our assault to the summit. The summit is just a 15-30min trek from the campsite. The weather started to be windy and foggy again and we don’t have any vision of what lies beneath us and what lies ahead. After a breath-catching hike, we arrived as what appeared to be the summit. But no! I was looking for the marker. There was none. We tried to look for it but we could not find anything. Are we on top???

What's left as the summit marker. We made it to the top!

Almost frustrated in looking for the marker, I called barangay Tinongdan. It was then brought to our attention that the summit marker was stolen by bandits. Oh, poor thing. Oh, what a pity. We wouldn’t have any photographical evidence of our reaching the summit. But anyway, we found a piece of marker at the summit, a piece of concrete marker with “PROVINCE” engraved on it. We touched it with our fingers and then took our picture with it. Then we commenced the partying on top of Mt. Ugo but we never forgot to pray for the success of the climb and pray also for the souls of those who perished from the Philippine Airlines crash victims.

Wacky!

Summit pose

DINNER PREPARATION

"What do we have for dinner girls? Half-cooked rice again?"

After an hour on the summit, we commenced our descent to the campsite. When we reached the place, we were astonished by the multitude of mountaineers who arrived. There were already tents sprouting around. We got to meet other climbers, greet them and welcome them.

Fire dance and fire pose

For fear that the same wind will batter us this evening; we started to prepare our meals earlier. We prepared also our breakfast and lunch for the following day since our wake up call time is at 0500hrs and our ETD is at 0700hrs. Hence, we won’t have much time to cook for our meals during the descent. I started to collect firewood so that I can start with a little campfire always being cautious that a large fire might cause forest fire because of the wind. While they were busy cooking, I was lighting already the campfire.

Bad news again: Rice was half-cooked. So, we need to fry it after cooking so that we can still eat it. Breakfast was ready as well as lunch for tomorrow. We secured it inside the sack. Dinner was ready and as the night started to descend, we were already taking our dinner. The campfire burned steadily and it helped us warm ourselves. It started to get colder and colder by the hour. Good thing that the wind was not so strong. We spent longer times outside of our tent. The cooks were busy frying the half-cooked rice while we were waiting for the others so that we can continue with our socials. But when, they were already suffering from the cold, one by one, crawled back into their tents and dozed off. We were not able to pursue with our socials this evening.

Alas! Gotcha Moony-moony!

IN PURSUIT OF THE MOON

As we went deeper into the night, other group of mountaineers busied themselves with their socials over a glass of wine. This will help warm the human body but I read somewhere that this is not and advisable practice. We don’t have that provision. We only have the fire to warm our bodies.

We were watching in patience when the moon will show itself again so that we can take pictures. The longer we waited; the dimmer was our chances to see the moon. It showed just for a few seconds then it is covered by the clouds. We really did not have a good chance. When it started to drizzle, we called it a night and we took off inside our tents. Oh, moon, we know you are there just above the skies. If you are shy, then we will sleep.

SCAVENGER

We were awakened in our deep sleep when one of our mountaineers called to us. She said that there is a dog rummaging around our provision. What came to mind was the breakfast and lunch that we are going to take with us today. I was really alarmed. When I peeked from the tent, I saw a black…puppy. It was not even a dog yet. I run the light of my penlight and saw that only the trash bag was disturbed. Our sack of provision was still untouched. Good thing that we were spared. 

... TO BE CONTINUED.

NO OTHER WAY BUT UP: THE UGO EXPERIENCE 1/3

The signature pose of the mountaineers at the summit

More than often, we think that there is an existing shortcut in mountain climbing. Unfortunately, it does not exist. If we want to reach the summit, there's no other way but up.

After various encounters with different summits around the world, I feel a deeper call - the feeling that the mountain is calling me. This is the reason why on the fateful day of the 27th of November, I once again ventured to discover the beauty of Mt. Ugo. The preparation was six (6) months and just like other preparations, you don't prepare until the last month. So, here I am working my heart out so I can endure the climb and the cold weather.

The HMU has organized a 3D2N expedition to conquer the 2,150MASL Mt. Ugo in Benguet. The mountain became famous after a Philippine Airlines crashed on its slopes in the 80's.

Ugo is associated with the headhunting activity of the tribes back then. After calling officers from DENR and from the Barangay Hall of Tinongdan, I come up with an initial itinerary. I planned to jumpstart at Kayapa Nueva Vizcaya and back. Then another trail came, that of Itogon and back. Finally, I decided to pursue what most climbers traversed - Kayapa-Itogon Trail.

