I, Mark "Maj": Maculot Dayhike via Rockies (706masl) March 24, 2012

Maculot Dayhike via Rockies (706masl)

Itinerary

Day 1 Saturday March 24, 2012

0530 Assembly

0615 ETD Cuenca, Batangas

0855 ETA Cuenca Town Market, Ride trike to JOP

0912 Start Trek via Traditional Trail (Rockies, 1-2hrs)

0953 Take-5 @ Manggahan

1156 ETA Rockies, Take Pictures

1316 Rockies Campsite (Raining), Lunch time

1400 Start Trek Descent (45mins-1hr)

1500 ETA Wash-Up area (new location, new facilities)

1630 ETD Lipa

1700 ETA Lipa, Ride bus bound for MLA

1930 Rainy MLA

Budget as of March 24, 2012

Php155 Bus (JAM) Kamuning – Cuenca per trip (Php310)

Php20 Trike Fare per trip per pax (Php40)

Php10 Barangay Registration Fee per pax

Php24 Jeep Cuenca - Lipa

Php15 Wash-up, 1 big pail

Total Php399.00

Miscellaneous expenditures

Php10 Buko Juice
Php40 Halo-Halo, bought @ "711"
*instead of the Php35 8oz Coke

Notes

Since it already the “season” for Maculot, there are more “Buko Juice” stations located at the traditional trail, more than 6 (I’ve lost count) not to mention that there are around 2-3 new rest stations with Buko Juice stands.

The only problem or probably an invitation to is that there is already a section allocated at the Rockies campsite for plastic bottles. Were mountaineers or “visitors” who are not familiar with the LNT or Mountaineering principles that never leave any thrash at the mountain throw their discarded plastic bottles adding to the ever growing pile. It would be an added source of income for the locals but its just adding to the problem of garbage in our mountains.

The “711” store has yet to max their selections but I believe they will be stocking up as the days goes by most especially this Lenten Season wherein not only mountaineers are expected to flock Maculot but also devotees wishing to visit the Grotto located at the other side of the mountain (Traverse Trail) adnw e would expect a heavy influx of trash discarded on the trail and at the summit of Mt. Maculot.

There are reports that the Traverse (Or Grotto) Trail is Closed for ascents but open if for descents (coming from Rockies) but we have seen 1-2 groups who came from the Traverse trail and the trike driver asked Love if where to (assuming he is asking for the Rockies or Grotto jump-off).

This is part of our TC (Training Climb) for Mt. Sicapoo this coming April 2-4, 2012 and we decided only to limit our load to 6-8.5 load (with trail water) because the following day we will be on the Fox International Channel Fun Run in the 10km Category. We were accompanied my Sir Snap and Ron Quimson, co-members from UE Litratista (Photographers) and first time-hikers and Sir Snap’s friend Ms. Kim (Gym-Boxing buff not to mention an outdoor girl) with the usual and dear friends Mutya (UEM/UEMAI) and her best buddy (hihihi) Joan who stayed for an overnyter.

The trek to the Rockies at that time was so hot and pretty much no wind not to mention the trail was also dry and locals told us that there is still no rain for more than a week now, that explains the dusty trails which add to the slip factor and dried leaves and grass. As we started warming up and upon reaching the coconut tree which has to trails, one leads down and the others up which gives the perception especially to 1^st timers that all trails leading up means it leads to the summit. But one should take the trail leading down. We saw a group of hikers going back, probably the early bird hikers and we noticed that it’s Dr. Gideon Lasco of the famous site, PinoyMountaineer and Mrs. Rica Parallejo with a handful of local kids, probably accompanied them on their trek upon seeing a “artista” visiting their mountain.

I introduced myself to Dr. Gid and we shook hands and then Ms. Rica asked if we were there for an overnighter but I told her we were here only for a dayhike and she said why the big packs then, I told her its just for training purposes.

We have encountered a few who were also making their way down but the bulk was those making their way up, some upon looking at them were 1^st timers others for an overnight stay. There were a lot of groups that time, the Adhoc “climb before work” and SALT comprises the bulk of those who were there judging from their trek uniforms. As we reached the Rockies campsite we rested for a bit and then asked Ate who was the bantay of one of the “711” stores there (there were 2 that time) that if its okay that we leave our packs when we go to the Rockies.

After a quick breather, we then head to the Rockies for some picture-picture and to test Sir Snap’s UWA lens. Hehe Upon the horizon we could see that rain clouds forming and heading to our directions, as the 1^st drops touched our skin we decided hastily to head back to the Rockies Campsite, Sir Snap and Ron’s camera did not include any waterproof options (think ziplocks or any cellophane to cover then from the elements). As we arrived at the “711” store we then ate our packed lunch, still there are more hikers arriving and good thing the first group who finished eating at the table left and gave their spot to us.

To cut the story short:

· I met 2 friends from the Bakun Trio Climb, chatted a bit and then quickly and hoping to rejoin Khaye and the rest of the group

· Upon reaching a curb with 2 mountaineers looking at the break taking view, I decided to pass by them but slipped forcing me into a lying down position and they helped me up, chatted a bit. The trail now is a bit wet but because of the loose sand and stones still makes the trail a bit slippery but less unlike when it was dry (when we ascended)

· Then after the 1^st Buko station if descending, my foot got caught between a putruding rock and as I came tumbling down the full weight and force of my fall was stopped by my right knee on a big rock and I held my knee tight in pain (good thing I didn’t scream to the top of my voice, probably alerted the hikers taking a take-5 above). Sweat dripping profusely on my face, I stayed there for a few minutes, the pain is still present. I need to move…

I opened my med-kit and popped 2pcs of Advil softgel capsules then re-strapped my knee support to a more tighter grip. I could barely bend my right knee but I have to move because we were after all in a tight schedule. Talk-about “127 Hours” on StarMovies this past few days.

· I arrived 15mins after then at the wash-up area and my knee is already swollen. Overall aside from the slips of me and others, it was a good climb (just knock out the almost heat exhaustion during the ascent and the slips).