Mt. Halcon
Mt. Halcon was my very first 9/9 mountain and so far my best and worst. I only started hiking last October 2012 but then got hooked with this hobby and started a regular hike this January 2013. When I learned about Halcon I got so excited. Being a newbie I did everything to prepare myself for the biggest challenge.
Then the day came. We already met some challenges on the first day. Instead of going through Lantuyan as originally planned the organizers decided to take the Mayabig trail. It was porter issue. They require 2 porter/guides per 5 pax which we think were too much. But was in their rules and regulations so there was nothing we can do. We reached the jump off of Mayabig Trail at almost noon already after being transferred on two jeepneys.
After everything has been set including ourselves the hike started. It was very humid but spirits were still high. Then after a few hours we had to do an e-camp. The reason was one of the participants could not go on anymore. So the next day we were expected to trek 15hrs until Camp 3(as far as i know). Until unforeseen circumstances happened. There was miscommunication to where we should meet and regroup. And the lead group did not know that there were issues with the porter loads and with one of the participants that slowed the last group. The weather also went bad and the river swelled making it impossible for the last Group to pass. The lead group was already way ahead as they decided to push through. I was included in the middle group. Since it rained and we got worried for the 3 other participants who followed the lead group(after talking to PLDT group it seems that lead did not know they followed) we just decided to stay and do an e-camp (thus referred to as Camp 2 Babies) and wait for further instructions and hoping the river would be passable.
We met one of the organizers and told him about the situation of the three participants. Our concern was they may not have food or tent to get by that night. We gave half of the food we have and the guide went back to the last group who already decided to settle at Camp 1. We were supplied with food from Camp 1 and we had some socials in Camp 2. Thanks to the people I met in Camp 2 I didn't feel it was a survival mode. Though we were only sleeping in a tarp and an open tent we still managed to have a good laugh hoping that tomorrow everyone will be able to come back safely. After that e-camp in Camp 2 we went back to Camp 1. There we waited for the lead group to arrive. We did not take action anymore as what was important to us was their safety.
At around 8pm the last group from the lead group arrived. But the challenges did not stop there. Since most of us were still on vacation leave on Monday we planned to do a day hike The six of us decided to start at 4 am. Of course everyone wanted to summit Mt. Halcon. But then it rained the entire night. The next day the skies cleared and we were allowed to go with the plan. This time all the participants who were not able to summit joined. We became a large group. When we started to trek the rain poured and never stopped. We were able to reach the Azotea but due to strong winds and zero visibility the porter/guide and our Team Lead decided to abort summiting. We were all fine about it at least we tried. It was just a few meters away but weather condition was so bad that time. Descending from the summit we were met by another challenge. Two of the participants seem they cannot continue anymore. It was already around 7pm and crossing falls in that condition was not advisable. Another e-camp for us.
We found shelter in a small cave. No foods(just a few cloud nine, left over Nutella, 2 packets of instant coffee and 2 packs of noodles). We were all cold since everyone was wet the entire hike. They started a fire but it was more of a smoke the entire night rather than fire. Woods were wet making it difficult to make fire. It was a very long night. Two persons made the entire e-campers' spirits alive through jokes. Actually even while on the trail we were filled with jokes. Thus our group was named Happy Team. There was a small e-camper group who got separated from us but they were able to get by safely too.
The next day we were all back at camp 1. It was a long descent with limatik(leeches) attacks and mud slides along the way. But we were able to make it to the jump off. Though there was still a problem with one participant we're glad he's ok now.
Dulangan River
Lessons learned and realization:
1. Do not under estimate the mountain
2. Good planning and communication are required
3. In a large group you cannot expect people to have the same pace so it has to be considered
4. Stick to people you trust the most (in times of emergency you know they will never abandon you)
5. Be self contained. if not make sure all your emergency items are with you(if you have a porter he should be beside you all the time)
6. I was frustrated not being able to summit after all my preparations but realized and learned that SUMMITING is OPTIONAL. there were a lot of what ifs...situations that happened. i could have been in that group who was able to reach the sumit but I guess there was a purpose. never the less I had the best times of my life being with the Camp 2 Babies and the Happy Team.
7. Halcon will never go away. I can go back anytime.
8. Mountain is a test. I've seen relationships, friendships and personalities tested by Mt. Halcon. It brought our true selves.
I will never regret the experiences Mt. Halcon brought me. I met new people and gained knowledge in mountaineering. I guess there is no stopping now. I just need to heal my wounds hehe I had few cuts because I wore sandals when I was summiting. Still I can't wait for my new adventures. :-)
View from our first E-Camp(Ayambukog)
Raging falls of Mt. Halcon from Aplaya Camp Site
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