tahac.net trekking|camping

Merry Christmas, from my family to yours

2008-12-23T18:46:00.001+08:00

Trail mix

2008-11-15T13:20:00.002+08:00

A trail mix is basically food that you can consume on the trail to give you that added boost and energy. It is usually a mix of dried fruits, cereals, sweets with a chocolate base, and mixed nuts. Here is one classic, easy to prepare trail mix.

Ingredients (roughly the same weight for each item. Let's say... 250g):
Dried fruits
Mixed nuts
Raisins
M&Ms or Reese's Pieces

Procedure:
Mix all the above ingredients in a bowl. Then store in an airtight container. Place your trail mix in an easily-accessible place in your bag.

Keeping yourself warm at night camp

2008-11-01T18:02:00.006+08:00

If you are planning to go overnight on your trek (or tramp, as I have recently learned the equivalent term here in New Zealand), it is an absolute necessity that you are able to keep yourself warm at night. These are some of the items that we bring aside from the tent for shelter:

1. A sleeping bag - fabric technology has provided for lighter and warmer sleeping bags, but these can cost an arm and a leg for the average taxpayer. Usually rectangular-shaped, a zipper runs through the length of the sleeping bag so you can actually spread it out. When I am with company in my two-person tent, I usually do this to share the cushion. Not that it can soften the ground you sleep on, especially if it's quite rough. Speaking of which, you need to clear the ground of stones to make it at least tolerable. You also need...

2. An earthpad. This is padding made of rubber that you can use to insulate yourself from the cold ground. When not in use, we form this into a cylinder and line it into our bag so it can stand on its own. There are pre-cut earthpads, but you can also find vendors that will cut according to your specification. And if you are sharing your sleeping bag and pad, you need...

3. A blanket. We usually use the malongs we purchase in Cebu or Davao, but a lot of native clothing stores in Manila sell this as well. In addition, we have sweaters and long pants on for warmth. And finally...

4. Have a pillow. We have inflatable ones, but you can simply roll up your clothes to double as a pillow. This way, you maximize on bag space.

[photo credit: www.allsleepingbags.com]

Trekking pole

2008-10-23T16:00:00.000+08:00

At times when we are on a trek, we scavenge for a sturdy bit of branch which we can use to ward off wayward branches, support our ascent and subsequent descent, and also serve as stand for makeshift shelter. It was during our descent from Mt. Daguldol on a very wet and muddy day where my sandal's velcro strap gave out and I suffered a sprain did the idea of a having a good trekking pole come to mind.

Trekking poles today are getting the hi-tech treatment. Lightweight materials such as carbon fiber are being used, but these are usually for fixed sizes. Other poles offer adjustable lengths, but are a bit heavier due to the additional mechanism; aluminum alloy is also usually used. Still, others have shock-absorbent features and interchangeable ends to adapt to various terrain.

So when you are going on a trek and you are expecting to go through some rough times, it will be a good move to bring a trekking pole along.

photo credit: www.backpackinglight.com

Glow Sticks

2008-10-09T10:40:00.004+08:00

The first time I got hold of glow sticks was back in 1995 in California. I didn't know what I was going to use it for but the packaging looked cool and so I bought a pack of two. Its purpose was for lighting up the campsite or for emergency purposes.

These days, you can see glow ticks anywhere. Prices have dropped considerably for it to be mass marketed into small tubes that you can use as bracelets, headbands and necklaces for that bright party look. But the thicker, more sturdy ones are still used for lighting purposes in treks and camping sites. Plus, it's waterproof and does not need batteries.

I finally got to use the light stick I bought so many years ago in one of our camping trips recently. It was amazing. The light from the stick (it was green in color) lighted up the socials area considerably that we no longer needed any other lighting mechanism. Plus, it lasted well after we went in our tents for the night.

So grab a couple of night sticks for emergency use. Be sure to encase it in a sturdy container, though, for a slight bend can "ignite" it.

Photo credit: R&A Discos

Leaving on a jet plane...

2008-09-12T10:49:00.000+08:00

I have not been able to update recently because we are in the midst of preparations... my family and I are bound for Wellington, New Zealand on Sept 16. Malapit na... wish us luck! More information here.

Escape to Cagbalete Island in Mauban, Quezon

2008-08-26T19:29:00.001+08:00

Where can you be so close to nature that you can't help but feel awed at the sight before you?

