Day 1
Slept for only three hours. Slept at 12 midnight after packing my bag. Woke up at 3 AM. Hugs from Mama and Papa as they see us off in ADDU. Bulec forgot his ID and registration form. Fortunately, I had mine not yet filled up so we had a copy scanned and printed in an Internet shop (which was still open thanks to the junkies still fixed on their respective computer screens). On a jeep to Toril, then to Santa Cruz. Picked up Rommel along the way. First challenge was climbing a steep slope in Santa Cruz. On another ride to the rural countryside, on a multicab. Stopped on top of a hill, surrounded by nipa huts, for lunch. Then came the downpour. Rested for awhile until the rain weakened down to a drizzle. On we walked and finally set up camp after the rain returned with a vengeance. Shivering underneath my supposedly waterproof jacket. Aim was to make it to Camp 1 but that's not possible anymore. Couldn't set up the tent because our guides advised against it; our tent didn't have a fly. Tried to sleep instead in a small tent shared by five other souls: Bulec, Rayray, Sir Ramy, Anton, and Rommel.
Day 2
Sunny morning. Had breakfast and, from then on, it was up, up, and up. Thighs hurt because of chaffed skin. Finally reached Camp 1. Refilled water bottle, had lunch, and it was off to Camp 2. Tried to self-medicate my chaffed skin. Reached the boulders. Otherworldly. Nothing but rock but that was the first time I appreciated our efforts because I could finally see Davao Gulf. Reached Apo's crater. Really cold. Wind is unforgiving. Climbed up short of the peak then went down to the campsite. Lots of climbers. Lots of shit everywhere. Against expert advice, we set up our tent. Had dinner and a satisfying sleep, all snug in my sleeping bag.
Day 3
Woke up early to watch the sunrise but the clouds spoiled the fun. Spent several minutes in the peak before climbing down to fetch some water. Then the descent began. Several slips as we walk down the now very muddy trail (thanks to the hundreds of climbers who have preceded us). Reached Lake Venado. Set up tent and rain again came pouring down. Sleeping bag got wet and the tent was leaking. Uncomfortable sleep. Very cold. Watched a trail of lights across Apo's face, emanating from the headlights of climbers still descending from the peak at night.
Day 4
Rather uneventful day. Continued our descent. Stopped at a campsite for lunch then stopped again for balut and softdrinks. Trekked a river then finally made it to the end of the trail where officials were trying to collect money (exit fees) from climbers. Went away scot-free thanks to Rhab and relaxed at Lake Agco for awhile. On a van bound for Davao City. Really tired. Nice experience.
Slept for only three hours. Slept at 12 midnight after packing my bag. Woke up at 3 AM. Hugs from Mama and Papa as they see us off in ADDU. Bulec forgot his ID and registration form. Fortunately, I had mine not yet filled up so we had a copy scanned and printed in an Internet shop (which was still open thanks to the junkies still fixed on their respective computer screens). On a jeep to Toril, then to Santa Cruz. Picked up Rommel along the way. First challenge was climbing a steep slope in Santa Cruz. On another ride to the rural countryside, on a multicab. Stopped on top of a hill, surrounded by nipa huts, for lunch. Then came the downpour. Rested for awhile until the rain weakened down to a drizzle. On we walked and finally set up camp after the rain returned with a vengeance. Shivering underneath my supposedly waterproof jacket. Aim was to make it to Camp 1 but that's not possible anymore. Couldn't set up the tent because our guides advised against it; our tent didn't have a fly. Tried to sleep instead in a small tent shared by five other souls: Bulec, Rayray, Sir Ramy, Anton, and Rommel.
Day 2
Sunny morning. Had breakfast and, from then on, it was up, up, and up. Thighs hurt because of chaffed skin. Finally reached Camp 1. Refilled water bottle, had lunch, and it was off to Camp 2. Tried to self-medicate my chaffed skin. Reached the boulders. Otherworldly. Nothing but rock but that was the first time I appreciated our efforts because I could finally see Davao Gulf. Reached Apo's crater. Really cold. Wind is unforgiving. Climbed up short of the peak then went down to the campsite. Lots of climbers. Lots of shit everywhere. Against expert advice, we set up our tent. Had dinner and a satisfying sleep, all snug in my sleeping bag.
Day 3
Woke up early to watch the sunrise but the clouds spoiled the fun. Spent several minutes in the peak before climbing down to fetch some water. Then the descent began. Several slips as we walk down the now very muddy trail (thanks to the hundreds of climbers who have preceded us). Reached Lake Venado. Set up tent and rain again came pouring down. Sleeping bag got wet and the tent was leaking. Uncomfortable sleep. Very cold. Watched a trail of lights across Apo's face, emanating from the headlights of climbers still descending from the peak at night.
Day 4
Rather uneventful day. Continued our descent. Stopped at a campsite for lunch then stopped again for balut and softdrinks. Trekked a river then finally made it to the end of the trail where officials were trying to collect money (exit fees) from climbers. Went away scot-free thanks to Rhab and relaxed at Lake Agco for awhile. On a van bound for Davao City. Really tired. Nice experience.
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