Conquering Mt Pinatubo

On May 8, 2011 the nature conspired with us (Joanne, Salman, Senthil and me).  We had a very good weather that day,  not too hot.  We were picked up from Max's Dau  by the local tour agent we hired to take us to Mt. Pinatubo at around five in the morning. A day before that, Joanne and I scoured the net to look for an affordable day tour package. Got some rate as high as Php2750 per head which includes only a 4x4 jeep, local guide, conservation fees and lunch. Luckily, Joanne got a recommendation from a friend and I contacted the agent and were given the best package rate of Php2000 per head with same features as the ones I saw in the net. The tour agent accommodated us even though booking was short notice.  The other tour agencies requires at least 2-3 days heads up. (Ping me in Yahoo Messenger or drop me a message if you want to get the phone number of the local agent.)

The drive to Capas, Tarlac took us only 45 minutes and we reached Sta. Juliana, Capas at six in the morning.  We registered at the base camp and changed our footwear to flip flops.  It is advisable to wear trekking sandals for easier walking as there is a lot of shallow streams along the way. Also, bring extra shirt to change into, drinking water and some munchies. Make sure to bring the essentials: sunblock, drinking water, extra clothes if you plan to swim or bathe in mini falls, cap, sunglasses, some food if you want to eat at the summit, and a good camera to document your trek (make sure battery is full!).

At 6:15am we were traversing the Crow Valley aboard a 4x4 jeep. The view on the way to the starting point of trek is magnificent! It was a combination of verdant hills and Canyon-like lahar walls. We took time to stop and snap pictures of the wonderful view. I was fascinated with what I see on the road and just silently wish I have the opportunity to go on a nature trip once a month with friends or family. It took us an hour to reach the starting point of the old route that will require approximately two hours walking.  There is another route which they call skyway and walking will take only 45 minutes to reach the crater however this route was closed. Also, I prefer to the longer route so I could enjoy the view.

  

 

this is the 4x4 jeep that took us to the starting point

 

our background is collected lahar

 
 The ascent to the volcano's crater is not steep. The clue that you are nearing the summit is the vegetation. As we get near the crater, we see more green scenery.  I was sweating profusely while walking but I was happy and could not believe that I was heading to Mt. Pinatubo crater.

I am impressed with Tourism office of Tarlac for preserving the area.  I didn't see any litters along the way.  There were also clean toilets near the summit.

When we just few kilometers away from the crater, we saw a signboard that says for young age it will only take them 15 minutes, middle is 18 minutes and senior citizen is 20 minutes. Guess what bracket we belong to?  None of the three age brackets!  We reached the summit after 23 minutes or so walking non-stop. At least I was not panting while I was trekking. :)

cooling my feet in the stream water

that's Salman taking pictures

this is Senthil

The signboard that tells us we are close to the summit

 
Cold breeze greeted us at the peak of the volcano. The more than two hours walk was worth the view I was seeing in Mt Pinatubo.  The experience will not be complete if we won't try crossing the lake so hired a boat.

long winding stairs leading to the lake

enjoying the view

The water on other side of the lake is a bit warm.  We dug holes on the shore and we saw fumes coming out.  The water is really hot and it can cook an egg. Some tourists brought eggs and had fun boiling it.

crossing the Mt Pinatubo lake with boatman Mike.

Joanne and me admiring the beauty

it was 12 noon when this photo was taken

I must confess that thought of volcano erupting crossed my mind while we were in the middle of the lake.  Some of the dormant volcanoes in the Philippines are showing some activities (Taal and Mayon). Am confident though that wherever I am, God's protection is with me. 

Setting aside the negative thoughts, I focused on enjoying the amazing view and relishing the trek experience.  I would love to visit the place again with a bigger group, the more the merrier.

mini-falls along the way. the cold water is tempting us to bathe

with Manong Jimmy, our local guide.