The Trek to Sirao Peak Part III

“The Good Fight is the one that we fight in the name of our dreams.” ― Paulo Coelho, The Pilgrimage

Lunch was for 40 minutes.  When you got nothing but rice toppings in the middle of nowhere it became the most sumptuous lunch.  What made it the best lunch was you learn how to share. Then I gained some friends.  I asked them questions just to get to know them better. While some took another plunge in the cold water, I took a nap.  Who could not resist? The waterfalls sang a lullaby and the leaves fan the atmosphere. I needed to energize.  I found a slab of rock, laid my jacket then closed my eyes.

I am grateful for my good friend who invited me to experience this good climb. No dull moments when you're with her.

More waterfalls as we continued our path.  More friends I've gained along the way...

Just lovely, as these water dances with the rocks.

The path got more difficult.

Hug those boulders to get though.  Most of the time there were roots to hold but on some parts, you need to lock your fingers through the cracks, while you manage your balance and find a good spot to land your foot. No ropes, no harness, no helmets.

One of our companion fell and hit his head on those rocks.  I'm glad he was okay.

It got steeper I have to lift my body.  Talking about upper body strength, uhm, when was the last time I practiced? I wasn't even flexible enough to stretch my legs so I could have a wider stance.

We were attacked by the bees, apparently we disturbed a beehive, bitten by ants and cut our legs with some dried stalks, grass and sticks.

These were nothing compared to the lesson we learned.  Sometimes, in this jungle we live, its okay to ask for help and there are people willing to help.  Such a good heart.

We were at the ridge of the mountain, took one turn and found the peak. A few more hour we'll be on top of that peak behind us.


photo credits to Normania Addams

The Trek to Sirao Peak Part II

“The ship is safest when it is in port, but that’s not what ships were built for.” ― Paulo Coelho, The Pilgrimage

Maybe I'm a ship sailing at work. The ocean isn't always calm. I struggle but my hands are still holding the wheel. Aye-aye captain. Things will be as calm as this pic soon.

Throwing pebbles into the water, I came back to my senses.  We were given 20 min rest. Some took a plunge. I just sat  in a corner with my water and candy.  I don't know anybody yet and I'm awkwardly shy.

Then we continued our walk.  The trail got more difficult.  While climbing we had to strangle ourselves through some vines since there were part of the river we can't pass through. The soil were lose and some parts were slippery. All we had to grab were the roots and some vines. Some vines have thorns. Never grab those grass ascending, it cannot hold you. Step the wrong foot and you'll be hanging through the vines.

The rocks gets bigger and bigger.  Just like any other show, when its ready for the finale, the curtain rises and reveals the final stage.  The boulders cleared our path. Holler! to this grand falls.

I am safe for now.  It's time for lunch...

photo credits to Normania Addams

The Trek to Sirao Peak Part I

“We must never stop dreaming. Dreams provide nourishment for the soul, just as a meal does for the body.”
― Paulo Coelho, The Pilgrimage

I like taking pauses at times when things are rough and I feel I am sinking.  I need a reminder that I can do it... It works like a booster. So that when I'm back on my game, it gives me the acceleration.

When I saw the invite from a friend that we would trek to Mt Sirao last Sunday, I clicked accept without hesitation.  I needed this, I thought.  Work has been driving me crazy lately but before I lose a screw, I needed fresh air.  This was the picture in my mind.

A vast green meadow. A garden of colorful flowers. Happy trees singing with the wind. A beautiful sunshine glittering above us. The sound of water as it cascades from one rock to the other. 

My imagination can wander limitless. But before we set foot into this beautiful scenery, there were several obstacles we conquered. This is the road to Mt. Sirao.

On a sunny Sunday morning we met at the front gate of Sunny Hills village in Talamban, Cebu City.  Call time was 7AM. After a good and warm breakfast I filled my bag with 2 liters of water, my lunch, bags of chocolate (quick energy fix while trekking) and some snacks. My friends were late, we left at 8AM. Hired a jeepney to take us to the first station where our trek will start.

Everyone seemed eager.  We were briefed and instructions were given. Then I asked if how long will it take. To my surprise, I was answered 8 hours.  Eight hours of walking where's the fun at that?!

Then we started our ascend. I usually jog at least three days before a trek, you know to condition my body but I was confident it would be an easy trail so I came unprepared.

With the sun beaming a good strength, I was panting.  My breathing was quick and deep.

Pretty good warm up. We stopped at a small village to check our water supply.  It would be another hours to get good water source for drinking.

And then the descend.  This is when my knees started shaking, remember I came unprepared.  There's just too much force in descending rather than ascending it hurts my knees.

So I hold unto my knees, looking above, those were steep slopes. And if I fell, I would be lucky to be alive with broken bones. It poured the other day making the ground slippery and that adds the challenge. One slipped, luckily she has her trekking stick.

Finally, a river.  We were to follow this river upstream. With Sirao peak at approximately 700 meters high above sea level, it finally sunk in that its going to be a long walk. But there were 34 of us, a big crowd.  I only knew a few, I thought, new faces, new friends.

And the walk continued with bigger rocks to cross,  I tried not to get my shoes wet and its very difficult to traverse with heavy feet. So I hop. I imagined myself with invisible wings as I land from one rock to the other. A friend noticed, how I gracefully danced with those rocks and I just gave him a smile. Naahh its called weight balancing, I've learned how to switch weights and how much weight to put in a leg so I can move swiftly.  But I've noticed my jumps lately were short.  High school gym, balance beam, tracks, come on guys!

Our first stop!

photo credits to Normania Addams