Mt. Kalawitan Traverse (Bontoc to Sabangan)

Location: Bontoc to Sabangan, Mountain Province

Elevation: 2,714m above sea level (10th highest in the Philippines, 4th in Luzon)

Difficulty: possibly ranges from 7/9 to 8/9 (in my opinion)

Admittedly, my mind has been filled with Taiwan trip and other office stuff in the past few weeks prior to the trip itself and before my mandatory leave. That is, I had to finish all my deliverables in the office and at the same time, ensure that everything about the preparation for the upcoming trip is done.

Yet I won't let my Mt. Kalawitan traverse story, which happened in the last weekend of January this year, left untold. This one, apart from being a major climb, holds a special part in my heart. First, it's a climb in Cordillera. Second, it's a rare climb event. In fact, our guide told us that our group is the the seventh team to do the traverse from Bontoc to Sabangan. Third, it was my intended training climb for Snow Mountain the following month, in terms of trail and cold temparature.

To iterate, I have been eyeing this mountain since 2012 but because I overheard of the costly guideship, I didn't have the guts to make it happen. That was also the year when I climbed Amuyao and Napulauan which I think satisfied me already that time. Now, it's time to go back.

A very limited information on the Mt. Kalawitan traverse is what you will find on the internet, that's why we also had a hard time gathering information in organizing this event. It was Dennis Hisanan still who patiently gathered the details to make the climb possible.

breathtaking view of mountainous Bontoc/Bayyo rice terraces

DAY 1 AND START OF THE CLIMB

Similar to the normal way of transportation to Mt. Amuyao's and Napulauan's jump off points, we also took the Banaue-bound Ohayami bus. Upon arrival in Banaue, we were picked up by the chartered jeepney at the terminal. 

Here below are some of the stopover/sidetrips while being transferred to the jump off point in Talubin, Bontoc, Mountain Province.

Behind us is the still majestic Banaue Rice terraces

cutie local stuff by Banaue's viewpoint

Found an innocent soul at Mt. Polis

Welcome to Bayyo Rice Terraces' View Deck!

Third time to encounter this  motherly Virgin Mary

And there came the challenge on getting a guide.

Dennis with the help of the driver had to go down to a village to look for Kuya guide. And the group had to wait too.

We were only able to start the trek by 1pm.

As usual, it is normally hard to get yourself on the mood at the start of the trek especially that majority of the trail is stairways and assault type. 

After passing through a village, the next thing is pine forest. 

First "take 10-minute rest"

Here is energetic Pong ascending on the trail!

Such a lovely day!

I would say, although this mountain is rarely climbed, the trail is still established, perhaps because of the existence of some hunters.

Just before settling on the first campsite
(here's the point with last water source)

We arrived at Mona campsite by 3:30pm and settled for our first night stay there.

There are lots of insects and in fact, i was bitten.Well, as always, I am the favourite and the two sides of my face would be badly swollen in the next few days.

DAY 2 AND THE QUEST FOR SUMMIT

We got up early and prepared for the second day of the trek. 

Tent down!

Lucky 12 :)

The Amazonas :D

This day would be a long, long trek until summit while targeting Matthew's Garden for lunch. Again, we already had no water source from this day forward until we're done with the climb. 

We entered the mossy forest. Still it's almost all assault!

Add caption

Since this mountain is not often scaled, there are some parts with no name yet. So, my companions were jokingly saying that this viewdeck should be called "Matelle's Viewpoint." :D (Yes, shamelessly after my name! haha!) Hey, this is not official. But see, it's better to have one. :-P

Matelle's Viewpoint? Agree or not agree?

The trail is getting steeper.

Add caption

We reached Matthew's Garden and ate our lunch there. It has started to rain a bit by this point. By the way, the name was taken from the name of our guide, Matthew, who was part of the exploration climb  made on this mountain.

relax!

Thumbs up, first five (including AJ who took this shot)!

The next trails are uphills and downhills. So grateful when we reached the ridges-like part as those were the only portions where we experienced rolling ones.

Twas 3:30pm when we finally reached the summit. We immediately set our respective tent. It was an open area and so the windy weather was really felt. We were not also able to have socials during that night.

Buddy Dennis and me <3
(the only photo of mine at summit)

I wasn't able to sleep well. Our fault? What we brought up was a dome-type tent instead of tadpole one. No choice but to dwell on a not-so-stable, swaying shelter. :D Thank God, we survived the night!

