Well, first of all, I would like to congratulate everyone who successfully finished the 1st successful Mt. Labo traverse (Yehey!). As a young outdoorsman, I could say we have been favored by our Lord Jesus Christ in many aspects.
In fact, I can remember from this time of writing I was feeling anxious (The burden of being the team leader and trekking manager). Which our exploration could turn into a series of unmanageable events. Either, we end up in hospitals or graveyards. So, since the weather is unfavorable and we are purely in bad timing, I was discerning and thinking about canceling our planned trip of course!, yes I am afraid of my Co-Hikers lives (It always matters).
From personal experience, I've seen numerous mountain accidents, a few of them is my own misadventures; from hiking with flu on a rainy season, to a severe asthma attack without bringing any medication, or even going solo where a poisonous snake is ready to bite you while taking a quick snack.
In the wild outdoors, we always had no other options but to rely initially on our own instincts, intuitions, knowledge, and skills (Can be learned through Basic Mountaineering Course). It is much ideal to have a buddy to climb at least (Not applicable for most of us).
In other words, the weather is our primary problem, Typhoon Mario is currently drumming the Southern Luzon and thumping Camarines Norte from the time I was traveling from Legazpi city.
Weird, but I could not sense or feel any fear even a bit of it! Yes, for I know Bicol Mountains for a short time and I think I already have adapted to the environment in the worst or best scenario, it's my playground of course, and a playground for every Bicolano outdoor enthusiast.
In the wild outdoors, we always had no other options but to rely initially on our own instincts, intuitions, knowledge, and skills (Can be learned through Basic Mountaineering Course). It is much ideal to have a buddy to climb at least (Not applicable for most of us).
In other words, the weather is our primary problem, Typhoon Mario is currently drumming the Southern Luzon and thumping Camarines Norte from the time I was traveling from Legazpi city.
Weird, but I could not sense or feel any fear even a bit of it! Yes, for I know Bicol Mountains for a short time and I think I already have adapted to the environment in the worst or best scenario, it's my playground of course, and a playground for every Bicolano outdoor enthusiast.
It was the 4th week of August, I was re-approach by mam Alona de vera a very lovable partner of Mr. Claude Hanssens (a TGMC member residing in Camarines Norte) said "It is a good idea if we go back to Mt. Labo for the second time around", yet and what more exciting is, it will be a traverse for now!.
Memoirs flashback moment by moment (visualizing the sceneries and trailheads) and dreaming of the other side, the, I found myself much excited of the positive outcome rather than the what-if scenario.
Also, hoping that I could discover more existing wild animals and other species of flowers or fauna for my biology studies.
In my mind, we summitted the mt. Labo last summer and had a very good clearance, what's next now?
So, without further hesitation, I confirm immediately by softly saying "sige sama ako pagplanohan natin yan, may ilang week pa naman, update update tayo ng situation and kung ano ang mga dadalhin at sino isasama natin" Boasting that I am able to bring the last man behind me even if putting myself in a very bad situations.
In my mind, we summitted the mt. Labo last summer and had a very good clearance, what's next now?
So, without further hesitation, I confirm immediately by softly saying "sige sama ako pagplanohan natin yan, may ilang week pa naman, update update tayo ng situation and kung ano ang mga dadalhin at sino isasama natin" Boasting that I am able to bring the last man behind me even if putting myself in a very bad situations.
Planning every other day, looking for porters, preparing a list of gears and carefully checking of companions to tag along. I put food provisions as our main concern to sustain our bushwalking. Then, next is the itinerary followed by other logistical issues.
With my conversation with tiyo Ani (a very reliable person to work with), I've found out that the early exploration of the mountain is way back 2000-2002 [Don't have a Traverse or yet it was unsuccessful - confirmed by the other aged by experienced Bicolano Mountaineers. Need more enlightenment and history telling over here guys.]. Putting him as my initial adviser to further ask more questions to push the planned traverse in just one blow "Coup the main" hike. As I am soliciting more advice from Oryol's mentor and strongman Fherdz Badaguas which he was outside the country.
With my conversation with tiyo Ani (a very reliable person to work with), I've found out that the early exploration of the mountain is way back 2000-2002 [Don't have a Traverse or yet it was unsuccessful - confirmed by the other aged by experienced Bicolano Mountaineers. Need more enlightenment and history telling over here guys.]. Putting him as my initial adviser to further ask more questions to push the planned traverse in just one blow "Coup the main" hike. As I am soliciting more advice from Oryol's mentor and strongman Fherdz Badaguas which he was outside the country.
