20th UEM Anniv Climb Aug.13-14, 2011

*this blog tackles the adventure of reaching the summit of Mt. Maculot via the traverse trail which nearly cause the author's life during his 1st attempt without a climbing buddy. Now he has return with a comeback and a backup, "Pang". At long last we have reached the summit safe and sound plus reached the Rockies Campsite linking with the UEM Advance Team and celebrating 20 years of Mountaineering, Walking, Swimming, Eating, Action, Drama, Comedy, Camaraderie and Family.

The University of the East Mountaineers (UEM)

In cooperation with

The University of the East Mountaineers Alumni Inc. (UEMAI)

Celebrates

20 years of Mountaineering, Walking, Swimming, Eating, Action, Drama, Comedy,

Camaraderie and Family

The Climb Preparation

            Well I have been dying to do the Maculot Traverse since my 1^st attempt that nearly cost my life. 1 month before the actual climb, I was already asking for hikers to join my 2^nd attempt not to mention that this will be the 20^th anniversary climb of UEM, so its pretty much a pressure for everyone is expecting a blast come Saturday night’s grand party. Only Malone my UEM batchmate answered the call for the MacTrav, I believe he didn’t answer anything but was forced to.. hahaha

Malone “Pang” Daza. The last time we have seen each other was during the last anniversary climb, 19^th UEM Anniv Climb. We may say that we resurrect him every time special climbs need special people like “Pang”

Not much preparations actually but only pack-lite and some marketing (at Cuenca’s Public Market) for trail food and lunch along the trail but because we ate a heavy meal at the market, “Pang” ordering another bigger than usual additional rice has done the job of us not getting hungry along the trail.

We were not alone on the MacTrav trail for another group was preparing also to take this route albeit on a day hike mode, thus more lightly packed than us and much more faster along the trail, I told Malone that we should let them lead so that we can read the trails for the exact route (my only mistake on my 1^st attempt was going ahead of a group) and he gladly agreed, so along the trail going to the grotto we would take 5min breaks or more especially along the cemented stairs to the grotto. There are stations now and then that one can take a break.

It was a good thing that we started out trek early in the morning around 930am so that if ever we got lost, we still have time to back track with daylight on our side.

Seen here is the cemented stairs going to the Grotto on top the hill

The grotto after 1hr of lazy trekking, more of a

stop-talk-walk-stop-talk-laugh-updating kinda trek

The Cross at the Grotto and then a photo of my TNF day pack aka “Dark night”on her maiden trek

One of the obstacles that one must face and conquer to reach the summit, a 10meter or so thick rope for the hikers to lift them up on the slippery rock formation

As you can see to your right is the itchy caterpillars that litter the place, you cannot just hold a tree or a rock for balance you have to check first 

A scarce view of Taal Lake on the traverse side of Maculot, only a few minutes now and you can reach the summit / campsite area

Summit view from Mt. Maculot, Yeahbah!!!

Its friendly inhabitants that was game to be instant wildlife models, moss covered tree branches are also abundant here, meaning that this part of the mountain stays almost wet

Me and Pang, hiking buddies

Upon reaching the summit of Mt. Maculot for the frist time, we spent a couple of minutes there just looking at the view and feeling the half of the fulfillment of having conquered a mountain that nearly cost me my life.