Mental Gymnastics

Mindanao Madness: Climbing Mt. Candalaga and Mt. Hamiguitan

I'm not a hard core mountaineer! I just like the outdoors and camping a lot. I don't even know why I considered joining Angie in her holy week multi-day trek in Mindanao. Well, the tickets have already been bought and I was never good at backing out. So there goes 14 kilos of stuff I've checked in with my backpack. I felt just as nervous and apprehensive about the trip as I've been since our 1st pre-climb.

Mt. Candalaga was the the first in out itinerary. There were 8 of us climbing, Angie (ang salarin!), Maricar, Bojo, Allan, Eman, Cris, and Paljet, our trail master. We arrived in Maragusan, Compostella Valley at around noon. We took the first flight out to Davao that morning and travelled a few hours to Maragusan where we had to register and then take the habal-habal to the jump off point.

There were a lot of firsts for me in this climb:

1. riding a motorcycle (a.k.a. habal-habal)
2. carrying at least 12 kilos of load (on the first half of the trek at least)
3. tackling steep ascents (i love the trees! and their roots!)
4. trekking for at least 17 hours straight!
5. climbing waterfalls
6. trekking upstream against a strong current
7. perform acrobatics/ balancing acts on slippery stones and logs
8. trekking while half asleep with my legs no longer willing to move
9. long night treks

I knew Candalaga was going to be tough so I did expect only the worse. Fortunately though, the only thing that made it difficult for me was that we were pressed for time. I couldn't see the logic behind pushing oneself to move eventhough every inch of you have already given up. The trail was very challenging... 80% river-crossing upstream, steep vertical ascents and descents. Every muscle was put to a test. It became clear to me then that there's no room for doubts and definitely none for blame. I had to keep my head intact so I won't pose myself as a threat for the group. I was already slowing them down so the least that I could do was to keep up as best as I can.

Candalaga is incredible! There are a lot of interesting plants, fungus and creatures. At some parts, it felt like being in a Jurrassic Park, only, there are no carnivorous reptiles running about. Thank God! But there are a lot of stinging plants and insects that would surprise you when you least expect it. Plus the leeches which I at least didn't fall prey.

I still remember trekking endlessly through the slopes and rivers of Candalaga. I was so tired that I barely knew what I was doing. But at least I was never left on my own otherwise i would've wandered aimlessly in that tricky mountain. Thanks to Allan for helping me every step of the way. And to Bojo for helping us catch up with the rest of our companions.

So there goes my first two nights in the slopes of Mt. Candalaga. On our third day, we travelled by bus to Mati where we met up with Emong. Maricar parted with us there while Emong joined us for our next trekking stint. And this time, it's in Mt. Hamiguitan in Davao Oriental.

That very afternoon we took another habal-habal ride to the jump off point. By this time, we were determined that Hamiguitan is bound to be easier compared with the Candalaga climb. We all felt the exhaustion and the fatigue from the previous climb. Our pacing this time was faster, thanks to the porter who finally took off my load. I tried to stay ahead of the pack knowing that they'd all catch up with me sooner or later. Emong, Cris and I found camp 1 by surprise. It was around 9pm and another group was getting ready for their lights out. We setup camp, and the kitchen while the others arrived. It was the first night that I get to dine with the entire group. Our bubbly evening was cut short by our neighbor's complaints. But it was ok as everyone finally had a descent night's sleep.

Well, not everyone slept long enough. I got up at 3:30am and started fiddling with my things, and eventually started fixing breakfast with Emong, and our neighbor's help. The trek after break camp was easier compared with the Candalaga trail. But, my sore muscles weren't quite cooperative so I had to drown it with a couple of power tabs. Fatigue was weighing me down but the need to reach the summit kept me to push myself some more. Hay! Nope, i'm no masochist. I just want to have a peek of the summit of Hamiguitan as we didn't have that opportunity in Candalaga. Without a backpack, I was able to take the lead at the start. I limited my rest stops to 5 minutes at most so my muscles don't have to feel the cramps. I've reached the first view deck and after lunch, I began my way back. It's been like that most of the time, I say sayonara to the team knowing that they'd catch up with me soon.

Mt. Hamiguitan is different in itself. The trail is not as treacherous as Candalaga but it's still magnificent in it's own way. I love its mossy forrest and the panoramic pygmy forest is amazing! Good thing I was wandering about in my relaxed pace as I was able to appreciate the view over and over whenever I tried to catch my breath to keep up with the guide. We camped at the "Fanghorn Forest" a.k.a. hidden garden which was through a muddy lake bed. The next day, the last stretch of the trail was through a dry riverbed. We walked for about an hour or so before we caught sight of a jeepney which took us to the coast where we headed for Pujada Island.

At Pujada Island.. chillax mode. I am grateful of the company I had. Everyone was coolheaded and are so full of punchlines. It's been a great outdoor experience and I've learned so much from it. I got to love the mountains even more!

Another Candalaga climbing experience which is worth reading: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2002/11/21/life/mt..candalaga.beats.apo.in.thrill.climb.html

posted by kquill @ 3:28 PM