Without the lost moments, it was still a long walk to Kawasan Falls and not an easy venture even for a somewhat seasoned trekker, much more to beginners. My heart goes out to the girls who had to endure that trail for their first adventure. 😦 Now I am more fired up to bring them to Sirao Peak. The beauty of the trail is comparable but surely not that arduous of a journey. Still, it’s up to them to erase the bad memory and try once again. 🙂
Last last weekend’s adventure in Naupa pales in comparison with last weekend’s trek, January 30-February 1, 2015 in Osmeña Peak. It took us 6.5 hours to reached Kawasan Falls. We were lost, slipped, crawled and missed a meal yet despite that, everybody was still smiling and in high spirits. My estimate is that out of 17, there were only 7 who has prior trekking experience. Salute to them first timers!!! The boyfie and I started our hobby in Osmeña as well but without a traverse to Kawasan. I wonder if it made a difference if my first trek was a hard core. What you think?
Day 01 Camping At Osmeña Peak
7:00 Meetup At 7/11 Near USJR Main
8:30 At Mantalongon Minibus Terminal
– Travel time
12:00 Mantalongon Market Arrival
– Lunch, buy supplies
13:00 Start Trek
14:30 ETA Osmeña Peak Camp
The first day was easy and comfortable. Meetup was at 7/11 beside USJR Main. From there we walk to the gas station where the minibus bound to Mantalongon is parked. This was my 3rd(the boyfie says it’s 4th but I don’t have posts to remember so…) climb but I never knew there was a minibus that would take us to the market directly. It was convenience and savings at Php100, and definitely better than the motorbike.
3.5 hours has elapsed and was spent sleeping on the ride. It was exactly 12 when we reach the market. Just in time for lunch. Keith instructed us to find lunch and meet back in front of Erma’s store after 45 minutes. By 1, we were in our way.
Because we were somewhat a large group, it was divided. Keith and 5 others went ahead while the boyfie, Liz and I went with the big group. The sun was rather cooperative. It was sunny but not too hot. Just my favorite weather. I can skip, take a picture and pose. 😛
Despite the boyfie’s nagging for taking too much pictures when I’ve been there countless of times, I still took more pictures. LOL For me, no trek is the same even when you are in the same place.
There was some changes since I’ve been there. The way up was already paved and cleaned. The log book was new as well. We listed our names but no fees were collected. A friend tells that there was a Php10 entrance last time they were there. But maybe it was waived on that day because of the fiesta? Hmmm! Not sure. LOL
The sun was still up and shining after we set up camp so for the first time, I was able to go to the rocky mountain opposite the peak. The views were definitely cooler on that part. 🙂
Then comes sunset. It was so cold that I opt to miss it but glad I change my mind. From the peak, I was able to capture some sunset views and the entire camp. There were 8 groups on that night.
I was really planning on a single post but then it’s almost time for game night so Day 2 on the next post. See you. Let’s end this post with a somewhat prenup posts c/o of Lizzy.
The WANDER (FULL) LIFE 
Osmena Peak is still beautiful! It’s been quite some time since we last visited this mountain.
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