Where shells big and small are not just washed-up remnants of a life they once lived, but are instead teeming with crabs seeking their protection? Where fish hastily glide by while you tread on their waters, and brittlestars take refuge amongst the rocks as the water recedes in tune with the low tide? Where else does the ocean become calm, breaking the surface with only the slightest ripple?

Where else, but in Cagbalete Island!

Cagbalete Island is part of the expansive Quezon province of which my wife also hails from. Last weekend saw us at this wonderful island, a place so remote from the main islands that it has no electricity and yet it can be reached in about 7 hours by land and sea (at least, that's what our experience was; in some sites the trip is . Our meeting set at 3AM, I did not dare sleep as I might miss the trip. I was at already at Wendy's Buendia a few minutes early but some even arrived much earlier. Our party complete, we headed for the bus terminal.

Here is our itinerary in a nutshell:
3:00 AM - Met at Wendy's Buendia, then proceeded to JAC Liner (P216.00 each)
3:30 - Bus moves for Grand Terminal
6:15 - Arrive at Grand Terminal, take a ride at the Mauban mini bus (P50.00 each)
6:30 - Mini bus leaves for Mauban (there's a mini bus departing every 30 minutes)
8:00 - Arrive at Mauban, time to go to market for supplies!
Don't forget to buy ice! For your fish and meats.
Villa Cleofas has ice boxes.
Electricity is available at Villa Cleofas at 6:00PM - 1:00 AM
You may just walk to the bangka (ask for directions from the locals), or rent a tricycle (P30.00 per person)
Go to the bangka as early as possible to get seats you want (P40.00 each)
Tip the persons loading your things if you ask for their help. They are a jolly, helpful lot.
10:30 - Bangka leaves for Sabang port in Cagbalete Island.
11:30 - Arrive at Sabang port
There is also ice here and stores in case you forget something.
Villa Cleofas had a bangka fetch our supplies and two of our company
was also able to hitch a ride at the bangka. P200.00
The rest trekked across the island for 20 minutes non-stop.

Welcome to Villa Cleofas!

The Grand Terminal

The boat transports not only people, but also goods. It was exciting because I do not experience this everyday and you get a feel for local life. Their language is the deeper version of Filipino but you'll manage.

The island is in view!

Sabang port. A dinghy will escort you to shore (no charge)

Trek time!

Villa Cleofas! to the left is the big cottage where we stayed, at right is the dining area. We cooked our meals using their gas range and their utensils and plates with a rental fee of P150.00 per use. We were charged 30 pesos per head for entrance fee as well. If you don't feel like cooking, ask Manang to cook for you and tip her. She cooks real well.
Low tide was upon us when we arrived...
Low tide here is dramatic. The water literally disappears!

I was at the shore when I took this shot. Look how far away that person is already, and the water is still so shallow!

The black speck beyond is bonsai island, which can be reached by simply walking at low tide.

Stranded boats

The sea is alive! Hermit crabs, polyps, brittle stars (pictured below), fish, and plants abound. You have to tread around carefully and observe them. It's wonderful just walking around looking at the abundance of life.
If you want to take a bath at the sea and you are at Villa Cleofas, I suggest that you don't swim in this area. Too many living things taking residence here. Instead, turn left from Villa Cleofas, walk 800 meters, and you will get to a river mouth! The river is waist-deep.

Cagbalete as viewed from the cottage.

My comment about the place?
It is certainly different from Boracay and Puerto Galera, where nightlife and abundance of people and entertainment are the highlights. Also very different from regular beaches where all you get is sand and water. Cagbalete Island is something else. It's quiet, you get to commune with nature, here time takes a slow turn and you can enjoy the peace and quiet.

The last time I have ever been to a beach with so much life teeming around me was in Marinduque 14 years ago. I was on vacation all by myself and I was staying with my grandmother. I would go to the beach almost everyday for 2 weeks and swim around by my lonesome. I loved it. The water so clear, and in the afternoons, the setting sun would cast rays of light underwater....

I felt the same thing for Cagbalete, although I did not have the chance to swim a lot. I would have wanted to stay longer.

The Villa Cleofas staff are also very kind and helpful. Their website is at www.cagbalete.com.

These photos came from my iPhone. I will post more photos from my friends' cameras some other time.

