Mt. Tapulao - 3 (Bunkhouses to Dampay-Salaza)

Fully aware that the open trail of Mt. Tapulao can be one hellish footpath especially during the advent of summer, aside from the fact that the big group of mountaineers went ahead of us by at least an hour (we feared the interruption that this group would cause us at the wash-up area), we agreed among ourselves to go hard on the trail and make full use of gravity as we go down Central Luzon’s highest peak. 

And our prize would be the Tinolang Manok that we ordered, as well as having a cool and refreshing bath without delay.

Ready to go...

Our target is to make it in Dampay-Salaza within 5 hours, which as per our calculations would give us enough time to rest, wash-up, have lunch and leave for Iba before sunset.

Again, we were the last mountaineers to leave the bunkhouses for Sitio Dampay that day.

We started to descend at 1040H knowing that the hardest part of the descent would be the 1^st kilometer. As such, we initially tramped on a leisurely pace until we reached the top of the ascent just after the guardhouse where we picked up speed. Although we would have brief rests, our persistence in getting back to the jump-off point at the earliest possible time made us keep the killer pace.

saying farewell to the pine trees

at home with the trees

downhill on our way up....becomes an uphill climb on our way down

impressive pine forest

At 1120, we reached the chromite ores just before the 14-kilometer mark and took a 10-minute rest. When we resumed our trek, we were virtually running down the landslide area as we took advantage of the downhill nature of the trail. Aside from that, the clouds that provided us cover were likewise very helpful.

Let us push it...

We passed by the bend (where we previously spent time taking pictures) at 1145. Continuing our punishing tempo, we reached the water source at the 10-kilometer mark at 1210. It is here where we caught up with the group of mountaineers that went down the bunkhouse an hour before us. We then lined up to fill-in our water containers. Since we were already able to catch up with the big group of mountaineers, we were encouraged to keep going and immediately left the water source as soon as we had our fill of water.

Nearing the Bend

Just after the bend...entrance to the pine forest

part of "The Landslide"

Km. 10 (Water Source)

While we all felt heavy when we previously negotiated the uphill portion of the “landslide” on our way up, we were so eager to continue hiking because of our eagerness to put a gap between us and the other mountaineers. In such regard, we likewise decided not to stop at the 1^st water source. We were then able to reached the open trail within the 6-kilometer mark at 1245, where a glorious view of the West Philippine Sea greeted us.

It just so happened that when we arrived there, the sun beamed so hot that it took its toll on us. We then decided to rest and enjoy the shade offered by one of the trees that sporadically dot this open part of the trail.

Push...push...push

run...walk...run

Dipterocarp forest

Single File

welcome to the open trail...the grassland

life is a breeze...you know

Still a looonnggg way to go...just before Camp 1

Lennon: Skookum Rocks!

run...run..run...though our feet were already wobbly

And the heat is on...Can you see all that dust?

on to the last 5 kilometers...and the sun blared in all its glory making the trek very draining

inside km-4...the only rest we had from the 10-kilometer mark...just because the sun is already beaming

At 1330, we resumed to trek the remaining 4-kilometers to the jump-off point. Our water bottles were emptied one after the other while the sun incessantly emitted all its might. As exhaustion took its toll on us, it felt like the longest 4 kilometers that we have trekked.

We finally reached the Registration Center (Kilometer 0) at 1420, exactly 3 hours and 40 minutes since we left the bunkhouses.

Onward to the Registration Center

Thanks Wilmer for all the help

Km 0

We then feasted on the Native Chicken Tinola that we have pre-ordered at the registration center. While I only joked that they should prepare food for 12 persons (for 6 very hungry and tired mountaineers and guide actually), we were at first dumbfounded to know that they seriously considered our request, but later on were actually relieved that we made such request since we almost ate everything.

The food is reasonably priced since we only had to pay a little over P700.00 for everything, including the unlimited rice and soda.

Native Chicken Tinola

Tara kain na...mangan tayo apo

Nothing beats a hearty meal after a very long hike :)

After washing ourselves up, we ordered halo-halo and continued our chitchat with the locals. We cannot just contain our glee that we have beaten the 5-hour itinerary that we have set.

At 1720, we finally left Dampay-Salaza. It took us about 40 minutes to reach the Victory Liner Bus Station in Iba, just in time for the 7PM bus. We then ate dinner at an eatery on the opposite side of the road. As we were really dead tired from the trek, we expected to sleep throughout the trip back to Manila.

We truly had very fond memories of Mt. Tapulao. Hopefully we can go back there again. As we kept on repeating, Central Luzon's highest is one daunting, challenging, but enjoyable trek

The "Long and Endless Trail" of Mt. Tapulao has therefore been Skookumized!

waiting for our ride

Inside the Terminal in Iba, Zambales

Lennon and Allan exploring Iba

we hope to come back again

Skookum's Tapulao 5

 ***Traipsing Chronicles 005

Mt. Tapulao (aka High Peak)- Bunkhouses back to Dampay-Salaza*

Highlights: Chromite Ore; Pine Forest; View of Zambales and West Philippine Sea
*This is a part of a two day trek

Itinerary

1040  -  Start downhill trek to Dampay-Salaza
1120  -  Arrival at the Chromite Ores just before the 14-kilometer post
1145  -  Past the bend in the trail (entrance to the Pine Forest)
1210  -  Arrival at the water source (10-km post)
1245  -  Arrival at the 6-kilometer mark
1330  -  Rest then resume trek from within the 4-kilometer post
1420  -  Arrival at the Registration Center in Dampay-Salaza

Rest.....Lunch.....Merienda.....Wash-up

1720  -  Departure for Victory Liner Iba Terminal
1800  -  Arrival at Victory Liner Iba Terminal

Dinner

1900  -  Departure for Victory Caloocan Terminal
0100  -  Arrival at the Victory Caloocan Terminal (next day)

Food. You may pre-order food at the Registration Center, or you may inform your guide about any plans of having the locals prepare your lunch and/or snacks after descending from the bunkhouses. The food is delicious and is competitively priced.

Wash-up. While there were locals who would offer their houses where you can wash-up, you may likewise do the same at the Registration Center.

Side Trip. A favorite sidetrip for mountaineers is a trek to the pool area of the Bagsit River. It is actually a 4-kilometer trek on a flat and rocky road.

Transportation. You may choose to hail buses bound for Manila (Caloocan or Cubao) at the highway in the intersection going to Dampay-Salaza instead of going back to Iba. The only drawback is that as chance passengers, it might be hard for you to get a ride especially when you are a big group.


Click on the links below should you wish to view the full account of our climb to Mt. Tapulao
http://skookummountaineers.blogspot.com/2014/06/mt-tapulao-day-2-bunkhouse-summit.html
http://skookummountaineers.blogspot.com/2014/06/mt-tapulao.html