All set to the summit
I did not sleep well the night before the climb. I kept waking up to the annoying mosquito bites although I think it's just the excitement bug that kept me from sleeping. I woke up at 6:00 am and hurriedly prepared. Since it is my first climb, I just borrowed some stuff from my brother. Packed inside my bag are jersey shirts, basketball short, jacket, a comforter, water jug, headlights, and some trusty plastic bags for emergency. Now I'm all ready and set. Or so I thought. I forgot to bring my digicam :(
Our meet up schedule is at 9:00 in the morning at the Cebu South Bus Terminal but as usual (Filipino time as they say), the group was complete at 10:00am (actually, I was the last one to arrive.. hehe). Since it's a holiday, a lot of people were on there way home to the province so the terminal was jam packed. I wanted to take the air-conditioned bus but there was a long line of passengers waiting. So we took a non-airconditioned Alcoy bound Ceres bus to take us to the town of Dalaguete (fare is 101Php for non-AC bus). After two hours ride, we reached the town of Dalaguete where we had our lunch at a carenderia at the top of the town market.
Taking a break and enjoying the magnificent view
Although there is a typhoon, it was a hot afternoon so I had to wear my jacket for the long habal-habal trip. From Dalaguete we need to take a 30 minute ride to the Mantalongon market (50Php/person). Although the habal-habal can take you all the way up to the foot of the Osmeña Peak, we chose to start our trek from the market since we need to buy some food and wait for one of our companions who is still on his way. For beginners like me, I recommend that you bring with you a water jug or any water container. This will come handy in the long walk. At around 4:00pm we started our trek. The trek should take around an hour or two with a normal walking pace. Halfway through the trail, there is a water source which you can refill your water container. Mine is almost empty by now. From the water source, it should take around half an hour to the foot of the Osmeña Peak. An additional 15 minutes to take to the top. This is the most grueling part of the trek since the trail is now steeper. But the reward is a stunning 360 degree view of the island. Neighboring islands of Negros and Bohol can also be seen from the peak.
Fir trees along the road to Mantalongon
Setting up our camp
Bohol island can be seen from the peak
The Peak at morning
Pine trees at the side of the peak
Fog starting to engulf us
Peaceful mountain views
That's some heavy load
Our camp is the one at the right most side
Clouds and the view of Negros island
Credits to Momi Yoys and Beth for the pictures :)