[cross-posted in watson.online/]

Weekend in Tanay

2008-08-20T13:13:00.001+08:00

Have you ever traveled to a place where everything happened so fast that you can't remember a lot of details anymore but you still remember what a great weekend it was?

Well, I had one such trip. This happened many months ago in one of those rare moments that I was in Manila on a weekend. I was invited to a weekend camping trip to Tanay in a private property. I tagged colleague Kenneth along. Of around 10 in the company, I only knew three and so Kenneth and I were really just tag-alongs. We stayed at the back of the van on the trip going to Tanay at the Rizal province and dutifully dozed off while the rest chatted about a great many things the rest of the way.

It was already past midnight when we arrived. It was a thrill driving by the rough roads expecting something would come out of the bushes and terrorize the goosebumps out of us. We even imagined a manananggal swooping by and holding on to Yoyo but he can't fit in the van window. It was hilarious, but we kept away from the windows just the same.

That night, we made small talk with the gracious caretakers who patiently awaited our arrival. And late though it was, we still made for the pool and a bonfire cackled happily nearby.

We spent the night in tents and resumed the swimming the following day. Soon enough, we were on the road going back to Manila. What can I say... time flies when you're having fun!

[cross-posted in watson.online/]

Camping stove

2008-07-22T18:04:00.002+08:00

One of the most important investments you will be making for your trekking gear is the camping stove. Sure, it's nice to have a camping buddy who already has one, but later on you will learn that cooking on only one stove can be time consuming especially for us Filipinos because we need to have rice cooked as well.

There are lots of cheap stoves around but since this is one of your accessories that will take a beating at every trek you make, it is best to invest in a good one, preferably those that have made names in their industry. Well, let's face it... if you buy an inexpensive thing, chances are it's not sturdily-built. Although of course I'm not saying you go for the most expensive ones either. Just get something that's decent enough for the many trips you will be making.

Safety is one major concern when fire and fuel is negotiated. So before turning on the stove, make sure that the fuel container is securely locked in place into the nozzle, and make a pre-departure check of the hose and make sure that it does not have any leaks. I have heard of a story of a camper who's face was badly burned because the fuel canister was not securely fastened and was leaking gas. So when the fire was lit up, it ignited the gas-laden air and such was the fate of the unlucky camper.

choose a stove that's not too small. Sure, it can be compressed so small that it takes up little space in the bag. But when it's time to cook, it might not be able to support the pots and pans because the supports cannot spread far enough to reach even the edge of the pot
buy one that has a wide burner. The fire will be spread more widely and efficiently.
Check the locking mechanism where the fuel canister gets locked on. It might not be compatible with the type of canisters you will be using.

There are stoves that accept different fuels, be it diesel, butane or kerosene. There are also stoves that accept butane only. Choosing depends on your preference and budget. Also, it will be great to check with the local provider if they accept empty butane canisters as part of the recycling process.

Choose your camping stove well, and always prioritize safety when handling these devices.

Photo credit: Robbins International Trading Company

The Pillow

2008-07-16T18:45:00.002+08:00

One of the challenges in spending the night outdoors is to replicate some of the comforts of home while trying to keep your bag as compact as possible. So aside from your sleeping bag, you need to have something to rest your head on, right? Believe me, it's a sore morning when you have nothing to use as a pillow and instead you use your shoulder for the entire night, which can render it numb through the night, and aching the morning after.

With space conservation in mind, trekkers suggest rolling up your clothes into one bundle and kept together by a soft container such as a waterproof bag. This makes for a nice pillow.

Another suggestion is to purchase one of these inflatable pillows. These are easy to inflate and deflate, and take up relatively no space at all! And while you're at it, remember to bring one of those big scarves (sarong or malong) to double as blanket when it's not being used as shield from the sun while trekking.

Head Lamps

2008-07-08T18:56:00.004+08:00

Head lamps are another essential trekking / camping gear. Lights are especially important when your outdoor adventure calls for spending the night with Mother Nature. It can get tricky when you have to do some cooking or wander about the premises without lighting up your way. Sure, flashlights can be handy too, but head lamps free up both of your hands to do your chores.