I sent invitations to fellow mountaineers and friends and I was overwhelmed by the surge of positive responses.

UPS AND DOWNS

Come September. The pledges to join suddenly come dwindling down. The thirty (30) plus willing souls for the expedition was down to half. Then a month before the scheduled climb, we lost another five (5) mountainers.

I settled for ten climbers and thought it is not bad. I continued the organization trying to fuse groups from 5 units down to a single group. Then just two (2) weeks before the climb, I lost another three (3). We were only seven (7).

Good thing, a couple of days before the expedition, I was able to pull one to join with us with a promise that she will never regret joining the climb.

THE GATHERING

The excitement has increased when each climber met each other, some, for the first time, while others reunited. At the Hypermarket in SM Sucat we started to fill our shopping cart with food provisions that will sustain us through the journey.

We drove towards the airport to fetch another three (climbers), the Tres Marias. We were graced to have with us Mondot, who voluntarily drove us to our destination. We were hours late of our planned itinerary because of the delays of the flights.

Cruising along the NLEX, SCTEX and TPLEX, everyone tried to doze off for a final rest before the ascent. Stopping from time to time at different stations helped us replenish the hunger and thirst from a long journey. At the break of day, we were already driving along the Aritao-Kayapa highway. All were already awake...and confused why our van kept on going around. It was the fault of the GPS as the ones in front claimed...or was it...

Each climber became instant friends. Each assured their companions that the climb will be memorable and fruitful. This is how our gathering took place.

THE ARRIVAL

After going round and round, we finally arrived

We were almost there. Then we were there. Then we are here. That was how we called our arrival because we drove past our jump off point and we have to drive back to that point. KAYAPA PUBLIC MARKET says the big sign in front of the police station. We arrived at Kayapa past seven (7) in the morning. We were two (2) hours late.

Keep us safe, O Lord, we pray

We thought that we were the only group who will ascend but there was another group of around twenty (20) young climbers. After we discussed with our guide and porters, we took our breakfast and a short rest. At the start of our journey we begged the Lord of Creation to bring us safely to our destination and to protect us in our way.

So far, we started out well. Though we went around in circles looking for the jump off area, all were excited to start the climb.

THE ASSAULT

Along a cemented path we commenced our trek

At 8am, the group started the journey. We were welcomed with a steady climb up a cemented path passing by houses of the locals and children greeting us with their smiles and waves. One of the climbers being exposed immediately to a sudden assault got sick and only at the first waiting shed that she recovered. As soon as we ascended the hills, we were overtaken by the other group. They were fast climbers and enthusiasts apparently. We were passing by villages with gentle slopes by bushes, guava trees and green grass. The more we ascended, the better we see the mountains rising in the background. There, we saw the provincial road we traversed before arriving at the market. The eight (8) climbers were divided into three groups. Three fast climbers were with the guide. Another three were in the middle and two were at the end.

PICTURE PERFECT

The view after two hours of trek

At 1020hrs, the group reached a plateau-like grassland where we rested and enjoyed the view. A number of pictures and selfies were taken not counting the jumpshots made. After two hours of long trek we savored the view and the cool wind coming from the mountain. Some members of the other groups were left behind and we overtook them on the way. We had some short chit-chats with them as we move along the way. We have coordinated with the porters that we will meet them at the shortcut. We decided to take the shorter way missing the Domolpos village and straight to the water source since we are running out of drinking water. We were catching our breath every ascent but as we moved forward, we were able to sync our breathing with our steps that made our climb much comfortable. The sun was up but the trees and the pines gave a much needed shed. The weather changed drastically. There was a strong wind and fog quickly covered our path. We could not see farther than 50meters. Still, it was picture perfect.

LUNCH

Picnic at km.12

At 1240hrs, we arrived at the Indupit lunch break place approximately 12kms from the summit. After almost 5hours of ascending the mountain we were shocked to find a van passing right in front of us. We were all screaming inside..."How on earth that we were made to bear the pain and sweat in conquering the slopes when we can just rent this van to reach this height?" "This is unfair" "Oh, how I love to deflate the tires so that all of us will walk!" But then, we might defeat our purpose if we will just take the van. It was drizzling and our food was already cold. We need not cook anything yet since we still have our provisions. We laid the ground sheet and we had a picnic-like lunch. As we sat to take our lunch, dogs and chicken alike surrounded us. They showed us their hospitality and they patiently waited for our leftovers. Three dogs performed a synchronized dance number much to our amazement. A much needed 30-minute rest was all we ever need. After refilling and power-napping, we took off under heavy fog.

