Taal – a view from the Rockies
I remember the huffing, the hurried pace, I remember being promised an hour climb until the Grotto on top, and a three hour hike back down with a different route, I remember seeing nothing but greens. As for my very first encounter with a mountain, that’s it, those memories. Sometimes I even tried to reimagine, the trail, the dirt on my shoes and the water bottle on my hand. That was Maculot 1995.
Eighteen years later and I found myself on a bus bound for Lipa, my stop was at Tambo exit and from there I took a twenty minute jeepney ride into Cuenca. At 7:15 am, a few minutes into the trail, with a cup of coffee in hand, I conversed with a few folks at their small sari-sari store and asked for some directions. As I continued, I was half-expecting for some memories to come flooding in – no success there.
Taking the new trail, the one that diverges left from a fork in the road I marched on. Having known earlier that it rained hard the previous night, the onslaught of mud and slippery slopes did not surprised me. The mountain was very welcoming, amidst the muddy trail you will be constantly greeted by the scenic view of Taal lake. This trail was also steep, there were very few rocks in the ground that would provide you stable footing, instead you’d have to make do with the roots and the trees lest you’d slide down. Along the way, rest stops (with makeshift chairs and tables) were aplenty, it is in one of these stops that I’ve met fellow climbers Relly and Arnold (fresh from Manabu and completing their twin hike), and the Banahaw Group (let’s call them that, since they were warming up for their Banahaw hike)
Taal Lake – during my ascent
Going on solo for a climb really is a different experience, for one, no would be watching your back. You are your own responsibility and you have to be extra vigilant on everything. Caution is your best friend, overconfidence is your enemy. It is lonely, but you get to dictate your own pace, there’s no pressure, and you get to take in all this nature around, it almost feels like meditating.
Self Shot – naks
At around 8:30, I have reached the camp site. From here, the trail separates, to the left is the Rockies (the most famous destination in Maculot, providing a scenic view of Taal Lake) and the right leads to the summit.
After coming from the Rockies, I found myself back at the camp site eager to take on the summit solo mode, however, hesitation and doubt set-in, and I lingered more at the spot trying to make up my mind. My pessimism concluded only when the Banahaw Group decided to head to the summit as well, as a solo hiker the further trip upwards into a seldom used trail would be perilous, but with a group – well, that’s a different story.
Me at the Rockies
On the Edge =)
The Banahaw Group was an awesome bunch, led by the oldest member of the family Nanay Eva, together with Euan her son, Jacq and her brother, Poldo, Tita (forgot her name) and her tween daughter and her 10 something son, we ascended to the summit hoping to traverse through until the Grotto.
Maculot Summit as viewed from the Campsite
The trail to the Summit
The trail upwards was strenuous, first you’d have to go through a head high grass field, and then take a continuous assault until the peak, with the reward quite disappointing. There was nothing to see at the summit, only a glimpse of the Taal Lake, nothing compared to the majesties that the Rockies have to offer. However, climbing the summit and traversing was an achievement none the less.`
The descent – with ropes 
Heading down, on a tricky and rocky descent, we moved forward foregoing lunch . The trail downwards involved two very steep sections where you’d have to hold on to a rope, and carefully tread for footing. A few hours later and the group were lushly resting at the Grotto, took the easiest descent of the trail (since there were cemented steps by now), and then I bid my farewells.
Doggie at the Grotto
Homeward bound, and as I continued to put some distance between my back and Mt. Maculot, I kept on searching for the memories of my first adventure there some eighteen years ago. A time when I was not yet an adult, but an innocent kid full of wonder and awe to the world. I did not find those memories.
Whatever I saw there and however I saw them were long gone. And although that adventure was already forgotten, it’s great to know that another one was made that day, seen with different eyes – when I returned to Mt. Maculot.
saw this while on my way home
More Adventures to come…
Doggie wanders 