A lot of stores - even those not specializing in trekking gear (take The LandMark in Makati, for example) - are now offering head lamps with varied designs and light power. Most of these now sport LEDs for bulbs, which is more durable and lasts longer than the conventional bulbs. Many uses regular AA batteries; make sure you get rechargeable ones which will save you money (and become eco-friendly at the same time by avoiding battery wasteage) in the long run.

Some head lamps can even flash their lights in various patterns, mostly for emergency purposes. This is one of those gadgets in your arsenal that you will be using often, so invest in good head lamps by checking out the quality. You don't really need fancy ones with lots of lights in them (unless you're with the crowd that loves "outshining" - pun intended - the others in a bid for gadget dominance, then you'll be pressured to buy something more pricey); more often than not you will be staring at the ground near you (that's the nearest) to only about 15 feet away. But it's nice to have lamps that can swivel on its base so you have the flexibility to position it based on the situation.

The Swiss Army Knife

2008-07-02T10:52:00.002+08:00

One very useful tool – and a necessity – in trekking is the good old swiss army knife. With just one compact and handy device, one can have the power to chop veggies, open cans, bend wire, and pick teeth. With the more fancy swiss army knives, one can even saw through wood, have a pair of scissors to cut paper and cardboard with, open a bottle of wine, twist a loose screw into place, and a lot more. This gadget is the ultimate tool for the mobile handyman. In fact, you don’t have to be a mountaineering enthusiast to find the swiss army knife a necessity; you can do lots of things with it even at home.

The Victorinox swiss army knife has even evolved over time, with models featuring thumb drives. Nice, eh?

My Victorinox swiss army knife was a gift from a good friend in the late 90s (around 1997). It has been with me for around 10 years now and when I use the knife, I simply wash it with water and wipe it dry. And the knife is still as sharp as ever! This is a firm testament to the quality of the Victorinox Swiss Army knife for its durability and usefulness. And when I use it, it reminds me of my good friend Bong when he gave it those many years ago. What a wonderful gift!

Dry bags

2008-06-25T07:30:00.003+08:00

The dry bag is another trekking accessory that you cannot do without, especially here in the Philippines during the rainy season. Sure, we love to bring our cameras, mp3 players, mobile phones, portable speakers, and all sorts of electronic gear. But what happens if you get stuck in bad weather? There's a big chance that portions of your bag will get wet, and pray that it does not get to your gadgets. Remember, water and electronics don't generally mix.

That's why it's a great idea to invest in a dry bag. You may start small like I did, such as that rectangular, see-through bag with velcro sealing at one end. I have used and tested one of these in one of our waterfalls treks and waded in the pool while the bag floats right beside me, keeping my phone and wallet dry.

I eventually got another dry bag, this time it's cylindrical in shape and blue in color, with the opening at one end similar to a duffel bag. But unlike my first dry bag with a velcro mechanism for sealing, you simply flatten and roll the lid into a number of folds before locking it into place. Aside from electronics, I use it to keep my clothes dry. Then came Christmas 2007 and one of my colleagues bought me an even bigger, orange-colored dry bag! It helps when your friends know your hobbies. Heh.

There are lots of dry bags to choose from. There are even models that are designed to be backpacks themselves, and still others with a sling that clips onto the bag. Unfortunately, my bags do not have straps for easy transport but I do the next best thing: I use the strap from one of my gym bags. :-)

White Island Sandbar at Camiguin Island, Philippines

2008-06-19T14:20:00.002+08:00

Picking off from where we left at Cagayan de Oro, our next destination was a short trip to Bukidnon's pineapple plantation, followed by the sea travel to the lovely island Camiguin. This island is so beautiful, with majority of the roads well-paved. Lots of greenery, very clean, and lots of schools too! That was an amazing part. We saw a lot of schools, considering that it is quite a small island.

I am devoting a blog post for the wonderful White Island just off the coast of Paras Beach Resort in Barangay Yubing. All it takes to get to this island is a banca ride of less than ten minutes.

The sandbar is uninhabited, although there are manmade shelter areas in one area of the island which, I believe, is the part that doesn't sink come high tide. The sand is white and, though not as powdery as Boracay's, is still a delight to feel the sand between your toes.

Early morning is the best time to explore this sandbar due to space and sun considerations. Oh, and there are souvenir sellers and food on the island, too!

The sandbar with Camiguin Island in the background

Jump for joy!

This ocean is alive!