Dense fog highlights our trek after lunch

ROAD

The next nine (9) kilometers were just an idle walk, a hike. We were following a road carved out of the mountain slope maybe for a future farm-to-market road. It was totally rough and could be muddy when it rains. Loose stones and rock were all over the place and the wind is slowly bearing down on us. From a moment the sun shows up then a cloud covers it and a strong wind pushes it past our slope. We gradually traversed the never ending road from one kilometer marker to the other.

Wide road ahead

We then started to ask questions if these markers were really precise since a not so distant 500meters seems like forever. We walked and walked and walked and walked. Then from afar, we saw this huge mountain with its summit covered with fog. There I knew that it was Mt. Ugo. But wait, the marker says that it's seven (7) kilometers to the summit. Are you kidding me? That mountain seems like twenty (20) kilometers or more. We started to doubt that these markers were erected to boost the morale of the mountaineers. he he he.

BAD NEWS

After reaching another waiting shed, we were astounded with the view. Clouds were away and the sun at its afternoon rays gave so much impression that was surreal.

We posed and took pictures and selfies again and we were told to hurry up because at our pacing, we will reach the summit at 1900hrs. What? It's the middle of day and we only have 7kms more to go and you say we reach in the evening. We really thought that it was a joke.

The view from above

ROCK POINT

As we continued our walk in the park, we could see from afar this large boulder rock. On the way were cows grazing the grass on the slopes. This is one of the features of this trail. There are lots of them and lots of cakes along the way. You know what I mean. One of the climbers has Bovinophobia or the fear of Cattles and Cows that is why we pick on her when there are cows lying around.

Not the rock point but there is a big rock anyway

This is our way of letting the one with phobia overcome it. As soon as we reached the Rock Point, we were diverted to another road since the guide would not advice lady climbers to risk falling down the ravine because of loose soil. I wanted to take the risk because

it is actually nearer than the suggested pathway. Prudence dictates. Take the safest way. This was the only way and the way was going down the mountain. Ironically, to reach the top now was to descend some hundred meters. huhuhuhu. We stopped by to take our last refill of water since at the top, there's no watersource.

The porters were carrying extra weights now - our food and water.

3KMS TO FOREVER

"May forever talaga...ito yun."

At 1732hrs, the three (3) kilometers to summit marker stood proudly as it encourages the climbers that the end is near. This was the farthest three kilometers in my whole life. If I can run three kilometers for 30 minutes, it took me more than two (2) hours to attack the 45degree final assault to the campsite.

It was already getting darker and darker as we climbed gradually. We can already see our fellow mountaineers up the top. The wind is picking up so fast and the Devil's fork kinda scared us to our death. The path was grassy but the fall at the other side was nauseating. We focused our attention only at the other side of the trail since we don't want to fall down. The sun was out, the wind was so strong, the fog covered the path and flashlights seemed like fireflies from afar. Another group showed up from behind us. Like us, they were all separated from their group. Speed climbers ahead, while slow climbers were way behind them. I can see them from my standpoint. The Bovinophobic climber was exhausted and I have to take her back pack. It was totally dark and I only got my flashlight to guide our way. Walking up 45degrees in the dark with loose stones in your path is not as easy as it seems. A single misstep will send you rolling down the hill like Jack and Jill. All we can ever see were the stars and the lone tree standing at the top of the mountain. It was a deceiver. When we reached the tree, it was not over yet. There's another path towards another tree. This really is forever.

The notorious devil's fork

THE CAMPSITE

When we finally reached the campsite there was chaos. The wind was so strong that we could barely erect our tents. Our companions were short of getting hypothermia because of the cold and we don't have our provisions ready yet. At this moment, I realized that in surviving, food does not matter anymore. What you need is a shelter. We erected our tents against the wind. When we were inside our tents we stabilized our belongings so that they will not be carried away by the wind, then all fell silent. Nobody cared to boil water or to prepare dinner. All went to sleep exhausted. We changed and we all went to sleep. All tents were not even erected yet; we all just cramped inside the tents and vanished in our dreams. But even in our dreams we were haunted by the long journey. Others claimed that even in their dreams they were still climbing and falling down the steep mountain.

