Hive Philippines Travel and Nature Photography #1011 - by Allmonitors

#1011 - Mount Pulag Jumpoff and Summit Shots for Thursday.

Beautiful Thursday lovely Hiveans! On this Thursday, let's pick up our paint brushes and paint our dreams confidently. Let's all greet this day with a heart full of creativity and courage. Let's make today a masterpiece where every Hivean's unique shade shines brightly like a diamond. Have a lovely Thursday filled with life full of joy.

Started at the Babalak Ranger Station where a their outpost is which becomes a busy hub of hikers in anticipation as the clock strikes 1AM. Hikers hundreds of us gather in the dimly lit area, with the breaths visible in the cold night air. The scene is a preparation, as we prepped gears and backpacks and share final words of encouragement and prayers from different guides and groups. My wife and I each capture the moment before the send off.

As we hop on the Ambangeg Trail with path like a ribbon through the darkness full of twists and turns and climbs. The trail was a challenging dance with the elements of rain, cold air and muddy trails. The trek was a challenge of endurance which tested our limits and pushes us to our edges though the difficulty is only set as 3 over 9. The climb was sometimes steep and the air cold. As the first light of dawn begins to break through the fog, we reach the summit of Mount Pulag. The peak is a realm of silence. The air or wind was so cold and strong up there, almost painfully cold which could cause hyperthermia is a reminder of the altitude and the power of nature. The landscape was just full of clouds and fog that stretches out before us that obstruct the Cordillera mountains, hidden from view.

Despite the lack of a clearing, the trek is a one of a kind experience, a journey of self discovery and connection. The fog, the rain, the slippery and muddy trails and the biting cold were not obstacles but part of the adventure as each element adding experiences to the story of our climb.

As we stand at the summit, my wife and I share a moment of silent triumph despite the windy cold, our hearts were now full of joy of this achievement which she wanted for a long time. We know that this experience with all its challenges and rewards, is a treasure to be cherished. And though the other Cordillera mountains remain hidden, we are planning our return to witness its splendor in the warm light of a sunny day and to stand once more at the peak of Mount Pulag.

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Shot taken in Mount Pulag Kabayan Benguet, Philippines.