It's just the place to unwind.

[cross-posted at watson.online/]

2008 Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC)

2008-06-04T18:00:00.000+08:00

The AMCI Mountaineering Club, Inc. invites you to join the 2008 Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC).

The BMC is a four-month training program which includes physical exercises to improve fitness and endurance, lectures on outdoor skills, and climbs.

To learn more about AMCI and the BMC, you are invited to attend the BMC 2008 Orientation Night for FREE on June 11, 2008 (Wednesday) at Antonio Molina Hall, Equitable-PCI Bank Tower II, Makati Ave, cor. HV Dela Costa Street. Registration starts at 6:30pm.

For inquiries:
Bitoy: 0921-500-0195
Marris: 0920-902-7984
Pie: 0920-960-3407

Know more at AMCI

Compression Bag

2008-05-28T12:57:00.002+08:00

In trekking, space is a very important commodity because there are lots to bring for an overnight trip: cookware, clothing, tent, sleeping bag, mats, lights, water, and lots more. So how do we conserve space? With the use of a compression bag.

Some of the bulky items in our bag can still actually be reduced in terms of space occupied by eliminating most of the air in it and really jamming it into the compression bag. This has four straps crossing each other and runs from end to end. These straps are fastened using adjustable clamps.

The compression bag is fairly easy to use. Just fold-up the item you want compressed into the smallest possible footprint, place it into the bag, close the lid, then pull the straps until you get it fairly tight and compact.

For demonstration purposes, I took out my sleeping bag and placed it beside the compression bag and my size-7.5 trekking shoe for size reference.
After some huffing and puffing (I wonder if the compression bag will last for a long time with all the wear and tear it experiences?), I was finally able to fit the sleeping bag into the compression bag!

Now that's a lot of space conserved because the sleeping bag is definitely the bulkiest item I have on my bag.

Some people suggest compressing the tent too but I am a bit hesitant to do that because I think it will damage the tent's flooring. Other things we can compress are clothes (if you don't mind wearing them crumpled), pillow (if yours is not the inflatable one), towels, and anything you can basically squeeze the air out of.

Blazing the Cagayan de Oro Adventure Trail, Part 2

2008-05-20T18:56:00.006+08:00

Read Part 1 of this adventure here

After lunch, we made a beeline for the Macahambus Adventure Park located at Barangay Lumbia. Part of our itinerary was the canopy walk and zipline. Harnessed and ready for deployment, the canopy walk (also called the Sky Bridge) involved walking along a narrow passageway of about 123 meters across the gaping chasm.

At 150 meters high, it’s a looong way down. But not to worry. You get a refund if you fall. The first few moments upon stepping onto the bridge is rather unnerving. This can truly be a badge of courage for those with fear of heights. But after mustering a couple of steps, you can’t help but marvel at the lush vegetation. The trees here must be centuries old!

While gingerly navigating the narrow pathway, I wondered if we were going to walk all the way back to starting point. My question was answered soon enough as we approached a hut at the end of the trail. A 120-meter heavy-duty cable was strung from here to homebase, and we had to do slide through this entire length to get back.

Protective harness notwithstanding, one can’t help but shout as the solid platform on your feet gives way to nothing but air! The shouts issuing from the Tarzan wannabees didn’t have much variety; it was just the level of panic and terror that gave it distinct tone and volume. Those at the homebase had fun guessing whose shouts they were.

While most that echoed through the cavern were understandably filled with excitement and panic, our second batch almost did not take the Zip Line because the first lady Tarzan did a most bloodcurdling scream that we thought something had gone horribly wrong. She mad it back just fine, though. I think the guide at the other end was most helpful with encouraging words… and pushing? :-)

to be continued...
[cross-posted at watson.online/]

New 7 Wonders of Nature

2008-05-15T12:25:00.000+08:00

There are two sides of the coin when it comes to tourism: on one hand it generates a much-needed livelihood for the enterprising folk; and in the other, there is always that possibility of having our natural resources become ravaged by human carelessness.

I have seen too many instances where the bad side is the norm.