Let's call it a day folks...no dinner, just complete rest.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Mountain Climbing 101 #1

Sunrise in Mt. Pulag

After having traversed a number of mountains locally and internationally, I may now be entitled to speak about the basics of mountain climbing. I am writing this article for amateur climbers and perhaps also for the enthusiasts who might have missed some important details in making the climb more meaningful and exciting.
For me, mountains are special meeting places of God and man. From the days of old, God summons His patriarchs and prophets alike to speak with Him on top of the mountain. Our Lord Jesus Christ spoke with His Father in prayer and the encounter occurs on mountain tops. Somehow, every climb and every successful attempt to reach the summit, calls me to a deeper communion with the Creator God.
I believe that the spirituality of divine encounter can be achieved at every attempt to reach the top. An outdoor adventure now becomes a religious experience. Every step of the way towards the peak is a gradual discovery of the marvels of God's love and intervention in our lives.
Here are the basics:

1. PLANNING
This involves a careful selection of sites, the date and days of climb, the difficulty of the climb, the members who will join the expedition, the possible weather condition, logistics and the budget. There should be at least three (3) plans if one or the other fails. Never attempt to climb without any prior plans! We had one experience of this when we scaled Mt. Kanlaon. We don't have any information whatsoever. What we saw was the mountain and we decided to climb it. We just packed and left spontaneously. Yes, we successfully reached the top but the following days, we could barely walk. This brings me to the next prerequisite.

2. PHYSICAL FITNESS
I call it conditioning. This involves rigorous exercise for at least a month before any major climb. One can do jogging, workouts, stair climbing and acclimatization. Let us be reminded that there are no hospitals up there or maybe there's no turning back. Under extreme conditions one must always be physically fit. Many climbers discovered their interest after the first climb because they have prepared themselves physically. A number also promised not to climb again because they have not prepared themselves. Every step of the way became a struggle and a regret.

3. EQUIPMENTS
What discourages one to get involve in mountain climbing is the lack or the absence of right equipment. I would rather say, not so. Once, I climbed with complete gears. I tell you, it was a burden. I am not encouraging complete equipment other than when you are climbing by yourself. In group expeditions, know that the basic equipments are being distributed to all the climbers. This is the beauty of group climbing because there is no room for to-each-his-own, almost everything can be shared and there is always room for everyone. What is important is your personal hygiene kit, dry clothes, sleeping bag, fleece or jacket, trekking shoes, water container. That's all there is to it. Don't tell me you don't have them.

4. PRAY
You are going to climb the mountain of the Lord. Always start the ascent with a prayer, reach the summit with a prayer and end the expedition with a prayer. Expect that there are possible dangers in this kind of activity. It pays to ask for guidance and protection.

5. SET YOUR GOAL
Ain't our goal reaching the summit? Yes, of course! But set your individual goal i.e., before reaching the top I should have already befriended every climber in the expedition; I could have at least noted 10

various flora and fauna specific to the place; I will push myself beyond my limit and prove to myself that I can overcome any difficulties; I will offer this climb to ....; I should have prayed all the mysteries of the rosary; and so much more. Yes, we want to reach the top but if we have proven to ourselves that we can do more than that, how meaningful your climb would be.

6. WATCH YOUR STEP
Literally, watch your step. I have proven this many times. When you watch

where you are stepping, you will have a greater stamina to ascend continuously without catching your breath. When you set your eyes on the never-ending slope above you, you will tire easily and you tend to halt more often than not. Perhaps, this is psychological.

7. FIRST TEN MINUTES
The first 10 minutes of a 45degree assault is the most difficult climb. Don't you worry. It's normal. Our body has not adapted yet to the terrain and the intensity of the physical activity. Once our muscles get the hang of it, then the rest of the climb is just going to be a piece-of-cake.

8. GET A PORTER
There's a price to convenience. We call that PORTER. One can hire them before every major climb. They are usually locals who benefit from the job of carrying your back packs and equipments for you. Now, you can conveniently walk-in-the-park the whole course of the expedition.

9. KEEP DRY AND WARM
In extremely low temperature during the night and on top of the summit, your mortal enemy is being wet. Not to mention that weather is very unpredictable in the mountains. When it rains, it pours. When you get wet, you can easily suffer from hypothermia. Make sure you have thermals, water-proofing capabilities, hot drinks, and zip locks.

10. RESPECT
Respect Nature, Respect the Locals and Respect each climber. This means that we avoid obstructing the normal course of nature by keeping our trash, not uprooting the vegetation, not disturbing the locals, being courteous to the locals, and most of all respecting the personal space and the much needed rest of your fellow climbers. In this moment of expedition, you (group) are the world. Your behavior and attitude greatly reflects the way you deal with the world. Make this moment a re-learning experience.