Pico de Loro 2

Last April 13, 2014, I organized a climb and invited other 12 adventure seekers that are all first timers in Pico De Loro. It was my second time to climb Pico de Loro. The first time I climbed Pico De Loro was four in the morning and it was still dark, I didn't had a clear vision of the trail. It was traverse to Nasugbu so we didn't take the trail back to jump-off point. Even the trail has many signboards and stabilized already and guide is not required I still hired a more experienced mountaineer to guide and assist us during our climb.

From jump-off to Base camp 1 to Camp Site

We left Pasay Rotonda via private transportation around 4:15AM and we arrived at DENR at 6AM. We registered (P25 each) and did some stretching to warm up. Our hike started with a short prayer that I got from a mountaineer's blog page.

Prayer before the hike

Group picture before the hike

At exactly 6:30 AM we were already at the jump-off point that is stone's away from DENR. All my companions were excited and I heard so many "camera clicks" along the trail. We started on moderate pace and sometimes we stop for a quick pictorials. There were so many other hikers too during that time. Some hikers are on their way back already since they spent the previous night at the camp site.

Single line on the trail - The trail up to the camp site is easy to average.

When we reached the base camp 1, we need to register again for another P25. I didn't notice and remember that we passed the base camp 1 on my first hike in Pico de Loro. There are stores and souvenir shops at the base camp 1.

After resting awhile we continued our hike and our paces became slower. The long gap between each other became farther. Even we had two-way radio, I positioned my self in the middle of our single line so that I can tell the ones that are heading to slow down and wait for the others.

"take 5" on the trail - even Mr. Sun was already high, Pico de Loro trails are covered by the shade of the trees.

When we reached the campsite at around 10 AM, there were so many other hikers were already there. We looked for a shady place where our guide laid his tarp.

at the camp site

Ascending from Camp Site to Summit

It was really a bright and sunny day that even we wanted Mr. Sun to go down a bit before we headed to the summit we couldn't wait for long because of time constraints. So after we rested and took our lunch, on the middle of the day we decided to climb the summit.

Pico de Loro summit in the background

The trail going to summit is much steeper and harder. From campsite to the middle there are still few bamboo trees where you can hold on to for support but from the middle up to the summit, the trail is wide but already bald. No ropes are available. As you climb or crawl up to the top, you can hold on to few weeds but do not trust that it can support your weight. The soil is also loose so be very careful not to slide down as both sides are ravine. Two of my companions decided not pursue the summit anymore and they waited for us in the middle of the trail.

this is what I described above

crawling up to the summit

The scorching heat added to our problems too and the long line. We had to wait for the other hikers to go down first from the summit before we go there because the summit is small and cannot accommodate a large number of hikers.

At last we made it to the summit still ALL SMILE

The view of the monolith from the summit

Descending Summit to monolith

Another challenge  for the group is to conquer the famous monolith of Pico de Loro. Three other members of our group decided not to climb the monolith. The monolith is vertical structure that stands at around 60 meters high. The trail going to the monolith is  by ascending to the other side of the summit. Hikers should take extra caution while climbing the monolith. In just one wrong move you may get injuries or worst you may fell into your death. Proper trekking shoes/sandals with good grip is a big help. There's a reliable rope installed where you can hang-on for your dear life. It is like rock climbing or rappelling which upper and lower body strengths are needed. It's a bit terrifying at first but once you reach the top of the monolith, unexplained feeling of accomplishment will conquer you. You will feel so proud of your self and grateful to God and  to your friends who helped you along the way. That was I felt the first time I climbed it and still the same feeling for the second time.

Descending on the other side of the summit going to the monolith

at the base of the monolith

Our guide and the brave ones who finished the challenge at the top of the monolith

To God be the Glory

Here we are!!! Photo taken by one of our members from the summit of Pico de Loro

Descending monolith and ascend back to the summit

Going back from monolith to summit of Pico de Loro was a bit easier for us after experiencing the most terrifying one. yay :D

Descending from summit to camp site

If ascending from camp site to summit was difficult, it is more difficult to descend from summit back to the camp site. Descending requires you to control your self from sliding down with nothing to hold on to except for a few unreliable weeds. Most of us descended by sliding down using our butts :) Can you imagine that?

descending time

Before going back to DENR, we prayed again to thank the Lord and ask again for His guidance for our safe return. It was already dark when we reached the base camp 1, and I was glad that most of the members of our group has flashlight/headlight. It only took awhile until we reached the DENR where our driver is waiting. We washed-up, had dinner together and went home after. :)

Reflection: The beauty of Mt. Pico de Loro never fails to amaze me. Even it was already my second time in Pico de Loro, it feels a different climb for the following reasons 1.) I was the organizer 2.) I was the one who introduced hiking to the group 3.) All of them are first timers. 4.) I spent more time here than the first climb.
Nasugbu Trilogy Climb