My BackPacking Life: August 2011

Together with my co-workers, my team leader, and my manager in aegis peoplesupport where i work as a technical support representative, we decided to climb a mountain as our first team building experience!

Techno Junkies OTW to Batangas!

Mek, Me, Jeff, Tina, and Ken

My first mountain to climb...

MT. DAGULDUL
San Juan, Batangas
Major jump-off: Brgy. Hugom, San Juan
LLA: 13°40.380N 121°19.160E, 672 MASL (+ 672 m)
Days required / Hours to summit: 1-2 days / 5 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3

This is my first time climbing a mountain, I have never attempted a mountain climb before… In fact, im not ready… i dont have trekking shoes nor trekking Bag. I dont know what’s waiting for us there. i said to myself “bahala na…” with a smile on my face!

Day One... Unfortunately, there is a typhoon on our way...

Storm Mina Updates (international codename Nanmadol)

At 4:00 a.m. today, August 27, 2011, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration office, Typhoon "MINA" was estimated based on radar scans, satellite images and surface data at 90 kilometers Northeast of Tuguegarao City (17.9°N; 122.6°E) with maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 230 kilometers per hour. It is forecast to move Northwest at 09 kilometers per hour.

although the affecting areas is in the north, batangas still affected with heavy rains and strong wind.

So what's the plan? someone offer the Plan 2: stay over night at the beach!?

NO!

We decided to pursue the climb for the sake of "ADVENTURE".

Walking on the slippery stones and the muddy trail...

Backpacking in the rain is often a necessity when you've trekked in and have no choice but to trek back out in the wet. At other times, it is also the result of the area you have chosen to hike in, such as a rainforest where dripping water and rain is pretty much guaranteed. Backpacking in the rain is not onerous provided you are prepared; indeed, some people adore it when it rains as they hike! Here are some ideas to help your next trek in the rain.

1. Always know the weather forecast before setting out. While this isn't always a good indicator that you'll avoid rain, as storms can come in much faster than forecast, it does give you a general idea of what you can expect for most of your trek and will help you to plan the best route, timing, and even what clothing to take.

2. Be prepared. Despite knowing the weather, don't think that the sun will continue to shine as promised. Always take wet weather gear with you in case. This is especially true for climates known for dampness and rain (such as New Zealand, maritime zones), for mountain environments, and for backpacking during winter and monsoon seasons. The gear that you should have on hand includes: Raincoat, gaiters, water resistant pants, poncho, and good walking boots.

3. Keep an eye on changes brought about by rain. Rain can cause very fast changes to the environment and some of these can be really dangerous to you and your hiking companions. Things to be especially wary of include:

• Streams and rivers. Streams and rivers. These can fill up incredibly quickly during rain. A once-dry river bed can become a raging torrent in minutes. If you are unsure, keep away from it. Also beware crossing what seems a shallow stream but very fast flowing. The force of the water and slippery stones can knock you off your feet and plummet you downstream into deeper, faster waters. Many have drowned this way. Also, whenever you cross streams, keep your backpack unbuckled in case you slip. This way, you can escape from your pack quickly and easily.

• Slips. Slips. Watch for wash-outs caused by water erosion during rain. This can be on hiking trails, on cliffs etc. The result could be dislodging of ground causing you to slip and fall down a hillside or cliff-face. Alternatively, water erosion can cause stones, and even rocks, to be dislodged from above and fall on you and your hiking pals. Be alert and keep a good lookout at all times.

4. Find shelter. If the rain is becoming really persistent and heavy, it can pay to find shelter. This might include pitching a tent or tarpaulin structure for temporary respite, or finding a cave, or a large tree etc. Beware trees and other tall structures, however, if there is lightning accompanying the rain.

5. Keep hydrated and fed. Odd as it may seem, when you are surrounded by rain, people sometimes forget to keep drinking. You are still exerting yourself as much as in the sunshine, so you still need to drink. In addition, keep warm with regular snacks and meals.

6. Take and use a waterproof map case (or a large sturdy ziplock). This is a wonderful invention that lets you carry your walking map around in the rain. No need to lose your way with this handy tool. There are even waterproof maps if you can find one.

7. Keep warm. Hypothermia can be a real issue if someone is drenched to the skin and chattering to the bone. Keep an eye on your own sensitivity to the cold air and to effects on others. If signs appear, you will need to act quickly and try to warm the person and prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
-source: wikihow

Team Techno Junkies ( WET and WILD ) From L to R imy, ricky, me, ken, boss will, mek, kiko, jeff, ma'am tj, and tina

After nearly 6 hours of trekking uphill that started at 12pm in the afternoon, we finally made it to the campsite of Mt. Daguldul near the summit. Time Check: 5:45pm

We set up our five tent pretty quickly, after that, it began to rain hard with strong winds. So we decided to cook our dinner inside the tent. Suddenly mek's tent was destroyed during the typhoon, the casualties were evacuated shortly to the other tents. naidistribute din ang kanin at ulam (sinigang na baboy) sa kanya kayang tent at lahat naman ay nakakain nang gabing yan. ^_^

hindi talaga ako makatulog nung gabing yan.... nanginginig ako sa lamig at pinapasok na ng tubig yung tent namin at lumiliit na ang espasyo na tuyo... ang gusto ko lang nun ay mag umaga na! ^_^

DAY 2