NASUGBU, BATANGAS: BATULAO FOR BEGINNERS?

You are reading just because you are curious about the title, about Batulao or one of the people who's in this stage: first timer..beginner..novice..baby of the group. So what? No one should be ashamed of that. I know you might be at the point where you are deciding if you have to Go not to Go in this kind of hobby, mountain climbing. Yes, I was also there in that very moment before and I never regret what my decision was. If you want to be more facts, experience or you just want to laugh at me how I gone through this mountain, then read this story that would surely help and might make you laugh.

THE BEGINNER'S STORY
Since I mentioned mountain climbing is our most favorite activity in our first post, we want to share with you how it was started. One year ago, me and my bf were like the most boring person you'll ever meet. We just stayed on homes, watch TV, meet each other and date. It was like pirated CDs repeated everything over and over since we had our relationship, no excitement, no activities.

THE FEAR
Last year 2011, the history of boring couple adventures started. One of our friends invited us to experience mountain climbing activity with other newbie climber friends at Nasugbu Batangas. Mt. Batulao as our first outdoor and mountain exploration. We realized that time that such activity like trekking, hiking, camping and climbing was "kinda" but not so so meant for us. It was totally appeared risky. Of course, from a beginners eye, just look at those three spiky spikes of that mountain from the jump off that you are going to traverse! What the..??!

 This experience was so memorable, yeah like any other would say "you will never forget your first times" haha. Well from the jump-off, Evercrest golf course to campsite and up to the summit, stories and expi was never ending.

THE OUTFIT DILEMMA
First dilemma was, "what should we wear?", good thing we have our Merrel shoes which is suitable for those kind of activity, but still "I'm bothered what attire was the best"--Aime. So with no idea what essentials to bring, geared with shirt, denim capri pants and cute sling bag(hahah) for Aime and shorts Raymond we left Kaytitinga Alfonso Cavite and started our trek from there. Yeah, I know sling bag has no use, how silly.haha. Would you imagine how long we walked all the way to real jump-off? When we reached Evercrest Batangas passed 5:00pm, we were like warmed up and thought mountain could be just so near. Because of wasted time walkathon from Alfonso to Batangas, we ended up night trek and prayed no one would die from falling, be bitten by a snake or be kidnapped by a abu sayaf or rebel along 3 hours of trek to campsite. Yup 3 hours! that's the best time novice could during that long dark travel. I regret that sling bag and walkathon! haha.

UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS AROSE
Another problem encountered then was the tent. At the campsite, we were like happy because all of us, approximately 12 persons would share one single tent at night, yes I said it right 1 tent! When it was opened, gosh it was a beach tent!haha. No flooring, just a mesh to cover it's sides and roofing. Luckily, there was no rains during that night, we could probably suffered from tent floods plus freaky mountain animals that might bitten us. Second risk fired!

Next issue was water. 12 people trekked and camped but we only had 5 liters of water. That was really tough water-budget for cooking and trail water just because others thought someone would bring extras for them. Withstand third problem and it really happens even with long time climbers.

THIS IS IT! OR CAN I JUST SLEEP HERE AT THE TENT?
The most unforgettable thing was the hype of the camp, going to the summit. The first hard pat was to wake up early to catch the sunrise at the summit. Do I really have to come? Can I just stay here and wait until you come back? But what's our purpose again? Ok.

We were like puppies then when we traversed ridges, hills and trail walk in almost sitting manner, feeling of about to fall and thinking me parents will surely get mad was terrible! We just screamed on our thoughts "what the heck am I doing here!?, while I could just stay at home and relax?" All regrets of getting in that kind of trip, but we couldn't go back to the jump-off , it was so far away. So we just decided withstand and strengthen our guts to finish and conquer our fear to reach the ultimate goal. Raymond just said then, "after this, it will never happen again!"

As we get near to its highest point, we were bit by bit relieved and made believe ourselves that fear and muscle ache would be justified.

THE PRIZE!
True enough, when we reached the zenith, the 360 degree panoramic view was totally irresistible! "We are so lucky to be here!", sarcastic but true even other hikers and most experience mountaineers been to that same feeling. Won over ultimate risk that day!

From that first climb, adventures and interests especially in mountain climbing became our hobby. Our drive to explore other mountains ignited. If beginners like us did our goals to be a climber, then why shouldn't you?

We should appreciate great natural things God given us. It's not the wounds, its not the fatigue and muscle aches, it's not about the fees but the feeling to see things you never seen before, things that you really  want to share with others and inspire them. That's it!

Mountains are awesome, but mountains change. View them, see them.. Urge yourself thinking mountains now are its best that you will miss the chance of capturing it's beauty before its too late. I hope Batulao can be a breathing ground for all climbers not only for beginners.

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