DAY 3: DOWN ON THE OTHER SIDE

The weather didn't improve. It was still windy and to make things worse, add some fog rains. We had to move and prepare for the traverse.

The mossy forest on the other side is awesome -- being dense and greeny! Just like the rich mossy forest of Mt. Napulauan.

We took the unusual trail (according to Kuya Matthew) right after the summit and found there another unnamed field. So we called it, "Dennis' Playground." Agree? Hehe!

Wooohooo!

Add caption

We had a speedy descent due to its continuous steep, downward trail.

Spotted this one. There's a rainbow always after the rain. :)

We stopped and took some rest in this small hunter's house.

Resuming, we reached the pine forest similar to the typical pine firest of Ugo and Pulag - Akiki trail.

We knew we will be close to Apa campsite as we could see and hear Chico  river. That was the next target.

At Apa, we cooked and ate our lunch.

From there, it will only take more than 1 hour to reach the end point. Although we were almost through with the traverse, the trail is a little bit tricky -- there's an irrigation there and we should walk on a narrow cemented path with a cliff/river on the right side. If not paying attention, there's a tendency to fall down and get an accident.

The next thing was awesome. Looking forward to reaching the poblacion of Sabangan town which marks the endpoint of the traverse, we passed through the beautiful rice plantations.

Add caption

This one below is a masterpiece of mine :)) "Magtanim ay di biro!" (Planting is not easy!)

The whole descent took us approximately 5-6 hours. The chartered jeepney was waiting for us at the poblacion for pick up. We headed to Baguio City for a 3-hour drive. We opted to go on a ride in Baguio for Manila-bound bus instead of Ohayami bus in Banaue because it's uncertain if we can make it on time on the latter bus' schedule. Unlike in Baguio where there's an absolute trips for 24 hours.

Amazing Mt. Kalawitan View Point

It was 10pm when we arrived in Baguio. It was a tiring but another epic and fulfilling Cordillera climb. :)

ITINERARY

DAY 0
2000 Assembly @ Terminal
2200 ETD to Banaue

DAY 1
0730 ETA Banaue (Jeepney Transfer)
0800 Banaue to Bonctoc via Private jeep
0900 ETA Mt Polis Stop Over (Have breakfast and buy Pack lunch)
1000 ETD Bontoc Poblacion (take lunch)
1200 ETA Jump-off/Meet Guide - have lunch
1300 Start Trek
1730 ETA Water Source
1800 ETA Monna Campsite/set camp

DAY 2
0600 Wakeup call (prepare breakfast and pack lunch) breakcamp
0800 Start trek. (Prepare for the 8 hour summit assault) Packed Lunch along trail
1200 Regroup;Lunch on trail Jungle forest at Approx. 2,000 MASL
1300 Resume trek
1400 ETA Sitio Suyo
1500 Mathew’s Garden
1700 ETA Summit/Sunset Viewing/Pitch Tent/Dinner

DAY 3
0500 Wake-up Call / Sunrise Viewing / Breakfast / Break Camp
0700 Start Descent
0715 ETA Dennis Playground
1030 ETA Hunter’s Hut
1130 Pine Forest
1230 ETA Apa Campsite, Sabangan late Lunch (water source available)
1330 Resume Trek
1500 Poblacion, Sabangan
1600 Bontoc to Baguio city or Banaue
2300 Baguio to manila or Banaue to Manila

Read More »

A Beautiful Letdown: My Fourth Annual Climb to Mt. Pulag

December 20-21, 2014

"There seemed to be a hole in my heart! I felt incomplete. And yet, every climb to Mt. Pulag is always fun, something great to keep in my heart."

This is a story of an epic fail quest for the summit of Mt. Pulag. Admittedly, we failed to reach it due to inevitable, uncontrollable forces. And that was the saddest part. Now guess what happened next..."

Read More »

My 2014 in Review

I'm back! Well, I'm soooooo back! It's been a while and it's been hard being away from my pen, from my blog, and from my thoughts hindered to be expressed for quite a long time.

Where is bluishtrekker now?

I am thinking now if I should be sad that I barely had a good amount of time this year to hike mountains, or it should be a satisfying one for me since I got to climb my real target mountains for this year plus the fact that I fulfilled my promise not to hike during rainy season. I am really thinking because having not hiked or gone to backpacking since June doesn't feel that good to me. Oh yeah, I was able to do a dayhike in Pico de Loro in August to accompany my office friends but still, I cant' consider it a climb that requires a certain level of preparation for a backpacking trip/travel.

