Mt. Pico de Loro: Almost loosing path

09-10 February 2008: The jump-off is located within the popular Magnetic Hill in Ternate Cavite. Nearby beach resorts such as Puerto Azul and Caylabne made the place easy to trace. This minor climb is a perfect weekend getaway. In just few hours from Manila; you can enjoy a breath taking view on its peak and take pleasure in the waterfall few steps away from Base Camp 1.

It was late in the afternoon when we arrived at the jump-off. After paying 20 Php registration fees at DENR, stretching and simple guidance prayer, we strike the trail of one of the easiest climb in Cavite. We reached Base Camp 1 around 1730 hrs. Apparently, night time is approaching; we just had a quick stopover and refreshment then. Along the way, you may reach a Y-intersection telling right to Mt. Pico de Loro while left to the falls. By the way, guide is not advisable since the trail was clearly established and the trail was really an easy one. But still, we get lost on our way because it was dim already; we were not prepared and never thought that we might end up doing a night-trek. Luckily I have a small flashlight and my cousin Jad has a lighter with flashlight too. After 1 ½ hour of walking in the faint trail, we reached the campsite with few mountaineers already having dinner and mingle with one another. A quick dinner preparation while having social drink with fellow mountaineers completed the night. Everyone lights-off around 2100 hrs.

The bright sun was shy the following day. Instead, droplets of rain and scattered clouds puffed into our head. We were chilling and it was really cold. After breakfast, the light rain stopped and we started the assault to summit. It was windy. The view at the top was awesome and superb. Actually there was one partner who managed to camp despite the strong winds.

After few hours of assault, photo-taking and enjoying the view, we decided to head back, break camp and hit the trail to the waterfall near Base Camp 1. A peaceful ambiance was waiting in the waterfall, water was not so abundant but it was refreshing. Cold enough to replenish our spirit and hit the way home with a smile and contentment in our hearts.

    

It was our first night-trek. One of the most unforgettable and enjoyable experience we had. And now, I’m thinking of trying a night-trek again but this time in Mt. Cristobal, which is according from hear-say; a mountain that has a supernatural and paranormal commotions as experienced by many.