Hive Philippines Travel and Nature Photography #973 - by Allmonitors

#973 - More of Mount Pulag Shots for Monday.

It's a Marvelous Monday lovely Hive fam! 🌱 Today, let's plant tiny seeds of joy and water them with laughter, sunlight, and ‘why not?’ energies. Our characteristics are confetti and not clutters. The week is like a fresh clay ready to mold it with messy, magnificent tries. Now go scatter kindness like wildflowers in the meadows! ✨ #MondayMagic #HiveBloom🌻

And now for our daily shots. A Chilly, Crowded Midnight Trek to Mount Pulag. Our adventure began at midnight when the air biting cold as we joined a sea of hikers at the ranger station. Hundreds of headlamps and flashlights flickered like fireflies in the darkness which then illuminated the slow and snaking line of adventurers ahead. The sheer number of people made the pace frustratingly slow and every narrow path became a bottleneck and we often stood still, also shivering while waiting for the line to move.

Despite the delays, the camaraderie of each groups with their own guides kept the spirits high. Strangers shared snacks, jokes and encouragement as we push upward. By 6 AM, we finally reached the summit only to find it packed with hikers haha mostly young thrill seekers hoping for a legendary sunrise.

Instead, we were greeted by thick fog, relentless rain showers and zero visibility. The famous "sea of clouds" was just... actual thick fog and clouds and super strong . Even the famously rugged landscape was hidden, leaving only the whistling wind and the occasional glimpse of shivers between hikers.

Disappointed? Haayyy well just a little bit. But the shared struggle, the laughter in the dark and the sheer ridiculousness of it all made the journey unforgettable. We left with numb fingers and a promise to return that hopefully next time, praying for clear skies and that breathtaking 360-degree view which Mount Pulag is famous for.

P.S. The real magic is in the journey, not just the view!🌄✨

Follow me on my nature travels.
Shot taken in Kabayan Benguet, Philippines.