Here's my list for 2014:

JANUARY

- Mt. Batulao via New Trail (Nasugbu, Batangas)

FEBRUARY

- Kibungan Circuit (Kibungan, Benguet)

MARCH

- Mt. Purgatory Traverse  (Bokod/Ekip, Benguet)

MAY

- Mt. Mantalingajan Traverse via Ransang to Malis (Rizal/Brooke's Point, Southern Palawan)

JUNE

- Maranat Falls (Rodriguez, Rizal)

AUGUST

- Pico de Loro Backtrail Dayhike (Ternate, Cavite) / Basic Mountaineering Course (Mt. Manalmon JOP, San Miguel, Bulacan)

DECEMBER

-Mt. Pulag Via Ambangeg Trail (Bokod/Kabayan, Benguet)

See? I didn't even go beyond the number of my fingers. For those who have already embraced a travel and outdoor life and have already been established with a regular hiking system in their bodies like me, you wouldn't imagine myself being okay without any frequent outdoor activities -- now I'm a bit emotional. There was even one time when bitterness and the feeling of being a loser struck me for being stucked in the office one weekend overtime. I happened to glance at a window of our office building as sunset reflection on a neighbor building caught my attention in the middle of my desk work. And then a song, "Learning to Breathe" by Switchfoot started to play which brought back the memories of my first ever major climb, Tarak Ridge. Haha, how pity was that moment for a poor climber like me.

But still not that bad, right? I mean, the list --- a good amount of time to share the beauty of Mt. Batulao with the newbies, a great back to back with the two climbs in Cordillera, the fullfilment of my Knife Edge Trilogy dream by climbing the last leg, Mt. Mantalingajan in Palawan, the attainment and completion of a BMC, being a guide to my newbie office friends who successfully had a real taste of hiking experience in Pico de Loro, and lastly, I got to organize my fourth annual visit to Mt. Pulag via Ambangeg trail with the help and support of my climb  buddy, Dennis. (A Beautiful Letdown: My Fourth Annual Climb to Mt. Pulag).

Looking back, I realized there is really something powerful about listing down in a bucketlist. Yeah, when 2014 started and I jotted down all my targets and goals, it was few and I can say, dreams, in their simplest form, they all do come true. 

Okay, I'm quite satisfied now because I got to attain what has been originally planned.

This 2014, it's my decision to lessen the climbs, cut down my costs for travel and instead allocate more for my family in renovating our home in the province. Sometime in the middle of the year, I was moved to serve Him more and spare more time for Him. I thank God this year have been a more lively "me" in my faith and action.

I had a fair share of tears, sadness, confused mind as well as good laughs with family and friends. 

2014 might be a sort of really challenging that sometimes I tell myself, yeah I may not be able to reach many summits this year and yet all the expriences I had are tantamount to climbing mountains. It's like an intangible experience of climbing a huge mountain --- tough, hard on the knees, and messy. And here I am, standing strong, remaining resilient and continuing to move on no matter what life throws on me.

Getting used to and getting to be more deeper in understanding what life is all about... Oh, with all of these that I gained in 2014, I am ready to face tomorrow and am excited what's in store for me in 2015.

I still have fears and doubts but I believe, that's where another page of exciting journey starts!

May we receive more blessings in the coming year! :)

Read More »

First LUCP Basic Mountaineering Course Seminar

Until this time, it has been a continuous issue and argument whether Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC) should never be missed out by every outdoor man. Some say that you are not really a mountaineer if you haven't undergone such training. Honestly, I've been to more than fifty mountains, both major and minor ones, before I was able to take this chance of attending one. My claim before was that, having no BMC shouldn't be an issue to me since I get to learn gradually the essentials of outdoors through actual participation and exposure in the climb.  Besides, I can always surf the internet if   I want to do some research. Yet after attending this seminar sponsored by Let's Unite All The Climbers in the Philippines (LUCP), I've realized many things and was more enlightened about the outdoors.

Over a month ago, buddy Dennis told me about joining the said BMC. I couldn't refuse as it was actually our plan to attend such kind of seminar even before but just happened that it did not match our schedule. This time, I knew we'd make it.

This BMC seminar was initiated and was made possible by Sir Bong Magana, one of the administrators of LUCP along with the help and support of his team and other mountaineering friends. Held in Mt. Manalmon last August 16-17 2014, it was volunteered and facilitated by those people with good names and great experiences in mountaineering.  LUCP is a mountaineering community/page in facebook where various climb-related matters are discussed by its members.

