Everyone’s talking about Mt. Pulag, the gateway to the infamous sea of clouds. It’s like a must for everyone’s bucket list, which it should really be. Witnessing one of God’s creations is like transcending to a different state of being. But when I climbed it, it was not included on my bucket list and didn’t even plan on climbing it. Before the climb, I didn’t even hear of it before, I have no idea where it is or how high it is. I didn’t even bother researching it. I was CLUELESS.

CLUELESS


I CLIMBED.




I SURVIVED.




We rested for an hour before continuing our trek. The others passed us and we’re now again last. The trail going to the campsite is now easy, with no more assaults.
As we trek the remaining trails going to the campsite, we can now see the summit of Mt. Pulag. There are no trees present around the summit, just grass. Mostly referred to as Marlboro Country since it was like the landscape in a Cigarette Commercial.

We arrived at the campsite last. The campsite is on a flat grassland, surrounded by tall grasses. It is just a few meters from the summit. We pitched our tent beside the grasses to cover ourselves from strong winds. I felt tired but thought I can sustain it until tomorrow.
But… I was wrong.
After a few minutes of rest, I suddenly felt cold. I was shivering and feeling hot. Feeling some chills. I told Ge I will rest for now inside the tent and sleep it over, maybe after a while, I will be better.
Darkness came and I’m still shivering. Everyone from the group is trying to help me regain from that situation. One lend me his gloves, and the other gave me his crucible with a candle inside. Later that night, Ge opened his stove outside the tent but inside the flysheet to heat our area. Before going to sleep again, Ge asked me if I can still do the climb to the summit, if not, we will stay there and start going down in the morning. Well, I don’t want that to happen. In my mind, “After all that, I will not see the sea of clouds and reach the summit?” I told him, “Yes, I still can”, even if I’m still chilling.
The time has come for the summit. The call time is 3 AM. Not wanting to be left behind, I stood up and got outside. It felt cold but I didn’t shiver. I didn’t know what happen, but I’m now okay.
We continued our trek through the dark. Lights from headlamps and flashlights now starting to gather at the summit. Well, luck was not on our side, there was no sea of clouds. But, as soon as the first light from the sun came to the horizon, everything changed. From pitch black, outlines of the mountains started to appear, grasslands started to spread, and the rays of the sun shone upon us. Everything was beautiful. After all the efforts and hardships, I have climbed and endured Mt. Pulag. I am on top of the world. If the view after the Mossy forest is beautiful, this is better. I felt fulfilled. Words cannot describe the feeling up there.

After a lot of pictures, we returned back to the campsite and got ready for the descent. I am energized as if nothing happened to me the day before.
We started our descent through the Ambangeg trail. The trail is easier and takes 3 hours or more to reach the base. The amazing view didn’t stop at the summit but going down also offers a lot. The vast grassland, mountain tops, and yes, the most awaited sea of clouds captured our eyes.
As we are reaching the base, I can now feel my legs weakening and my toes aching. I’ve just borrowed the shoes I’m wearing and there’s no allowance for my feet to extend. I have to endure and finish this climb, no matter what it takes.
I CONQUERED.
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©CHASEJASE
7 Comments. Leave new
I want to go there too! Hahaha
Go! 🙂 but I’m not sure if it is still open to the public. There are rumors that they want to close it or minimize the people going there so that the mountain can recover. 🙂
Binge reading your hikes. Ganda sir ng mga shots niyo. Each mountains has their own charm. Ganda. 🙂
Thank you Hans! ? Each mountain is different and worth exploring. ?
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