Buddies: Jeff, Meong, Mike Angeles and Cris Sison
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(Click on the "Limatik sa Natib" link)
http://www.geocities.com/akamug/ -- by Mike Angeles
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I have always been a nature lover. The thought of beaches, mountains, caves, and all of nature’s bounties always gives me a feeling of enchantment and a deep sense of peace. Though I loved mountains and I’ve always wanted to conquer it, I never had the willpower to pursue it. I remember my first "trek" was when I am with my high school buddies. That was one of the most tiring activity I had in my life. Not reaching the top, I deemed it "unsuccessful". From then on, I always wanted to do the "real" stuff --- getting at the top and having a feel of the clouds.
It was when I was working for four years that I happened to know a colleague who was a mountain climber. Cris invited me to join them but more often than not, I am unavailable. Then finally on the 12th of June 2004, I said yes. I excitedly searched for things to prepare, what to bring, what to wear, what to buy. I have so far prepared everything that a newcomer would do – except for one thing. I forgot to prepare myself for the physical demands that mountain climbing would require.
Come June 12 and no wonder I was the first to arrive. I have always been a latecomer during meetings, classes, gatherings and all sorts of group assembly. But on things that interest me a lot, I have this early blood in me. Within a group of 5, I was the only female climber. Two were experienced climber and the other two are semi-neophytes like me.
Being the only female in the group and the first time climber, I felt a little bit of an underdog. Not that I see it as a competition but I just felt a little pressure from the way things are presented. I just don’t want them to see me as someone that they would look after simply because I’m a woman and I am a neophyte. I want them to see me as another mountain enthusiast like themselves who only want to experience the feeling of being on the peak and feel the beauty of God’s creation.
I’m just too lucky that these bunch of guys are really cool and are really good companies. After signing in the DENR logbook and having lunch, we started the trek at around 12 pm. The first 2 kilometers was already difficult for me as I struggle for the ascent. I can hardly breathe. I was way behind them and even though they stopped once in a while, I still had difficulty catching with them. Our first stop was like a food given to a person who has never eaten for 2 days. From that time, I was fighting for any negative feeling I have during the climb. For 2 grueling hours, we walked under the extreme heat of the sun. The trek was not yet uphill; it was still a bit refreshing because it is an open field where you can see other mountains, lakes and other awesome views. We met a lot of other climbers along the way, though I cannot remember which group they were associated with. When we reached the first water source, the group had to rest for a while and munch for some trail foods. Jeff was always checking on “limatiks”, and has to request me to see if there are any parasites on his clothes. Despite the constant checking of the group, the “limatiks” were still yearning for our precious bloods. Mike’s back was bleeding and some of our group mates have one or two bites from the slimy creature. Even I was not spared of the bite. I have to prepare alcohol for the easy removal of the creature. We are only halfway the trail and it is already getting dark. Jeff and Cris went way too ahead of the group and we were never able to catch them up.
We headed on the path we thought was the right one, unaware that it would be the start of our breathtaking predicament. We were halfway through the trail when it rained hard. The path was getting steeper as we face large rocks. It became difficult for us because it got darker already and the rain kept on pouring in. Mike was shouting to both Jeff and Cris for help, and was actually feeling frustrated for not telling us that their trail was the right one. We thought of going back and following their trail but it was so dangerous and more difficult. Meong came in first and was also complaining about the difficulty of the situation. I became so nervous and thoughts of whether it was the right decision to pursue this adventure flashed into my mind. I slipped as I reached for another big rock above me. Good thing that I got hold of another rock just beneath my chin. As I looked back, I can only see total darkness. My flashlight fell off from my hand as I was clinging on to those big rocks ahead of me. Cris tried to go down and help us out but he got cramps and was yelling from above that it was difficult because it was very slippery. As Meong get on to a secure place, we tried on a new strategy – move up our bags, then ourselves. It took us more time doing that but it was the safest way possible. At around 9:00 pm, we arrived on the campsite --- wet, tired and hungry. Mike and Cris set up the tents but as if one misfortune is not enough, one of the tents broke down. The guys have to let themselves fit in the small tent. Since I am the only girl, I slept over to another tent where Ma’am Connie (I forgot what group she was from) was already sleeping. With much difficulty in changing my clothes, I hurriedly got into the tent as I was already shivering from the extreme cold. Ma’am Connie was very kind and as we are conversing, another female climber got into the tent. Their group also had problems with their tent. Thanks to that another climber because I might have ended up shivering the whole night if not for her.
I woke up the next day with blood on my right arm. It was then that I discovered that the whole night, the dreaded “limatik” feasted on my blood. As I opened up the sleeves, there was her still clinging on my skin. It was also the time that I have discovered I have lots of “limatik” bites. When I went out of the tent (“Nagpasalamat naman ako kay Ma’am Connie”), the rest of the guys are already preparing for breakfast. After the casual photograph taking, our group headed first for the descent. It was doubly hard as I have to literally slide down using my butt since it was very slippery. Halfway through the first water source, Cris had to carry my bag as I was feeling extremely exhausted. When we arrived at the water source, we prepared for our lunch. Cris have to help me get rid of all the "limatiks" setting in my feet. While we were having our lunch, the other climbers started also to prepare for their lunch. There was some commotion between 2 groups of climbers but was then settled by some senior members of the group. Finishing up the other half of the descent, I had to endure having my feet and arm bleeding from the limatik bites. As we passed through the same path we took the day before, I find it hard to believe that I was able to hurdle the first test of one of my worst fear – the heights. It was so exhilarating to feel the cool breeze that dampened my spirit --- possibly whispering to me it was worth the pain, that it was just the beginning of another adventure that life has to offer. I was just so lucky to have a group of reliable mountaineers to go with… My first encounter with heights will not be that memorable and exciting if not for Jeff, Meong, Mike and Cris. Thanks guys and see you on the next climb.... This is a climb I will never forget....
