Mount Pinatubo revisited on Earth Day 2006

Mt. Pinatubo Crater

It was at least 4 years ago when I last visited Mt. Pinatubo. We had an outreach held at an Aeta Village in Tarukan, on the way to Pinatubo and the next day we headed for the crater. From the said village it was a grueling 6 hours trek towards the crater. This was like my 3rd climb at the time when I started on the outdoors and it was a real test of endurance on my part. With your feet constantly sinking in the sand, passing by numerous rivers and the scorching heat constantly at your back, this wasn’t a walk in the park. But reaching the crater was truly an amazing reward.

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Bataan’s best kept secret

Stretch of white sand beach at Quinawan Point

I didn’t know Bataan has so much to offer beyond the Mount Samat and Tarak Mariveles mountain range as well as its historical markers. Last week, I got a chance to explore an off-the-beaten path destination, known only to local explorers and mountain bikers of Bataan. Thanks for the invitation from my friend M at Total and his wacko of a group of budding explorers from his office led by a member of Bataan Trailriders and Boss J from their Bataan Terminal office.

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KK Adventure 04: Down on wobbly legs

Time to go down

It’s interesting going down as this time you could see the view, whereas when you climb all was in darkness. Though for some, the darkness was good to cover out the scene, because now you could actually see where you could fall. Going down from the summit is kinda hard on the knees and toes as your body have to balance itself from the pull down. Then navigating through the ropes requires a bit of rapeling skills. Which I found to be fun actually.

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KK Adventure 03: 2.7 km to the Summit

Morning assault to the summit

We barely have a couple of hours of sleep. We had to wake up around 2:30am for our summit assault. Or better yet, we were awaken by the constant sound of footsteps from other climbers on the hallway, getting ready as well. Navigatng through a ton of scattered drenched clothes above our room heater and after having something for breakfast at the canteen we set off to climb the last 2.7km toward the summit.

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KK Adventure 02: Stairway to heaven

Stair Trails

Mt. Kinabalu’s trail are mostly stairs, and I hate stair trails. They are more tiring and would put too much pressure on your legs and butts. Especially if you have your packs on. From the start I could already see myself getting wobbly legs when I go down these uneven steps. Like how I see most of the other foreigners descending from the mountain limping on every step down and mostly with sticks for support.

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