Capping off midsummer with a mysterious mountain! ✨ I first encountered Mt. Susong Dalaga in Batangas way back 2018, another one in Talim Island last 2019, and from this spot in Montalban this year! 💚 Yung totoo? Nasaan ba talaga ang original Mt. Susong Dalaga? 🙃
Mt. Susong Dalaga in Montalban stands 325 meters above sea level. ⛰️ Compared to other peaks I climbed early this year, it’s way too low vis-a-vis Batulao, Naupa, and Kandungaw ranging from 600-950 MASL. It’s (significantly) easy, so I consider it as my ‘cool down hike’. 🤭 T'was very relaxing, to the point that I had bonding moments with plants, insects, and snails. 🌿🐞🐌
We didn’t witness the sea of clouds from the summit, but got sooo amused with the gradient of the mountain range! 😱 From a distance, one can see how the colors of the mountains change to different shades of green and blue. 🤩 Perhaps it’s a distinct sight in Montalban. Hence, the town is named as such because it’s surrounded by mountains. ⛰️ So this could be the start of “bundok crawl”. 🤪
At the peak, I tried to sneak inside a mysterious hole and dared to ask if I can fit there. 🤔 Of course, no one seconded that wild idea. 🤯 Our guide Kuya Wally suggested he’ll go down and take our photos from that spot. But I was the first to jokingly dismiss it, “Hindi ka po namin kaya i-rescue pag stuck kayo diyan!” LOOOL! 🤣
We started the descent, passed thru the 'bamboo stage’, and rested in a station where other friendly kuya’s shared their harvest of bananas for FREE! 🍌 And it’s my favorite rare type! Yaaay! 🙌🏻 On top of that, they allowed us to hand feed HANDSOME, their pet dog who likes fruits. Such a cutiepie! 😍
Congratulations Lei on your first climb! 👏🏻 May your mother mountain give birth to more. Hehe! 😅 Thanks Ace for adding an epilogue to my trilogy hike! Cherry on top appreciated! 🍒 'Til next time with Fillian! 🐶
