– Ralph Waldo Emerson
After almost two years, we were finally back in Wawa to explore the mountains that were newly opened as hiking destinations.
Commencing the hike at 0720H, we threaded the road leading to Mt. Parawagan. We were initially surprised to see that the dirt road has now been cemented up to the point where a public resort is located just a few minutes before the junction leading to Mt. Lagyo is located. As there was an on-going fun ride at that time, we had to contend with a considerable number of riders making their way to the summit of Mt. Parawagan.
As it was Engr. who scouted for our hike and prepared our itinerary, we were then expecting a leisurely hike. Nonetheless, through the prodding of our guide (Mang Geovanni), we were persuaded to traverse Mt. Lagyo onward to Mt. Susong Dalaga for a twinhike.
It was already 0800H when we reached the junction where we bid farewell to the bikers and continued towards Mt. Lagyo. It was after we reached another junction (where we took the trail on the left...the path on the right leads toward a residential area) that the trail began to get steeper. A mountain biker followed us and asked for directions saying that he is going to Pintong Bukawe which is still at least 3-4 hours from Mt. Lagyo (depending on the pace) considering the terrain of the trail that he still needs to cover. From the said junction where a store is located, we had to circle around Mt. Lagyo until we finally reached the trail that leads to the upper portions of the mountain.
It was 0820H when we reached the trail at the base of Mt. Lagyo where we decided to have some time to catch our breathes and prepare for the steeper climbs ahead. Initially, banana and some fruit-bearing trees dot the trail, until the rock scrambling began. Then we reached a bamboo grove which ultimately gave way to some more rock scrambling. The hike went on until 0915H, we reached the general area where the 1st Peak (viewdeck) of Mt. Lagyo is located.
