Last December 26-27 2009, we joined a fun climb organized by AMCI. It will be our first time to pitch tents and sleep at the summit of a mountain. This was one of our "To do" list and finally, we can put a check on it. :D.
Upon arriving at the meeting place, we were stunned by their huge bags that our 35L Sandugo bags looked like the tiny babies of their gigantic bags. A little later after we arrived, the jeepney that was rented by our organizers arrived. We began to load our stuff (in our case, little stuff), made a few stop overs and finally we began our climb.
Note: You have register to the Brgy. Hall first for a quick briefing. Should you need a guide on your way to the mountain, ask the local officials and they'll be happy to provide you one. Environmental fee is PHP 20.00. Jump off point is Brgy Malaya, Pilila Rizal.
Here's what I've noticed with regards to the pro's equipment. (Note: I didn't have any formal BMC training, so listed below are just based on my observation)
1) All of them wears trekking shoes. Which is a whole lot better than my borrowed mojo slippers. The terrain was slippery and these kinds of shoes will provide a little stability specially during the decend.
2) Trekking Poles are sometimes a must for beginners with poor stability like me. It will help you balance your weight while trekking. But the pros are used to the weight and rough terrain so some of them opt to leave the poles behind.3) Your bag contents should be enclosed by a plastic bag to prevent them from soaking wet from the rain or during river crossing.
4) Bring ready to eat foodies which you can chew while waiting for the meal to be cooked.
5) One portable stove will do for a group of 12.
6) Bring thick jackets and sleeping bags.
7) Bring atleast 2 litters of trail water. Qty of camp water will depend on the mountain's water supply. In case of Mt. Sembrano, each of us brought 3 litters including camp water.
We started our trek at around 2pm I think and reached the summit around 5 or 6 just before the sun set. It was a view to remember and made me want to conquer other taller mountain summits. The air was fresh, surroundings was quiet and relaxing. The long trek was surely worth it.
We cooked our dinner, ate and socialized with our new found friends. They began telling us their trekking experiences. While we were having such a great time when another group of mountaineers stumbled in our camp site. They did a night trek and reached the camp area which was a few meters away from the summit. I observed it was a mountaineer etiquette to offer any help to your fellow mountaineers and be courteous to everyone you meet in the mountain. However, upon seeing that our campsite has only a little space left for their group, they decided to pitch their camp in the adjacent camp site a few meters away from ours. We continued our socialization. Their warm companionship and openess made us fell so welcome that we didn't feel any awkward moment with the AMCI memebers.
The next day, some of the new AMCI members accompanied us to the summit of Mt. Sembrano. The trail was overgrown with tall grasses that can give you an inch and papercut like wounds. But nonetheless, we were decided to reach the summit and we did! Aside from the spectacular view from the summit, we've found some evidence that part of Mt. Sembrano is owned by a private individual (now why would anybody want to buy a mountain?). After taking lots of pictures, we headed back to our camp, continued to pack our stuff and started our decend, which for me, was twice tedious and dangerous than the assult. My foot slipped off the trail and into the cliff. Thank God for His protection that at that moment, despite my heavy luggage, the plant (whatever it was that I clinged into) was able to support my weight. The rest of the AMCI memebers instructed me and Clyde on how I'll be able to pull myself back to the trail and we continued our decend like nothing happened. In the end, I was still so happy that I can't wait for my next climb.
I'm still hoping I would be able to attend AMCI's BMC training. I know this group will be able to teach me and Clyde a lot on how we'll be able to enjoy our new found thrill the safest way possible. :)
Till then, Ciao!
(By the way, from Brgy Pilila, you can ride a jeepney going to Tanay the fare is around PHP 15.00 per pax. Then from Tanay, you can ride a jeepney going to Edsa Shaw.)
Updates:
14Jan2010: Although one stove is enough for cooking, it would be better to bring a spare stove just incase the first one gets busted. Also be vigilant and for the meantime refrain from doing overnight camping at the summit or the campsites near the summit. I've heared there has been several instances where campers are robbed during their socials or while they are asleep. Be vigilant.
