Hiking is one of the activities outdoor that helps our bodies stay active and healthy. Just this Saturday we have had a great bonding with colleagues and reconnecting with nature, once again. I call it A Preliminary Hike at Mt. Campitlok since it is my preparation for another mountaineering next time.
It was just this week when @callmesmile and @naymhapz invited me to a hike this weekend. Our itinerary is mainly to Mt. Campitlok. I have never been to a hike before so I said yes to this proposal with excitement! As days went by, I became more excited that's why when I came to sleep on Friday night I can't sleep. I think I fell asleep around 11 am and woke up at 1:35 am then slept again, good thing I set my alarm clock at 5 am so I still have time to prepare.
We agreed that 6 am is our assembly time at Sitio Campitlok, San Antonio, Binabag, Bogo. It is just a few kilometers away from our residence.
After preparing everything at home, I ate my breakfast and then brought a bottle of water, at 5:43 am my husband drove me to our meeting place.
He asked what time is our assembly time, then I answered, 6 am, as soon as he heard it, he accelerated the speed because I'm late. I can feel my face blow so hard by the wind and my mouth full of air. So, I asked him, take it slow they will wait for me. Can you see the glitches in my pictures? That only shows how speedy we are that time, just to be there in time. Anyway, it was just a few vehicles we encountered so, nothing to worry about.
We arrived at Sitio Campitlok at exactly 6:01 however no appearance of my two colleagues. So I chatted with them about where they are, @callmesmile replied that she was coming and @naymhapz chatted me that dawn that she will wait for us. So, I thought she was somewhere then I urged my husband to search for her but no sign of Ma'am Marfe, then I received a message from Ma'am Smile that Ma'am Marfe is arriving, she saw her when she was looking for a bus or tricycle.
When we finally met, we just laughed so hard at what had happened and with all the commotion in our group chat.😂
While waiting for them, I took some photos with a background chirping sound of birds and the boisterous sound of automobiles. I can't wait to walk with them and test myself if I can endure the walking. The sun is bright already, but believe me, it's not hurting our skin since it's still early.
As soon as they arrived we started to walk at around 6:15.
The mountains we can see from afar are where we're going. This gonna be a long walk with nature. This day was just so fine, the sky is blue, and the clouds is so white like cotton.
Passed by this log with dogs snuggling above it. They look so cute resting on the log early in the morning. I think they were owned by a mill nearby surrounded by bougainvillea.
As we go on, I can't help but fall in love with this view. The tall coconut trees were perfectly fall line that leads our way to the mountains.
The sugarcane plantation here is the main source of living as we can see that it occupies the land of Campitlok.
A goat pastured in an open ground. Actually, they are many here enjoying the misty grasses.
We are at the foot of the mountain where there are residents busy with morning routines. They have livestock housed nearby houses like goats, cows, and carabao.
It's the moment of truth! We started to trek at a tricky slope path towards the peak. This is my first time climbing the mountain and this gonna be the most cherished one.
We stopped for a while as we were catching our breath. Savoring the moment with the view.
We continued to our destination, eagerly hiking to the top. We carefully take every step as the path is so steep.
And..... Tadaan! We are at the peak now! Walking a few steps to find a perfect spot to gaze at the breathtaking view.
Look at that smile. Priceless smile! This experience of mine might be my first but definitely not the last! With this experience, I am looking forward to more climbing. I feel refreshed, renewed, and recharged!
The mountain rocks are sharp and can hurt us. Good thing we have a thicker sole. Trying different poses as it reflects my aura that day. I can't compare that activity with another outdoor activity, this would be extraordinary!
This experience tightens the bond we have as co-teacher and bloggers. During our relaxation time, we exchange thoughts, ideas, and knowledge. I realized that every day we are learning and that learning can be applied as much as we wanted. I have been vocal to them about how grateful I am for being invited. Hiking tests my endurance, as well as my patience. So far, no sign of muscle discomfort, a perfect introduction to another journey of hiking.
For this trek, I only bring a bottle of water because I had already taken my breakfast. Now that we're on top, I realized that I have to bring light food and more water. Credit to Ma'am Smile who gave this to me.
We are planning to do another trek next weekend and I'm positive that it will happen if we have fine weather.
Keeping ourselves active and healthy is what we desire to take care of the people around us most especially our family. A renewed and recharged self is a productive one. What a joyous weekend!
That's all for this Mt. Campitlok's participation and hope you have learned something. Looking forward to another trek with the gang. God bless and have a great day everyone!