I’m not into hiking or mountain climbing. I really don’t have that confidence within me. Actually I don’t trust my legs, feet and even my hands when it comes to climbing. I always have that fear of falling, trip over something, stepping on unstable ground, hurt myself and not being able to carry on and sustain the climb.
My first taste of “hiking” was way back in 2009 during a team building in Amansinaya Resort in Laurel, Batangas. We went to Ambon Ambon falls and the hike was challenging but tiring. We crossed rivers, climbed steep hills, jumped over big stones. Grabe!
During our trip to Anawangin Cove in Zambales, I noticed a group of people climbing Mount Pundaquit. (With an elevation of approximately 2,106 feet). When my “unico hijo” and majority of our companions wanted to make the climb, I felt that I have no choice but to join them. I was thinking that maybe this is the right time to conquer my fear of heights and experience the thrill of climbing a mountain.
With mixed feelings of excitement and fear, I joined my “sunny son” in climbing Mount Pundaquit. From the camping site, we had to walked for about 30 minutes in going to the foot of the mountain. Good thing I was wearing my rash guard and bull cap during that time as the sun was shining at its peak. But since I’m not that ready for the hike I’m just wearing my “islander slippers”.
When the climb started I tried so hard to keep my balance. There were times when I had to crawl and used my hands in going up. From time to time I had to stop to rest and drink water. After almost an hour of climbing, I noticed that the mountain slopes were getting steeper and I could not see a portion where I could safely place my feet. I was almost on top when I decided to stop climbing and just rest. My son and his companions continued climbing up to top of Mount Pundaquit. It was windy but I can feel the scorching heat.
Going down the mountain was another challenging activity for me as I had to crawl, use my hands or sit–to be able to go down safely and confidently. The mountain slopes were really steep.
Finally after almost two hours, we reached the foot of the mountain. We then walked back to the camp site and indulge ourselves with drinking water. It was a tiring, scary hike but the view up there was so awesome. It is worth the climb!
Of course, this post will not be complete without the photos 🙂
Me (and the beautiful Anawangin Cove) after more than an hour of hiking
This is me (tired but happy) after the climb
My “unico hijo”
Thank you LORD!
Oh My Kwento!!!! 