Mt. Ugo / Mt. Ugu - Day2 (Domolpos - Summit - Tinongdan, Itogon, Benguet)

Waking up very early in the morning after a very tiring climb to do more climbing, much less an assault is not really our strong suit. But we were left with no choice but to make up with lost time.

We started our day at 3:30AM since we still need to break camp. Kuya Celso arrived fifteen minutes later while we were busy repacking our things and making sure that we leave no trace behind. Ate Concepcion arrived just a shade before 4:00AM.

A brand new day...

Break Camp

A bug's life

We immediately started to negotiate the inclined slopes of Mt. Ugo. The trail was a little bit slippery at that time owing to the thunderstorms that showered us through the night. As such, we were extra careful in threading the edge of the mountain.

And the clean-up continues even at dawn :)

After 40 minutes of climbing, we reached the clearing that has a ridge reminiscent of Mt. Batulao. At this time, the sun’s rays were already ready to break the dreary silence of darkness. We took some pictures of the jagged peaks around us as we took a brief rest.

Mt. Ugo / Mt. Ugu - Day 1 (Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya - Domolpos Village)

Coinciding with the National Mountain Clean-up Day, the Skookum Mountaineers formally had its 1st Induction Climb at Mt. Ugo in Tinongdan, Itogon, Benguet last May 10 to 11, 2014.

Mt. Ugo / Mt. Ugu

Mt. Ugo (also regarded as Mt. Ugu) was personally chosen by the inductees due to the different challenges that the said mountain poses. Besides, being a traditional traverse climb, it is expected that the inductees will be introduced to the culture of the locals in both Nueva Vizcaya and Benguet. Of course, the highly esteemed views of the Cordillera, the cool weather even during the searing heat of summer and the famous "sea of clouds" that is prevalent in the area were some of the added perks that made it easier for the group to decide.

As the pioneer batch of Skookum, there were actually six of us, Allan, Jaime, Bogs, Lennon, Bette and me (Oliver).

Batch 1

Our bus bound for Santiago, Isabela left the Victory Liner Terminal beneath the Kamias flyover (just before you reach East Avenue on the northbound lane) at 11:00PM. Please take note that while the bus that we took went the customary route (through the different towns of Bulacan and southern Nueva Ecija), there are already trips that use the SCTEX, eventually passing through the Tarlac-Sta.Rosa Highway.

An hour and a half into the trip, we had our 1st stopover somewhere in Bulacan. It is a good chance for you to either eat some late dinner, buy additional snacks, or just answer the call of nature.

The bus shall pass through the Maharlika Highway and is expected to reach the Dalton Pass at about 4 hours and a half into the trip. It was a good thing that I was deep asleep when the bus was negotiating the dizzying twists and turns of this fabled gateway to the Cagayan Valley.

After almost 6 hours, we finally arrived at our initial destination, the CCQ Bus Stop & Restaurant in Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya. This is where mountaineers planning to scale the heights of Mt. Ugo usually rendezvous with their respective rented jeepneys that will transport them up to Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya.

Waiting for the other mountaineers

While we were already ready to go, our driver mentioned that since there were only six of us,  and that they are expecting the arrival of at least 10 other mountaineers, they asked us if we can at least wait for the other group. Initially, we accommodated their request but after almost an hour of waiting, with the arrival and ensuing departure of at least 3 buses, we decided that we cannot wait for them any longer as our itinerary has already been compromised.

So on we go to the town of Kayapa at exactly 6:20AM. Since we cannot contain the excitement that persistently multiplies within us, all 6 of us decided to try top loading.

Mt. Ugo Traverse - 1st Induction Climb

The 1st Induction Climb of Skookum Mountaineers shall be held at Mt. Ugo on May 10-11, 2014.

As mountaineering enthusiasts, and lovers of trail, Skookum Mountaineers deemed it best to lend a hand to Mother Nature as  the organization marks another historic event in its humble existence. Hence, coinciding with the National Mountain Clean-up Day on May 10, Skookum Mountaineers shall likewise participate in this worthy endeavor.

Those who shall be formally inducted into the Roll of Membership of Skookum Mountaineers are the following:

1. Allan Martin Calura
2. Jaimel Mina De Leon
3. Bryan Bognot
4. Lennon Vic Del Socorro
5. Bette Quiocho Beltran
6. Oliver Gil Beltran

Below is the logo for the event, created by Ulysses Gopez.

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For more information about the event, just click on the link http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/search/label/events

Skookum's Oath

 

I, (state your name), do solemnly pledge to at all times abide by and

put into practice the creed advocated by the Skookum Mountaineers.
I shall unceasingly strive to live up to the principles and standards

of excellence that characterize a genuine Skookum.
I shall be of service not only to the group and my fellowmen,

but to the environment as well.

I knowingly understand that my induction is not the end
but is just the start of my constant pursuit to strengthen my character.

With each step that I make, and on every trail that I thread,

I shall learn by heart that mountaineering is not a mere adventure, but a way of life.
This I vow to the fullest of my capabilities,

without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion.
So help me God.

Skookum Mountaineers

Bounded by our love for the outdoors, especially by our passion for mountaineering, we are Skookum Mountaineers.

We started as a group of friends who come from different backgrounds but are now united in our  continuing quest for personal adventure, social exploits, and civic ventures.

Skookum is a Chinook Jargon word that has come into general use in the Pacific Northwest.

It has a range of positive meanings. The word can mean 'good,' 'strong,'^[2]'best,' 'powerful,' 'ultimate,' or 'brave.' Something can be skookum meaning 'really good' or 'right on! 'excellent!', or it can be skookum meaning 'tough' or 'durable.' A skookum burger is either a big^[3] or a really tasty hamburger, or both. Homecooked food described as skookum, is delicious and hearty. A person described as skookum, has a purpose and is on solid ground, and in good health and spirits. When used in reference to another person, e.g. "he's skookum," it conveys connotations of trustworthiness, reliability and honesty as well as (possibly but not necessarily) strength and size.

 Below is our logo inspired by the renowned jumpshot of our master mountaineer Allan Calura, which incidentally is designed by his better-half, Jaimel De Leon.

Jaimel likewise designed our emblems below.

We always believe that each and everyone of us is inherently "Skookum", there is that daring side in all of us. The Skookum spirit shall therefor eternally thrive. While we all thirst for individual achievements, we prosper when we stand together.

In the end, we are hopeful, that somewhere and somehow, we shall meet you along the trails of this phenomenon that we call LIFE.

We are Skookum Mountaineers, formally signing in...