Mt. Maculot - Rockies: Cuenca, Batangas

Mt. Maculot

I was invited by a co-employee to join a day-hike in Batangas and I got excited. Checked on my calendar and I was free. I was hesitant to join because I am afraid of heights. Things that mountaineer does were running through my mind and as I see, it was not easy. But I've got the courage to try this new adventure and I said yes. "I will just give a try and who knows soon I will be enjoying this new adventure."

with SALT Mountaineers!

As a beginner, I searched on the net on what to bring, what to wear and did study about the mountain we will be climbing. Better be prepared and bit educated. A night before the climb, things were prepared and got little sleep because I am too excited to have my first climb.

Arriving on time at the departure area makes you feel relaxed because you have time to talk with fellow climbers. Got also time to socialize while on the road. Getting to know each other about same things that interests each other. We prayed together before we started ascending. Instructions to us beginners were relayed clearly. Climbing is not that easy as 1, 2, and 3, every time some of our colleagues ask to take a rest, we all rest as we just cannot leave them alone.

The trail is great. Easy for me even if I am a beginner maybe because of my experience during my younger years as I usually climb mountains in the province to gather ripe bananas in our farm. The trail is great because there were mini stores along the way where you can buy food and even buco juice. It took us couple of hours to reach the top. Maybe because every time there's a nice view, we took a lot of pictures and off course we need to take a rest for few minutes before we proceed.

We took lunch at the camp site. I had my bangus canned for lunch and a cup of rice enough to fill my hungry stomach. You can really appreciate whatever food you have once you're tired climbing up. After lunch suddenly rain poured that adds the experience. First climb, different weathers went on just for one day. That was cool anyway.

my  humble lunch: half rice and tuna

Rain stopped a bit and we started to assault the Rockies. Climbing this part was bit difficult. It's assault and you will hold and step on the rocks. One mistake and you will be at the ravine. I was so nervous climbing but I enjoyed the scenery. Wind and rain keeps on adding the adventure awesome.

scenic view from the top

rock climbing

View from the top was spectacular. You see the great views, other mountain ranges and most of all the beautiful Taal Lake and Mt. Taal. We really enjoyed this place. More bonding time and we did not care about the pouring rain and heavy winds. Took every moment to be memorable.

Going down was lot faster. We were all wet but still we managed to have smile on our face. Thanks to my climbing buddy, Sir Al, for the invitation. To the Salt Mountaineers as well for the job well done. We all went home with great memories. That first climb was very memorable, new friends and new adventure. I will climb again once I've got time.

with Al, my hiking buddy

group pic

TRIVIA:

At 930 MASL, the mountain has three destinations: the famous Rockies (706m), the summit (930m) and the Grotto (510m). These can all be covered by a traverse day hike, but most climbers head to the Rockies, which is the reason why Mt. Maculot is the paragon of an easy hike.