Aiming to enjoy the sunrise and of course hoping to
see the renowned sea of clouds at the summit, we were supposed to wake up at
0400H. However, our designated watchman inadvertently set his alarm at 1600H
(or 4:00PM). As such, we started our day an hour late from our supposed
departure for the summit.
The cardiac assault made us feel heaviness in our feet. Likewise, there is lightness in our heads as we pushed our way up the entrance to the mossy
forest. It was a good thing that the cold weather really made us homey. We were
able to reach the clearing (which is also an alternative camp for mountaineers)
at around 0530H. We spent a substantial time resting at the trunk of a fallen
pine tree as we were literally panting and gasping for air.
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| At the mini-campsite after the steep ascent from the bunkhouse |
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| already late for sunrise |
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| fallen log |
The entrance to the mossy forest is found at the
northern part of the clearing. At this time, the rays of the sun have already
started to slowly break the darkness around us.
While still an inclined ascent, the next
part of the trail along the mossy forest is a lot easier to negotiate. The
mossy forest is really akin to that found in Mount Pulag. We were able to
finally summit Mt. Tapulao at 0610H.
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| rest...relax...rest...at the mossy forest |
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| Bette with the ever-reliable Wilmer |
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| good morning climb... :) |
Although the summit occupies an area relatively larger than other peaks, the presence of trees around its perimeter obstruct what could have been majestic views of the surrounding areas. Nevertheless, a view of the Zambales Mountain Range is visible on its eastern side. If and when lady luck approves, a sea of clouds (like what we have witnessed) shall greet you as you welcome a new day.
Also located in this area is the supposed apex of the mountain, which incidentally was burrowed by miners in their search for chromite. Although vegetation already exists in the cavity that was created, one can only wonder how much of the mountain was destroyed in the process.
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| Sea of Clouds |
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| Closer to the heavens |
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| Happy Day |
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| Shaped by the elements |
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| Allan was able to reach the summit on his 3rd try |
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| Gani and Lennon |
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| Emerging from the mossy forest |
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| it really feels great to summit a mountain... |
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| The cavity in the summit |
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| Mother Nature has its own way of healing itself |
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| the cavity has become a haven for shrubs |
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| Here comes the sun... |
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| hello sunshine... |
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| Panorama of the summit |
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| We made it...Skookum! |
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| The small "flag" |
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| Touch the Sun |
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| Super Lennon |
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| Natural Bonsai |
Situated on the western side of the summit is the famous "Big Bonsai Tree" of Mt. Tapulao. This tree actually serves as the marker since the fact that you were able to scale this imposing piece of natural wonder would be incomplete should you fail to climb and/or take a picture of it. While it looked frail from afar, the tree is actually very sturdy. In fact, it was able to withstand the five of us playing and goofing around its branches.
A view of the West Philippine Sea and other parts of Zambales also beckons. Wilmer likewise pointed to us the opening leading to the trail from Mayantoc, Tarlac. Maybe if we have more time to spare, we can do this Tapulao Traverse that supposedly offers more natural sights and wonders.
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| The Famous "Big Bonsai Tree" of Mt. Tapulao |
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| Summiteers |
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| The tree is that strong |
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| there is a Koala in Tapulao...heehee |
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| yeeheey |
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| Big na...Bonsai pa |
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| Group shot...the tree is really sturdy |
Incidentally, the 18-kilometer marker is located in the area between the "Big Bonsai Tree" and the abandoned mine pit.
We spent an hour at the summit, taking pictures and frolicking around the thought that we were able to successfully add another peak to our growing list of "skookumized" mountains.
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| Kilometer 18 |
We started to descend back to the Bunkhouse at 0710H. Since the trail from the summit to the clearing was all downhill, and with the mossy forest providing us cover from the sun, we decided to do some trail running. We were actually laughing our way down the trail. We really enjoyed all the running that we had.
We even had the time to play around this boulder in the trail and do some pseudo-rock climbing. Bette, the only lady in the group, was actually very eager to try it.
We again reached the clearing at around 0730H. The surrounding pine forest and the view around the area were really impressive. It really is very surprising to see pine trees growing naturally in this part of Central Luzon.
The fallen pine tree presented lots of photo opportunities, with Allan, Lennon, and Gani alternating for their respective versions of jumpshots.
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| parang pelikula lang hehe |
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| Hey you...wanna join Skookum? |
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| just perfect... |
After taking a 20 minute break (for pictures and stories), we continued our descent to the Bunkhouse. Since the trail is now a steep downhill, we had to be extra careful in going down. The trail can also get slippery since there loose rocks and/or soil may cause you to skid. Hence, be cautious at all times.
As we were getting near the bunkhouse, we saw a lump of big rocks near the trail. We then eagerly transformed into "picture group mode" again. Of course, we all knew that it was one great opportunity for some on-the-edge-of-the-cliff photos.
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| Mini Akiki...according to Allan |
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| careful |
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| Hi ho...hi ho |
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| Gani...mighty climber |
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| Allan...Team Leader cum Scribe |
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| Just for fun |
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| Bette...the rose among the thorns |
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| Lennon...super mountaineer |
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| Oliver...sweeper |
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| Pa-hug naman |
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| if developed...this can easily rival Baguio as the summer capital of the Philippines |
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| simply beautiful...love the mountains |
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| Bunkhouse...here we come |
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| Steep climb = steep descent |
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| Brunch time... :) |
We finally reached the bunkhouse at 0810H and immediately prepared our brunch before we go back down to Sitio Dampay. We were thinking that it would be better for us to have a hearty meal before we blaze the trail since we have a lot of catching up to do on the other group of mountaineers who already went ahead of us because they so choose to not go to the summit anymore.
As such...we targeted to make the descent from the Bunkhouses to Dampay-Salaza in five hours. "Team Relax" will be morphed to "Team Super Express" so to speak.
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| Pagod |
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| Corned Beef...Sardines...Beef Tapa |
For now, we leave you some of our group pictures. It is true that the initial assault is really very hard, but when you just make it one step at a time, you will certainly conquer it.
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| "Big Bonsai Tree" |
***Traipsing Chronicles 004
Mt. Tapulao (aka High Peak)- Bunkhouses to Summit to Bunkhouses
Highlights: Chromite Ore; Pine Forest; Mossy Forest; View of Zambales and West Philippine Sea; Sea of Clouds; "Big Bonsai Tree"; Abandoned Miner's Pit;
Itinerary
0500 - Departure for the Summit
0530 - Arrival at the Clearing (Campsite above the Bunkhouses)
0550 - Departure for the Summit
0610 - Arrival at the Summit
0710 - Departure for the Bunkhouses
0730 - Arrival at the Clearing
0750 - Continue descent to the Bunkhouses
0810 - Arrival at the Bunkhouses / Prepare Brunch
0930 - Heavy Breakfast / Brunch
Bunkhouses. As of March 2014 (the time we were there), some of the bunkhouses were already in a shabby condition owing to the different typhoons that battered the area. Likewise, the famous portalet is already gone.
Campsite. While most mountaineers camp at or near the bunkhouse, there are those who decide to camp at the clearing just before the entrance to the mossy forest. The only problem in camping at the clearing is that it is a little bit far from the water source.
Click on the links below should you wish to read the complete account of our climb in Mt. Tapulao:
http://skookummountaineers.blogspot.com/2014/06/mt-tapulao.html
http://skookummountaineers.blogspot.com/2014/06/mt-tapulao-3-bunkhouse-to-dampay-salaza.html
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