Later on, I decided to find more locals in our desired exit points who knows the terrain more than us. The two best forest guardians (Kuya Miguel and Kuya Jesung) are our resource persons if everything doesn't go as planned such as but not limited to food sufficiency since I know we can just find any edible plants or animals; I would like to thank them for our success!
Day 00, Clocking out in my work premises (Night owl). Rushing to the terminal with my 2 heavy backpacks. Luckily there is a van going to Naga as early as 5am, FYI Legazpi City doesn’t have direct travel to Daet so you need to reconnect via Naga city unless you rent a vehicle "Hah!", time check 7pm... Time to meet and rendezvous with my buddies Bryan and Henry Paul a new companion adopted me as their LOST affiliate member.
Even though we are a bit saddened by the weather forecast, we still decided to pursue our hike for I know and talking about my experience here, just after the storm passed we could have 4 day consecutive sunny days. yeheyyy! (There's a lot of open resources to check the weather).
P.S In Daet prior to my early arrival, I sought to meet up with other Oryol members and old friends Donald Obusan and Mark Ubaldo to accompany me while waiting for Bryan and Henry Paul.
Friday night, 19th of September 2014 when we arrive at Alona’s one-stop shop (Claude and Alona's Sari Sari Store). Thanks to sir Donald for the safe ride going here it was 10 pm upon arrival I acted up as their Team Leader and held our pre-climb meeting as soon as everyone is ready to listen, almost packed up their 4 days expedition gears and settling down on how we could best approach the mountain.
Even though we are a bit saddened by the weather forecast, we still decided to pursue our hike for I know and talking about my experience here, just after the storm passed we could have 4 day consecutive sunny days. yeheyyy! (There's a lot of open resources to check the weather).
P.S In Daet prior to my early arrival, I sought to meet up with other Oryol members and old friends Donald Obusan and Mark Ubaldo to accompany me while waiting for Bryan and Henry Paul.
Friday night, 19th of September 2014 when we arrive at Alona’s one-stop shop (Claude and Alona's Sari Sari Store). Thanks to sir Donald for the safe ride going here it was 10 pm upon arrival I acted up as their Team Leader and held our pre-climb meeting as soon as everyone is ready to listen, almost packed up their 4 days expedition gears and settling down on how we could best approach the mountain.
I requested tiyo ani to bring up his son Joseph to serve as our porter again and further stated that we need a fast transport vehicle to put our feet by 6am in the Jump-off point to avoid night trekking scenario.
Saturday, it was dawn in the morning when Tiyo ani arrived, everyone are halfway ready, some taking up their breakfast while I and Mam Alona finishing our precook meal plan.
6am when we made it on our way in the PNOC (00/zero zero). After writing our names in the visitor's logbook we then agree to have a quick briefing to check if all the checklists are in place. Concluding, that I need to be flexible in the pack from lead to the sweeper or even serve as an emergency porter.
6am when we made it on our way in the PNOC (00/zero zero). After writing our names in the visitor's logbook we then agree to have a quick briefing to check if all the checklists are in place. Concluding, that I need to be flexible in the pack from lead to the sweeper or even serve as an emergency porter.
Specs of traverse: to be determined by individuals. Hike in your own risk
You learn a lot about someone when you share a meal together. - Anthony Bourdain
Day One
Trail Features: Brgy. San Isidro (Trailhead) via PNOC, river crossings (3), tropical forest, campsite (800+masl), raflesia, Angelina Falls plus short river trek.
Start trek: 6:30 am
Jumpoff: PNOC, Brgy. San Isidro, San Lorenzo Ruiz
Jumpoff: PNOC, Brgy. San Isidro, San Lorenzo Ruiz
Lunch: 12:30am
Camp site arrival for sweeping: 4pm
Angelina falls: 4pm – 5pm
Re-campsite: 5:30pm
Lights off: 9pm
Note: Everyone is doing very well here. 3-6 water sources can be found along the trail.
Trivia: Angelina falls was named after Angeles Malate also known as Tiyo ani after the discovery by oryol mountaineers.
Warning: Snakes and limatic sightings(Mild), 3 River crossing before camp site and 1 on the Angelina Falls if you plan to sidetrip there, please be aware of flashflood just incase.