Take my hometown of Baguio, for example. Just last year, I can simply go to the bus terminal and get a ticket for the next trip within the hour. It has been around three months now that I get a ticket for at least three hours later. That's even during the weekdays. In Baguio, you can see a lot of construction going on. The more recent area threatened by "human development" is the woods located near the Convention Center and UP. I have, in the 70s, seen these grounds planted with pine tree saplings and saw it grow into what it is today: a beautiful green area where trees stand tall and proud. The fight to preserve this piece of land is now threatened because the people don't know enough about what is going on (or do they simply not care?). While this land can be bought by the local government, mindless politicians would rather opt to pass bills giving them the power to buy cars for their private transportation over much-needed garbage trucks or preserving our natural heritage. Everybody, not just the people of Baguio, should be made aware of these things and we should take action to curb the practices of these people who have nothing in mind but making money and thinking about their own welfare.

Another case: Taytay Falls in Majayjay, Laguna. In the late 90s, me and my officemates were able to get a chance to visit this area as a weekend getaway. We had to trek for a couple of hours to reach the falls. And in the site itself was just a couple of campers enjoying the serene beauty of nature. But during that time, we were already walking on a dirt road that was bulldozed to create a road going directly to the descent to the falls. I am not against convenience and enjoyment of nature by everyone, but you should see the amount of garbage left by picnickers! Amidst the cool, clear waters are shampoo sachets, junk food plastics, and bags with various bottles and tin cans. Why can't people be more consious of their surroundings? Even Mt. Banahaw's holy grounds are not spared. Garbage is dumped between the rocks surrounding Sta. Lucia Falls.

We don't even have to look far. Right here in Manila is the Arroceros Forest Park which was being nurtured for over ten years and then in the change of mayorship, policies were suddenly overturned, trees were uprooted and we now have an eyesore of a Department of Education Building right inside the forest preserve. How ironic is that?!

But I still yearn for the time when Filipinos will know how lucky they are to have these gifts through learning and travel.

It is my fervent hope that, in getting the world's attention to our more popular natural resources that we will see how lucky our country truly is in having these riches and that a concerted effort will happen in keeping these places free of garbage and human destruction.

So please vote for our candidates to the New 7 Wonders of the Natural World. Vote to open our eyes to our natural wonders and widen our horizon to truly see these trees which give our oxygen to breathe on and our oceans that give us food for nourishment without expect nothing from us in return but respect.

Visit the New 7 Wonders of the World website and you get to vote for 7 candidates. 3 of these nominees are our own:

Chocolate Hills

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Tubbataha Reef

In order to vote, you need to input your e-mail address, then vote for your 7 Wonders. You can vote for a nominee only once! Voting ends on 31 Dec 2008. I will wait for a little longer to get more Philippine sites listed in there.

[cross-posted in watson.online/]

The metal cup: a practical item

2008-05-05T21:47:00.008+08:00

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I have been to quite a number of treks where there are some campers we meet along the way who have a metal cup tied to the outside of their bag. As a beginner, I took no notice of it, mainly because my main concern is, of course, a tent, a sleeping bag, and nice, warm clothes for the duration of the trek.

But with those already accounted for, I look for other essentials and set aside extra money for this. Of course, I was curious as to how it is better to have a metal cup than the plastic ones. The disposables have an obvious disadvantage: it's garbage after only a couple of uses. Plastic tumblers, on the other hand, may not work well with hot liquids.

Mornings in the crisp and cold mountain mornings usually call for hot coffee and noodles. When you need a single serving of hot water, heating it up in a pot and pouring it onto a cup can look too much of a task. So why not heat up the water in the cup itself?

Now that's where the metal cup comes in.

Also, with its hollow inside and cylindrical shape, cups can take up much space. So it is indeed practical to just hang it up outside the bag. And what material can withstand bangs and rough handling other than metal?

And so I bought mine. You can have yours too. Prices range from 300 pesos to over a thousand pesos for the platinum ones from your favorite camping store.

Kabayan to host trek to Mt. Pulag plus a cañao

2008-04-29T00:42:00.002+08:00

Kabayan, Benguet - It's all systems go for the launch of the four-day journey to Mt. Pulag, which will jump off an April 30 culminating with a Cañao in this landlocked town on May 3.

Kabayan mayor Faustino Aquisan said that the journey to Mount Pulag was set in four package tours to allow interested participants to choose the most convenient time and trail leading to the summit of the highest peak in Luzon at 2,922 meters above sea level.

