Mt. Maculot - Rockies.Summit (Skookum Mountaineers' 1st climb)

*This is an account of our very 1st climb together, way back when we were not yet known as Skookum Mountaineers.

It was Chinese New Year 2014 (Lunar New Year) when a group of friends decided to get out of the box and explore more of the outdoors. It began with the aim of scaling the famous Mt. Maculot in Cuenca, Batangas.

Mt. Maculot...snapshot taken from the public market

For some of us, it was an initial attempt to hit the trail; for most maybe the first in a long while. Only a few in our group have a more than decent knowledge of basic mountaineering. Of course, our Team Leader was Sir Allan Calura who was ably assisted by Sir Espi.

While some of us took the bus in Buendia cor. Taft Avenue, another group (where I was in) used private transportation and went straight to Batangas. Our rendezvous point is at the Cuenca Public Market, where we arrived at 5:00AM.

We decided to eat breakfast at one of the eateries in the public market, the owner of which was very elated that she opened early as we even bought additional food for lunch aside from the lomi and puto't dinuguan that we consumed with gusto.

Lomi topped with crispy chicharon

We then took the tricycle going to the jump-off point, although we had to pay the registration fee of P20.00 at a checkpoint area.

registration area

the road leading to the trail...just before the mountaineers' store

At 6:30AM, we were already at the base point doing some stretching, as we were likewise taught some basic rules of mountaineering, the to do's and the what not's. After a brief prayer, we commenced hiking. We were very thankful for the trees that covered us from the sun as well as for the gentle breeze that refreshed us from time to time. We also enjoyed the series of resting stops along the trail that made the hike a lot easier. Of course, because the trail is already established, the presence of markers along the way are added bonuses for us whom I considered novice climbers.

Fixing our things at the jump-off point (the Mountaineers' Hangout / Store)

we now enter the jungle...

Early part of the trail

in one of the rest stops

 As one of the first groups to hike at that time, we decided to spent additional time along the trail telling stories and communing with nature. We even bought buko juice from one of the local stores/huts cum rest stations. Eventually we reached the Campsite at 0800H.



We immediately proceeded to the "Rockies" on the left side of the camp site. The Rockies is a rock mountain on the edge of Taal Lake. It really is not the actual summit of Mt. Maculot but the fact that climbers are rewarded with a splendid view of Taal Volcano makes the Rockies one of the most famous landmarks and must-climbs here in the Philippines.

Single file and hug the boulders...scaling the Rockies

Taal Lake and Taal Volcano (Volcano Island)

on the edge...and windy

photo ops

 

enjoying the Rockies

Sir Allan and Sir Espi

malalim iniisip ni Sir Espi... :)

sobrang mahangin

South to Northwest Panorama - at the Rockies

North to East Panorama - Mt. Maculot and Taal Lake

It can really get crowded at the Rockies as climbers can ascend or descend in single file only. So make sure that you climb early if you are making a dayhike. Especially now there are a lot of tour operators who organize climbs in Mt. Maculot/Rockies and also with the increasing number of weekend warriors, it may take some time for you to wait on the others before you may be able to finally scale the Rockies. Besides, space is premium at the Rockies as strong winds usually pound the area and the ravine in its edges are really very steep. So extra care and prudence is needed while one is staying there.

mandatory Rockies photo

jump shot...trademark

ayos

down we go from the "Rockies"

After spending an hour and a half at the Rockies, we decided to go down to the camp site for lunch. After a brief siesta, us eager hikers subsequently decided to push for the summit, while the others decided to descend and wait for us at the Mountaineer's Hangout.

The Shack where we ate lunch

After passing through the grasslands, we again entered the forest and were awed by some of the plants that we saw along the trail. At 1315H, or after an hour and 15 minutes from the camp site, we finally reached the summit.

As there are trees and shrubs that block most parts of the summit, one needs to exert additional effort just to have a glimpse of the Taal Lake and Taal Volcano. Also, the Rockies seemed to be so small once you see it at the summit. Since we did not inform the people at the registration area that we are going to do a traverse, we just decided to spend a lot of time at the and while away time as we enjoyed the summit for ourselves.

the Rockies and Macatmon

Enjoying the forest

just curious about this flower

Team Relax

At the Summit

zoooooom...the Rockies...photo snapped at the Summit

From the summit, it took us an hour and 45 minutes to get back to the jump-off point (Mountaineers' Hangout). We really enjoyed running downhill and making use of the trees to stop a free fall. We spent the rest of the afternoon recalling our latest mountaineering experience and getting to know more of our new friends.

On our way down...at one of the rest stops

We now have come a long way and have slowly stamped our mark along the trails of different mountains. We are hopeful that we will have more summits to assault and trails to conquer together.

Group Shot

Credits to Allan and Gani for some of the photos

Traipsing Chronicles 007
001.031.014

Mt. Maculot
Cuenca, Batangas
Jump-off Point: Mountaineers' Hangout / Local Store, Brgy. 7 "Siete", Cuenca, Batangas
Exit Point (traverse to Grotto): Brgy. 5 "Singko", Cuenca, Batangas
LLA: 13°55 N; 121°2 E; 706 MASL (Rockies) / 930 MASL (summit) 
Minor Climb, Difficulty 3/9 (Rockies); 4/9 (Traverse) Trail class 1-3.
Highlights: Scenic views of Taal Lake, rock formations at the Rockies, forests, Grotto

the public market is on the right, photo taken just after entering the welcome arch

Guides. Although guides are not really needed since the trails are established, accounts of mountaineers in different fora say that it is now mandatory for climbers to secure the services of guides (allegedly for security purposes). The guide fee is supposedly set at P300.00.

Parking. Parking is free in case you shall park your vehicle at or near the Mountaineers' Hangout (local store). Nonetheless, Parking fee is P50.00 in case you wish to park your vehicle at a supposedly more secure environment in the residential areas just after you turn right towards the road leading to the jump-off point.

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