Day Two
Trail Features: Summit Assault, Mossy/Montane forests, Traverse trail, E-camp also known now as E.B Camp
Wake up call: 4:30am
Start Trek: 6am
Lunch: 11 am
Summit: 11:50 am - 1544 MASL
Begin bushwalking: 1pm
Camp site: 5:00pm
Socials: 7-8pm
Lights off: 8:30pm
Note: 1 water source along the trail going up the summit, some of us are getting slowly at their regular pace. We begin bushwalking by 1pm after our careful evaluations of the situations and desired trails. Available water source at the camp and 1 along the trail after descend from the summit. It was not a good Camp site but it could serve as a rest place for 3-4 tents.
Trivia: E.B camp site is named after our E.B shrimp ingredients (the one we put in misua noodles).
Warning: 10mins before summit (last view deck) you can notice that there is a 1 path leading to Mt. Daet foothill. If you are planning to go to the summit(Labo) continue taking left trail. Poison Ivy And Rattan is problem here using of gloves is advisable.
Day Three
Trail Features: Establishing trail from e-camp to Pagtigbungan, mossy/montane forests, tagabukag ridge, canopy walk, pukyutan trail, half day of river trekking/crossings, river camp
Wake up call: 4:30am
Start Trek: 6am
Lunch: 11:30 am
Camp site: 4:30pm
Lights off: 9:30pm
Note: This part has a difficult phase for us because of ridge and finding a way down, ridge canopy walk, water source is available 5hrs after the E.B camp you can take lunch by 12 noon in the lower part of Mt. Labo near the small falls. Afternoon is for river crossing/trekking then take camp in Pagtibungan River before the dark, we name that as pagtibungan campsite. Lots of big logs here (Jurassic logs)loljk
Trivia: Canopy ridging been named after we give it a name after the attack of the bees to our group it was almost a 20minutes ridge composed of canopy and ridge or both. Ecamp near pagtibungan Camp been named as Pagtibungan Camp. Tagabukag is Bicol word for tagahalo/tagagulo. Pagtibungan a Bicol word for malalim na hukay/hinukay na lupa.
Warning: Take extra care here for wild bees, and caution for the ridge part there’s a portion that you need to use a rope just to get you down. (Small guys this is your problem) this is ridge descending don’t ever let the bees attack you in this point. River cross and trekking by the afternoon is much difficult when it is raining please have a good plan before pursuing.
Day Four
Trail Features: Half day of River trekking / crossings, final assault to Abasig and Tulay na Lupa, Pintuang ibon and Abasig river, exit at Brgy. Tulay na Lupa,
Wake up call: 5am
Start Trek: 7am
Lunch: 12 pm
Exit at tulay na lupa: 3pm
Note: Good campsite for 6 tents, enjoy but have extra care in the river crossing some part is deeper than you expected. Some assaults here from 5 – 15 mins. Appreciate the Abasig River before embarking to tulay na lupa it was 30mins away to the exit.
Trivia: pintuang ibon is the landmark in the boundary of tulay na lupa.
Warning: Extra caution in the river cross/trekking, current from high point to low ones are problem here even it is not raining I suspect it could be a problem when you trek that in rainy days.
Suggestion: please coordinate with Claude Hanssens if you need a mountaineer lounge on and before the climb. Their house is located at the tulay na lupa very good and ideal place to rest and put down your extra gears and buy supplies it’s a one stop shop!.
Viewdecks and Intel Image Below:
I sum up the most memorable pictures around the view decks/tree decks guys, hope you find this helpful in planning your Mt. Labo Traverse. "Bravu Zulu" loljk
Casts:
No animals were harmed in the making of this article, Just Kidding... Tag is Good! ........ Sometimes. hahahahaha
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| Alona |
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| Bryan |
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| Claude |
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| Paul |
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| Joseph |
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| Hesung |
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| Miguel |
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| Tag |
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| Ani |
Logistics
Guide Fees: 600/day (5pax)
*Required 1 in both sides this means you need 2 coming from both end.
Porter Fees: 500/day (max 15kls)
*Optional but required when you're strict on your I.T
Transport Vehicle: 1,500/1 way
*Available by request, Please settle this 1week before. Public Jeepney going to jumpoff is discourage for their irregularity. (Consider rent by request)
Mountaineers Lounge: Lona's One Stop Shop
Markets: Available at Daet or you can shop and pre cook at Alona's residence