Package 1 will be the Mt. Pulag executive trek with is set from May 1 to 3 from Ambangeg to Bokod, Benguet to Babadak Ranger Station then an ascent to the Mt. Pulag base camp. The package costs P1,700 per participant.

Package 2 is the Akiki Extreme Adventure Trek, which will start on April 30. Participants will start the journey from Ambangeg then to Babadak before an ascent to Mount Pulag base camp. The package costs P1,700 for each participant.

Package 3 is the much harder Mossy Jungle Challenge with starts on April 30 with jumps off in Barangay Tawangan in Bokod leading to the mossy forest then to the Mt. Pulag trail leading to the base camp. The package fee is P1,900.

Package 4 is called the "Mummy & mere experience" where participants will have a glimpse of the treasured mummies in selected caves in this municipality with a package fee of P1,700.

Aquisan said that the participants of the four package tours will all converge in Poblacion for a cañao celebration with cultural presentations by the villagers.

all registration fees are inclusive of fare for the whole duration of the trip, batangay engtrancde fees, green fee, souvenir t-shirt, certificate, personalized ID, token, and dinner.

This isthe fourth time that Kabayan is hosting a trek to Mount Pulag.

For inquiries, contact: Mayor aquisan at 0919-563-7043, Kabayan Councilor Dorothy Sental - 0920-445-2822, or the mayor's staff at 0915-403-3211 and 0919-507-0923.

This article is by Harley F. Palangchao and appears on Page 18 of the April 27, 2008 issue of the Baguio Midland Courier.

Important gear for trekking: shoes

2008-04-24T22:34:00.007+08:00

I have done most of my treks using my trustworthy sandals, even on muddy trails (of which there were a couple: Daguldol and Manabu. Daguldol was especially memorable because on the descent the following day, my sandals gave up on me. The velcro straps because stuck with mud and they refused to seal off! Plus, mud between my feet and the sandals made sure that every step meant I would slip off. Good thing Sir Sam brought extra sandals with him which he loaned me after I slid 180 degrees and I was ready to throw my sandals into the ravine.

The bad part of this adventure is, I was already nursing a sprain at that time and this slippery trek definitely made it worse. I had to undergo physical therapy three times a week for a month after that.

Lessons I learned about these experiences:
1. Never attempt an assault when injured.
2. There's a place for sandals, and a place for good trekking shoes. Muddy trails are definitely not for sandals.
3. Invest in trekking shoes. It will do you a world of good, and your investment will be well worth it when you don't have to worry about slipping off your sandals or getting the straps bite through your already tender skin due to wetness and mud.

And so invest in good trekking shoes I did. This set me off at almost 4,000 pesos. Of course there are other, more expensive shoes around but 4k is already a bit above my ceiling. Ok, ok, I admit. It had a 20% discount on it. :-)

I asked from the sales person to get me trekking shoes that I can also wear as sort of everyday shoes. I would rather have a pair that I can wear for both treks and leisurely walks than have one for trekking alone and have it just lying around when there are no scheduled trips in sight.

Just today, I was able to test my shoes as we had a video and photo shoot which required our walking and standing about for most of the day. I am rather pleased at my purchase because - marvel of marvels- at the end of the day (that's 8:00PM for me) my feet don't ache at all! Even my rubber shoes of old did not perform this well. It must be the traction and materials used.

I am thus happy with my trekking shoes (whose brand, by the way, is Merrell); the next proof would be using it on an actual trek. But until that time I will continue using it for breaking-in purposes!

About tahac.net

2008-04-10T13:07:00.002+08:00

Tahac.net was born out of three friends' passion for the outdoors. They have gone to quite a number of wonderful places in the Philippines, and in these excursions they found the beauty and richness of the country's natural resources. However, they have also seen the destruction man is capable of, whether intentional or accidental. Even people who climb the mountains for nature appreciation forget the mountaineer's mantra:

"Take only photos, leave only footprints"

Through this site / blog, the group aims to provide trekking opportunities for others and share in the adventure, and at the same time educate readers of this site on:
- the Leave No Trace principle;
- how we can help reduce our's impact on nature;
- worthwhile things to do on treks.

So enjoy your stay and we hope you can learn from this site. We'd love to hear from you (comments, articles) as well!

Tahac.net is affiliated with The Tribe.

Hello, World!

2008-04-05T18:26:00.002+08:00

First post for this blog!