By the way, because of some concerns, Buddy and I were not able to come early so we missed the first session which I think is about planning and preparation (sadly, the very basic). The seminar had some other courses which I would be sharing with you in this post. We also did not attended the ropemanship session as we need to go back home the next day as early as possible.

But what really is BMC? From the word itself, it's about learning the basic -- planning, preparation, budgeting, knowing what you climb, organizing and do's and don'ts of the outdoors. If you depart from the basic, something, if not totally, could possibly go wrong. It's like SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) of every climb. Since I have missed out the basic, I will instead turned you to the internet and found this UPM's file: UPM BASIC MOUNTAINEERING COURSE No. 1

Without any further defensive explanation, let me now share with you some learnings I got from the speakers who were eager and generous to share their knowledge.

• Navigation (Speaker: Jong Narciso)

A compass is an essential tool in the wilderness survival. In this session, we were taught how to check and gather one's bearings. We were given some exercises. I have also learned that a map won't be useful without  the accompaniment of compass. Yeah, I guess I need more exercises on this.

Well, I don't know what I've been doing during my "Girl Scout" days that it's like it was my first time to hold and learn how to use the compass. Hehehe. The more insulting part was that I have a digital compass in my phone and yet I've never attempted to use it nor give time to be curious on how it operates.

• First Aid (Speaker: Filmann Mapalad)

A -ask for help
I - intervene
D- do no further harm

The objectives of first aid:
"To minimize the pain and injury and save lives."

Similar to any company or institution, a group of climbers doing a particular trek should always have a designated first aider. I believe knowing how to apply first aid is one of the knowledge and skills that a mountaineer should possess since injuries can always happen during the climb. It is necessary and advantageous to be aware of helpful responsive actions in case of ailment and injuries.Two important things before rendering first aid are to introduce oneself first and then take responsibility. Sir Filmann also discussed about the barriers, equipments/tools, hindrances and emergency fundamentals of applying first aid as well as the essentials of a first aider.

• High Altitude Mountaineering (Speaker: Regie Pablo)

The topic was quite interesting especially for those participants who aim to bring themselves into the next level of mountaineering. The speaker was no other than a successful Filipino Everest climber (who took the northern trail and the hardest route possible to the summit). And I'm one of those who dream bigger. But it pays to achieve those big dreams because of  the challenge of raising money for the climb and the climbing equipments. Apart from this, it apparently requires a far greater level of endurance. High altitude mountaineering is not for everyone. Sir Regie mentioned about assessing one's self first through Mt. Kinabalu climb, it's a 4,000MASL mountain and if you got no problem climbing it, then you have a chance in alpine mountaineering.

High altitude mountaineering involves a conditions of glacier problem and the mountain should be above 4,000MASL. Part of his discussion is the records/history of humankind in discovering the highest of the highest mountains in the world. He provided some tips on the best time to hike Mt. Everest and other Himalayan mountains. Mountains in Taiwan, New Zealand and India are among those that he recommended to give out a try because organizing climbs in this countries are at least cheaper than any other.  I was inspired by his stories and he even got a frostbite in one of his thumbs. What a passionate climber!

He showed to us the alpine climbing equipments and I found it exciting though I realized, "sa dami at bigat pa lang ng gears, ubos na agad ang lakas ko." LOL! Numerous pieces of advice were given in terms of organizing climbs, finding sponsors and finding the right climbing companions. He said, "mountaineering is a shared responsibiliy, so choose your companions in forming the team.

• Leave No Trace (LNT) Rule (Speaker: Mister LNT)

The topic was facilitated by Sir Lito, a.k.a. MisterLNT. I admire his advocacy to practice the responsible mountaineering. You may find him at facebook but here is his official website: misterLNT.ph

 

The session was made active and creative. We were divided into groups and each group should do a presentation related to the assigned  LNT rule.  Some performed a drama skit to portray a particular LNT rule, other made something like a Q&A presentation. Others in the room were allowed to raise questions and clarifications.

 

• Introduction to Jungle Survival (Speaker: Jay-Z Jorge)

According to Sir Jay-Z, the talk is only an introduction as learning survival skills entails spending 2 or 3 days. The magic word for survival is S.T.O.P (Stop, Think, Organize, Plan). The highlight of his discussion was about the 10 C's of survivability which are as follows:

1. Cutting Tool
2. Combustion
3. Cover
4. Container
5. Cordage
6. Candle
7. Cotton
8.Compass
9. Cargo Tape
10. Canvass Needle

The crucial point about survival is the combined application of knowledge, skills and attitude. Having a presence of mind and avoiding panic can save lives and go a long way in times of survival.

