Mt. Pulag: "Darkness Breaks"

My toes are still tingling a little bit painfully...but its an experience of a lifetime!

As cliche as that may sound, the Mt. Pulag trek I underwent from May 21-22, 2011 is a memory I will revisit every time I see even just a hill (even if anthill pa yan or termite hill!)

This photo was shot around 5 am when I was on my way from Camp 2 to the summit of Mt. Pulag.

I had just stubbed my right big toe the hardest on a jutting rock on the trail (must be the aftereffect of not enough rest and doing this much exertion)...and was almost hopping about but had to be careful due to the ravine on my other side.


Camera: LX5
unedited photo except for the text.

Checklist for Cold Weather Mountain Trek/Camping

Clothing:

* Dri-fit blouse and pants, similar material underwear
Thermal wear
* Extra pairs of socks, dri-fit
* Arm and leg warmers
Gloves
Scarf
* Hat/Bonnet
* Waterproof jacket/windbreaker preferably with hood
* Sweater for layering, material preferred is cashmere to keep you warm
Balaclava
* Hiking shoes which can let water pass through - my Merrel Waterpro Maipo may do the trick I think
Raincoat - maybe I can substitute using a garbage bag and cutting it *grin*
Slippers - some treks have bathing areas after the descent

Toiletries:

* Sunblock
* Chapstick - cold weather cracks lips
*  Bag with overnight supply of soap/shampoo/toothbrush/toothpaste/deodorant; comb
* Insect repellent
* Medicine tablets such as anti-diarrhea, headache,anti-inflammatory etc., band-aid, anti-inflammatory cream ...
* Vitamins
* Travel towel - if bigger one, may function also as blanket
* Wet ones/baby wipes
* Antibacterial spray or alcohol


Equipment:

* Camera and memory cards
* Cellphone, Indiglo watch
* Charger for phone/camera/ extra batteries
Tripod - maybe if its a very sturdy one, if all else fails use as walking stick? hehehe


Sustenance-related:

* Trail food/mix, nuts, bread, cheese - maybe the cold weather will act as ref
* Water bottle
* Liquids: water and other replenishment liquids
Tupperware with handy spoon/fork or chopsticks


Others:

* Flashlight/Headlight (my keychain usually has a small maglite)
* Swiss knife
* Plastic bag - one for laundry, other for garbage bag
* Trekking bag with cover to protect it from rain
* Freezer bags
Three-fold umbrella
* Dry bags for camera and other important stuff
Sleeping bag
Tent - rent or share
Earth pad - forego if there is some other coats or clothes and use them
Travel blanket/pillow
Carabiner key hooks - part of bag
Walking stick - or pick up one on the trail?
* Extra foldable or dry bag
* Fanny bag for easy reach of important stuff, or maybe a small body bag


Note:
Those marked with * are must-haves for me

Climb for a Cause: Mt. Pulag

Start:	May 20, '11 10:00p
End:	May 22, '11
Location:	Bokod, Benguet, Philippines

Climb for A Cause PULAG -
c/o Anywhere Philippines
May 20-22 weekend


To benefit the students of Kamaggaan Elementary School in Tikey, Bokod, Benguet.




Using: Ambangeg Trail