After having my first ever climb in Mt.Pico de loro in June 2015. This came second in my long bucketlist. Though there are several attempts for me to schedule to climb this mountain,it was only now that I was able to rock this mt.Maculot. Finally, after turning down numerous invites by several groups by friends because of my hectic sched,Here I am in Cuenca,Batangas.
It is said thatthere are three destinations in Maculot:summit,rockies and grotto. For this chill climb, we only chose rockies so it can also fit within our time.
Here are some details from pinoymountaineer:
Cuenca, Batangas
Major Jumpoff: Mountaineer’s Store, Brgy. 7 “Siete”, Cuenca
Exit point (traverse): Brgy 5 (to Grotto), Cuenca
LLA: 13°55 N; 121°2 E; 706 MASL (Rockies) / 930 MASL (summit)
Days required / Hours to Rockies / summit : 1 day / 1-2 hr / 2-4 hr
Specs: Minor, Difficulty 3/9 (Rockies); 4/9 (Traverse) Trail class 1-3.
Features: Scenic views of Taal Lake, rock formations, forests
For more info, click Here.
The registration is at this area. This is also where we met our trail guide,kuya ramil. Too bad this is the only pic I got because I was still sleepy back then.
We just had a chill climb.Our pace is not that fast or slow, just enough.BTW, here is our iti:
3am meet up mcdo tsora
5am Breakfast Slex
6:45am Registration
7am Jumpoff point
8:45am Rockies/Picture taking/Snack
10:00am Start of descent
10:30am Rest and Eat at Campsite
12:00nn Tidy up
The “Before”Pic at the jumpoff. (Left to right: Ate Chesca,Taro,Me and Carl)
Good thing the weather was really inviting.It is a perfect Christmas gift given 2 days before Christmas itself. I was really happy that I was able to climb this mountain. I am thankful enough for the good weather that it is not raining to make our trail that muddy, not that scorching hot to make us experience heatstroke, not that windy enough to shake our body towards the cliff, not that cloudy enough so we can appreciate the view. I can say that the trail is relatively easy with lots of resting spots.
1st Take 5:)
Hiking this side of the mountain will not be boring for those who likes overlooking views because some parts of the trails would expose the scenic Taal lake.
Trail
A wild pokemon appears.Look at who welcomed us.It is a Caterpee! We do not know what this is called though.:))
one of the nice views with a makeshift viewing deck
There are ropes tied on the trees to help hikers.
We can now see rockies from this view.
Here is Taro climbing Rockies.
You have to use your hands here guys:)be careful while doing it if you do not want to fall. Look at how deep you may fall on the right side of the pic.
After successfully climbing it…
I’m so proud of you!:))Congratulations for conquering your fear of heights!
systematic desenstization….Hahaha
This is me observing Carl while being assisted by our guide Kuya Ramil in that usual Picture taking spot. At the back of my mind, I was thinking if I would be able to do that.I was the last one to go there.
In order for you to reach the usual picture spot, you have to go down on these rocks.
Rockin’ it
This is our Christmas climb or Christmas party of some sort so I told them to put on these:)Thanks guys for cooperating and not being KJ’s.HAHA.
On the other side….
Cold(wind) never bother me anyway!haha
Be careful,ate chesca!:))
Eating our snacks while enjoying the view.Good thing there are only few groups during this time.It was not that crowded.
Resting a bit and enjoying the view…
So I am resting for awhile. I like how it is so serene and peaceful here.
BTS..haha…If only I can really rest there longer..
..Hahaha..I did not know we have this picture.Thanks to kuya Ramil.
We have to sit down unless we wanted to be blown away by the wind and go to the underworld.
Fantastic view.Thanks Lord!
Thanks to kuya Ramil for guiding us and assisting us in our hike. I would also like to express my gratitude for the courage of getting my cap after it was blown off by the wind at the mountaintop.I thought I won’t be able to wear it again. I ll probably try out traverse soon.
Also,Thanks kuya ramil for being an excellent photographer! Fully aware of what sceneries the hikers want in the picture. Haha
Start of descent…
That’s where we came from.
If you are going to ask if the shower area is near from the jumpoff and the parking area, well, i must say yes. This means, you can carry a smaller bag and leave your extra clothes and things. Depending on how much you consume water, i think 1L may suffice. There is also a store in the campsite.
They have many cubicles for shower. It is clean. You have to pay for that square gallon.(15php each.)
They also have tables and videoke here.:))
Yearender adventure
I am beyond elated for being able to have this adventure in Maculot. Thanks to Carl,Taro, Ate Cesca and Kuya driver.At least, i can cross this out off my bucketlist. In the event that I will be invited to be here again in the future, i would not hesitate to go and experience it once more.
This is a good way to cap off my 2016. Thanks to everyone who traveled with me this year. Thanks to those organizers and friends who made these possible. I may not be able to remember all your names; but at least, I am glad that in one way or another we have met each with the same passion of exploring the beauty made by our creator!
There may not be a perfect itinerary. There may be experiences that are beyond our expectations that may have led into disappointment. In the end, it is within us that transforms these experiences into a valid sources of learning.
With all of the great joy and astonishment or whatever good vibes feelings that we have over the places we have been, may we not forget that this nature, to whom we share our existence,is also God’s creation that we must take care and preserve.
Let us all put our hand’s up for more adventures and opportunities for 2017!Hooray!!!
Done—-Rz:)
Photo credits:
Other pictures are from Carl’s and Taro’s camera.
Camera used: Ip5,SLR,digicam,supremo4k
Rz BITS and PIECES 