Hello, Hive!
It's October, finally. A month of reborn and of shedding the old. The very month that gave us e.e cummings and John Keats, but also took Edgar Allan Poe away. A month for celebrating coffee and baking chai cookies (iykyk). A month of reminisces
What does October means to you?
Although we do not have an actual Autumn season here in the Philippines, the spirit of Fall lingers. Malls and stores are decorated with shades of orange. Surprisingly, the weather has been pleasant in Cebu too despite the ongoing rainy season. We've had golden sunrises and sunsets in the past few days and I only wish I could have witnessed them from the mountain instead of my office window.
You see, I've been thinking a lot about mountains lately since I have an event this weekend which @danahnatalie and @katiemeow will be coming along. It's a special one for me since I'll be returning to the mountain that started all my major climbs — Mt. Aminduen. But before I blog about it, let me walk you back to my first encounter with this mighty mountain in Leyte.
Where it all began
This climb was a merge of three different groups of Cebuano hikers. The first group was led by our default organizer Shiela. I along with @kev.incredible , Jovy, Idol Raymund, Ate Sherlyn and Paul were present from what used to be Team Bang. The second group was led by Phil of Laag Bisaya who came with Chiarra, Rell, Ate Loche and Hardi. The third group was an assembly random people whom we fondly called "nomads" — James, An Jurvel, Shandy and Shikienah. These strangers have now turned into one of our closest friends. All 16 hikers headed to Ormoc geared with excitement for their first major climb.
After a quick breakfast and last-minute shopping for our trail and camping essentials, we set out on an hour-long drive to Brgy. Cabintan where we met our guides, Kuya Oheng, Kuya Danny, and Efren. Also joining the fun were two hikers from Leyte, Dave and Ryan. There, we had a brief orientation and made our final preparation for the moment of truth.
My first glimpse of Lake Janagdan
The first stop in our weekend itinerary is Lake Janagdan. Lake Janagdan stands at 1120 MASL, completing the Ormoc lake trilogy which includes Lake Danao (700 MASL) and Lake Kasudsuran (820 MASL). From the barangay hall, we hiked our way to the top against the roots, rocks, loose and slippery paths for almost three hours. Looking back, I was really worried that time thinking that I might not be fast enough and drag the whole group during the climb. Thankfully, I had my youthful zeal then so I managed.
The sweat and exhaustion were all worth it when we reached the crest for before our eyes rests the still water occupying the caldera of the dormant volcano, Mt. Janagdan.
We headed down the makeshift stairs to get a closer look of the lake, and also take out first full rest. It was a picture-perfect scene. The sun was up with its light making the waters glimmer, the sky was blue, and the only thing you can hear is the duet of the singing birds and the rustling leaves. Phil and Hardi also borrowed a kayak and paddled their way across the lake to get some fresh water. The rest of us content ourselves with just appreciating nature's beauty.
After a few minutes of break, we continued the hike to the campsite. But halfway through our descent from the lake, it suddenly rained. Mother Nature must have known we needed a quick bath because when we reached the junction between Lake Janagdan, Alto Peak, and Sulfatara, the rain stopped.
We proceeded with the hike until we finally reached the campsite and pitched out tents. Some of us made some outdoor clothesline to hang our wet stuff, while others started preparing the dinner.
The "monkey trail" of Mt. Aminduen
Mt. Aminduen, most commonly referred to as Alto Peak, is the highest mountain in the entire Eastern Visayas at 1,332 MASL with a difficulty scale of 6/9. Excited for the highlight of our weekend adventure, the group was up at 5 AM and everyone were all set for the uphill battle at 7 AM.
Unlike most mountains with open spaces at the top, Alto Peak can only accommodate a few people. Hence, as much as we want to climb altogether, we had to divide the group into two. First to ascend were my Team Bang friends with Dave and Ryan tagging along. Laag Bisaya and the nomads then followed.
The trek started with a 15-minute walk from the camp to the base of Alto Peak. Our guide, Kuya Oheng, warned us to be extra careful in our steps because the trail can be unpredictable and, at some point, technical. This, according to him, is what they call as the “monkey trail” which offers nothing but a 2-3 hours ascent. As the name suggests, the only way to climb was to crawl on fours holding onto rocks and roots, leap over huge tree trunks and balance on some. At some point you had to hold onto a rope, clambering an 80 degree slope.
I was in the lead group trudging the trails next to Kuya Oheng. And oh boy, the man never ran out of energy. He talked us throughout the hike, making us forget about exhaustion and rest. The next thing we knew, we've reached the top.
Mt. Aminduen's summit itself is not as picturesque as other summits I have been to. To me, the allure of this mountain lies on its trails. I really enjoyed its "monkey trail" — especially on our way back to the campsite. This was where the real jungle parkour began. I had the best time of my life running down the trail, moving from tree to tree, surrendering to my natural instinct. But just when I thought I doing great, three of our companions were leaping as if the forest was their playground. The supposed three-hour climb was even cut down 35 amazing minutes!
Of course, I know climbing mountains is not all about speed. It's not about who’s the fastest or the slowest but about the experience we make along the trails. I'm just at awe whenever I see someone defy reasons and limitations.
Five years have passed since my first climb in Mt. Aminduen. I don't think I can be as agile as I was before since age has finally taken it's toll now. Wish me luck on my return to this mountain. We'll find out this weekend how things have actually changed. 😁😁
Maria is a hopeless romantic who travels in pages and places. She is an INFP who loves sunrises and moonlight nights and reading books in between. On weekdays, she works for a self-publishing company as a copywriter. On weekends, she lives for life as a poet or hiker. She hopes to share her love for words and the world with you here on HIVE.
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