If I could turn back time and redo everything, I wish I have attended the BMC seminar like this in the early days of my mountaineering activities before I got to climb a lot of peaks. Being well-oriented of the basic and other outdoor matters before encountering the actual scenarios in the wilderness has its real advantage than having nothing at all. 

Yes, I got you, there is always an internet to which you can get a lot of information. Just like this, I'm sharing some information and it's actually available right there at your fingertips through your phones or laptops. But I am telling you, being in the actual learning and workshop is better than mere reading a file from the internet or a book. Besides, you can also have a chance to mingle with fellow outdoor people who can give you actual sharing of his/her experiences. You can even know how first aid is actually applied, how a bandage is prepared, how you operate a compass and many more. You can raise questions and get instant clarifications from the resource speaker or instructor in case a resource material failed to discuss a certain matter. Taking the BMC, you have the "actual feel" of everything.

I thank LUCP for this initiative and I would like to give compliments on all the efforts to make this event possible. I take pride being part of its first ever batch with a great hope that what we've learned will be properly applied and all wrongdoings in the past will be changed and corrected going forward.

Mountaineering is a risky hobby and a dangerous activity. Accidents can happen but if you know and follow the proper ways of doing it, well, you are on the right track and you can enjoy the most out of all the good experiences that mountaineering can offer.

Guys, allow yourself to be trained! Be well-oriented about your chosen hobby. Yeah, there's a part 2!  LUCP BMC Batch 2 is coming up this September 6-7 at the jump off point of Manabu Peak in Batangas. You may contact Bong Magana or find the LUCP facebook group.


P.S. 

This BMC had exciting raffle draw portions from some mountaineer sponsors. Items that were given away include hammock, head lamp and a lot of coin purse. Thanks Tingguian Tribe for this awesome coin purse! Surely it's gonna be useful.

Read More »

Announcing My 4th Annual Mt. Pulag Climb: Climb with Me! :)

Dearest Viewers,

Add another adventurous stuff to your bucket list! See for yourself the famous beauty of Luzon's highest peak! Meet new friends! And whether you are a newbie or a regular climber of Mt. Pulag for the "nth" time --- Hurry! secure your slot this early, invite your friends, grab your backpack and climb with me!

"Sea of Clouds" (Photo taken from Dennis Hisanan)

How much?

Php2,950 only!!!!
(inclusive of all required climbing fees, event shirt and 2 meals - Dinner and Breakfast, bus fare from Manila to Baguio and V.V.)
 
Required Down payment: Php1,000 (for ticket reservations and shirt) on or before 24Oct14)
BPI Account (Net Quad, BGC Branch): Ma. Stella Sophia Rivera 2663-0060-72

When?

December 20 - 21, 2014 (Date of Departure from Manila: 10pm of December 19)
Pre-climb Meeting: Nov. 25, 2014

 

Where?

Kabayan, Benguet (Bus Ride through Victory Liner to Baguio City and Jeepney Ride to Bokod, Benguet)

 

Features of the Climb? What to Expect?

Luzon's highest and Country's 3rd Highest. Sea of Clouds (if lucky enough). Pine trees. Cold weather of the Cordillera region. Dwarf bamboos. Via Ambangeg trail, which is considered a minor climb and advisable to newbies. For the veteran ones, it's like a "chillax" climb.

 

Basic Tips?

>At least jog or do some work outs few days before the climb
> Attend the pre-climb meeting
> Pay for the required downpayment
> Especially for the newbies, while it's early, start to collect/borrow the necessary gears:
(tent with fly sheet, jacket with fleece, bonnet, arm warmer,gloves, trekking shoes or sandals, raincoat)

 
Any Helpful Links?

mt. pulag (pinoymountaineer.com)
3rd Annual Mt. Pulag Climb
First Step in Mt. Pulag: Astonished!
If You are Climbing for the First Time


Contact me ASAP! Send your PMs thru ma.stella.sophia.rivera@gmail.com. I'd like to hear from you soon.

Lots of Love,
bluish trekker ^_^

P.S.

Like me on Facebook:
Bluish Trekker @ Facebook

Read More »