Another 1 hour after some bumpy, zigzag, mini river cross rode trip we finally reached the jump off. For day 1 our target was to reach the Tirad Shrine which will serve as the camp site for the team. Trekking all the way up was not just fun but also educational. From time to time you'll be seeing some famous lines qouted from well known people. The National Park Authorities also provides indicators on spots vital to Philippine history like the Site where the Battle of Tirad Pass took place, Gilbert Rock, The spot where Gen. Gregorio del Pilar was shot and the likes. The trail heading to the Tirad Shrine has a gradual ascend, covered with trees and you'll see Nipa huts for resting. It took as 2 hours to reach the shrine, everyone were so busy clicking those camera on every historical spots for some souvenier shots. The Trail to Tirad Pass Shrine The statue of Gregorio Del Pilar was positioned at the upper right side of the cliff and just below it were huts aligned for resting enough to see the shrine. It was then our camp site for Day 1. Few steps away from the Huts were mini dirty kitchen, the water source (lavatory with non stop water supply), 2 Rest Rooms (with toilet bowls), Guide's hut.... Local Government indeed makes sure that basic necessities were provided for hikers. Non stop photoOps at the shrine and then Socials ended Day 1. Tirad Pass Shrine 4.30am came and everyone were all set for Tirad Peak..... few kilometers away from the Shrine. Cliff by cliff the team were cautious enough and made sure everyone were safe while 17 headlamps were our only source until the Sun rises. Part of the trail were covered with bamboos, tall cogon grasses and trees. From time to time strong wind were experienced. The Base Meter by meters, the trail became steeper and steeper. Reaching the base of the Peak one has to scramble all the way up, holding on to roots and branches will secure your way all the way up to an open field, covered with Cogon Grass... 4x4 all the way. This portion requires strong stamina, proper hand and feet coordination because the trail going up was indeed a very dangerous one. I took the chance to climb the Peak without using any rope...... Disclaimer: Wrong Move, Wag Tuluran. Although I successfully scaled the Peak however I took a very huge risk placing my life in great danger. Off to Peak Scrambling this snake like trail was dangerous and I rest my life to every shrub I could hold onto not knowing how sturdy they were. The top most portion of the peak could possible hold up to 7 person only, based on how the rocks were piled by Nature, if maximum is reached one has to move slowly for him to secure a spot, mind you the wind blows so strong. P.A.C.K.E.R.S on Top The View Moms 4 Mountains :) Mam Leone, Mam Cristy and Mam Laarni After few pictorials I opted to descend to give way to the rest of the team. A rope was then installed near the summit however it was not long enough to reach the most dangerous part. The part were I almost... well, muntik ng matsugi. Scrambling up was a bit easier compared when descending, I took a wrong move.... slipped.....slid... grabbed whatever I can got hold onto to.....hang for a bit then positioned myself to secure a spot. Oh, I forgot..... I screamed....hahahaha... It was indeed a closed call. Mam Leone and Mam cristy who opted to stay at the open area below saw the "unfortunate event" and got scared when they saw how I fell. Motherly instinct, they scolded me, it was a mistake indeed. Sir Jun, Sir Dell, me and Sir Johnjay did some trail run heading back to camp thus cutting the time into half. Final preparation....clean up then the rest of the team headed back to the jumpoff where our hired jeep was waiting.
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