Mt. Pico de Loro Traverse

Still wasn't contented with the Batulao climb I had a few days back, I capped off my week with yet another climb at the famous Pico De Loro to satisfy my mountain fix (if there's a thing like that). Again,  this was no ordinary as we were surprised by the series of events.

Everone was looking good as we boarded a mini bus to Ternate, Cavite at 4am. Joining with me are Alain, Jojo, Rein, Sir Kiko, and Da (our photographer).

still got no sleep as we're off to Ternate

We arrived at Ternate at around 6am and Rick, who also climbed Batulao, tagged along three more to witness Pico De Loro's beauty.

Da, Gem, Jojo, Alain, Rein, Sir Kiko (top-bottom,L-R)

From there, we took a tricycle to DENR for registration of P20 then a good five-minute walk to the jump-off point.

DENR bound

first group picture at DENR

First hour of the hike was easy as taking a leisurely walk in the park.

Though not a bit tiring at first,  we had to do stop-overs for group pictures like these

Ross, Jin, Rick, and Sierra. 

Jojo, Alain, Sir Kiko, Rein

An hour or so, we reached a shaded area called Alibangbang where another registration of P20 is required.They also sell souvenir tags for P50 I think. Beyond this point is where the challenge is.

Here's Alain, a real good and humble photographer, registering at the Alibangbang. Check out his website to see more of his amazing photos.

Alain

Parts of the trail were getting muddy and steeper unlike the first part as we ascended to the the summit. 

taking a breather while we still got time

We realized we were slowing our pace and by the time we reached the summit campsite, it was already noon. Here's the view of the summit from the campsite. Hell, there's another five-minute assault to get to the Pico de Loro's peak.

with the photographer

Jin

Sierra

Before conquering the summit, we wolfed down our packed lunch and I tell you, it was the best we've had. Then took some rest to get ready for the most awaited part.

The 5- 10 minute assault to the Pico de Loro's summit nearly killed me and so was most of the group. Good thing trekking pole comes in handy.

After grueling hours of walking, climbing, hiking, and and everything in between, we finally reached the summit! 

my favorite climbing buddy

Part of the plan was to climb the Parrot's Beak but we weren't well-equipped so instead of taking the risk and getting ourselves injured or worse, we stayed away from it. We promised ourselves to go back to redeem ourselves, atleast. 

Hat's off to Jojo, a first-time climber, who took all the guts to pour out everything he's got to survive Pico de Loro.

We lost track of time so at around 2pm, two-hour late from our itinerary, we started our descent off to Nasugbu, Batangas. The first part of Nasugbu trail consists of steep and rocky path then the latter was good forest cover. 

It was a loooong and winding descent and we reached the end of the hike in just the nick of time. Thank God we're alive because I was crying for a halo-halo to reward myself from another one hell of adventure

Aaaaah I've waited long enough for this

Seems to be that there's no perfect climb but the adventure alone is worth sharing and reliving (sorry this is too cheesy haha) Great climb with these guys! More to come

Photos courtesy of Daryle De Silva and Alain Cortes