Power Rangers (Mt. Pulag Expedition)

Luzon’s highest peak at 2,922 meters above sea level – claiming to be the 2nd in the Philippines but there are still objections being addressed with the 2,938 meters elevation of the Mt. Dulang Dulang in Bukidnon .  “There are four major trails up the summit: the Ambangeg, Akiki, and Tawangan trails from Benguet and the Ambaguio trail from Nueva Vizcaya. These trails are managed by the Mount Pulag National Park, under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.” – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Pulag.

What made this climb the most challenging so far is the season where we attempted to reach the peak.  Freezing like hell and shivering like popsicles – the process of precipitation that water vapours fail to defy.  We have nothing but overloaded tops and bring-as-much-as-you-can backpacks.   The Hesitant Backpackers – – – given the constant feedback from the travel agent, the tour will still push through despite the weather condition.  Unfortunately, one of us didn’t make it. =( We just followed this itinerary as we wanted to experience a travel tour (up to this point, we’re always counting on our own);  quite expensive but for the sake of experience. =)

Itinerary:
Day 0, June 21 Friday
XX:XX Meeting Time at the Bus Terminal: Victory Liner Cubao, EDSA (Southbound)
XX:XX ETD to Baguio City via Victory Liner Commuter bus

Day 1, June 22, Saturday
06:30 AM ETA Baguio City Breakfast (on own account)
07:30AM ETD for DENR via chartered jeep
09:30AM ETA DENR Registration and Orientation
10:30AM ETD Ranger Station
12:30AM ETA Ranger Station Lunch
01:30PM Trekking Proper
04:00PM ETA Campsite – Set Camp
06:30PM Dinner and Socials

Day 2, June 23, Sunday
03:00 AM Wake Up Time
03:40 AM Summit Assault
05:30 AM ETA SUMMIT

New Found Friends =)


07:00 AM Trek to campsite
08:00 AM Breakfast
09:00 AM Break camp
09:30 AM Trek to Ranger Station
12:00 NN ETA Ranger Station – Lunch and Wash-up

03:00 PM ETD DENR
04:00 PM ETA DENR, Log out
07:00 PM ETA Baguio City – Dinner (on own account)
09:00 PM ETD Baguio City


 Day 3, June 24, Monday
03:00 AM ETA Manila

Just a thought to ponder (a section lifted from Wikipedia): On 7 April 2009, a Philippine Air Force (PAF) Bell 412 of the Presidential Airlift Wing crashed at 6,900 feet above sea level in the Kabayan-Pulag pass between Mount Mangingihi and Mount Pulag in thick low cloud and fog.  The aircraft pilots and their passengers, who are presidential appointees, died in the crash. – – – Best way to die HAHA. Since I both love riding planes and mountaineering, why not make these two worlds meet ‘literally’.  LOL.

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I am missing these guys already as this was our last trek together. =( (Delayed Post, haha)

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