It was a fine September morning, a sunny day after weeks rain; I was in San Mateo, Rizal to participate in a certain conference. Upon learning that we will not be having activity before 10:00 AM that day, I decided to quickly visit Mt. Binicayan and Mt. Ayaas, and contacted Mark Anthony, my usual guide in Montalban Mountains.
After registering at the DENR station and at the Barangay Hall, we immediately pushed to the trail head of Binicayan.
The trail was very manageable, clean and well-established. At first, it was bit slippery due to the mud which was caused by heavy rains in the past days. But the situation became better as we push through the summit.
The trail was very manageable, clean and well-established. At first, it was bit slippery due to the mud which was caused by heavy rains in the past days. But the situation became better as we push through the summit.
I don’t know how certain memories if my childhood conquered my mind during the trekking. I just found myself in ‘silent mode’, imagining that I was still a boy, wandering to unknown place to see new things. That ‘silent mode’ reminded me of my adventures together with my classmates, Alvin Abcede, Aler Auro, Jodyrick Grifaldo, Lunesto Espanol and the late Jay Zantua during our elementary days.
Between Grade IV to Grade VI, our group would travel upstream (sometimes downstream) along Talisay River starting from our school to the farthest point that we could reach to look for unusual birds, insects, wild animals, fishes, stones, plants, trees and other things. The memories on our creative approaches to keep our clothes dry and free from mud stain while traveling to the knee-deep water of the river (so as not to hear ‘words of wisdom’ and experience ‘parental exercise of compassion’, or to keep our adventures hidden from our parents when we return home) was refreshed. Back then, there are times that we would cling on vines, or use sticks and bamboos to create bridges in portions were water is above our knees. It was I guess the most memorable times of my childhood for it made me love outdoor adventures inexplicably more than my other hobbies. The simple secret adventure of river trekking brought me to where I am now, rough terrain adventures, still without ‘blessings’ from my parents.
Between Grade IV to Grade VI, our group would travel upstream (sometimes downstream) along Talisay River starting from our school to the farthest point that we could reach to look for unusual birds, insects, wild animals, fishes, stones, plants, trees and other things. The memories on our creative approaches to keep our clothes dry and free from mud stain while traveling to the knee-deep water of the river (so as not to hear ‘words of wisdom’ and experience ‘parental exercise of compassion’, or to keep our adventures hidden from our parents when we return home) was refreshed. Back then, there are times that we would cling on vines, or use sticks and bamboos to create bridges in portions were water is above our knees. It was I guess the most memorable times of my childhood for it made me love outdoor adventures inexplicably more than my other hobbies. The simple secret adventure of river trekking brought me to where I am now, rough terrain adventures, still without ‘blessings’ from my parents.
Mark Anthony and I were supposed to do the hike in the fastest possible time to be able to complete our target. However, upon reaching a certain portion of the trail with unique stone formations and beautiful downhill view that is being embraced by the unique formation of low-level cotton like fog, we decided to rest and be mesmerized with the beautiful sight. As if charmed by the mountain; unconsciously, we overlook our schedule and consumed a lot of time to rest.
Little by little, the mountain were able to persuade us to stay longer to the point that we did not bother if we were walking slowly or devoting too much time in taking pictures on our way to the summit. The trail did not require technical skills but it took us almost three hours to reach the summit.
Little by little, the mountain were able to persuade us to stay longer to the point that we did not bother if we were walking slowly or devoting too much time in taking pictures on our way to the summit. The trail did not require technical skills but it took us almost three hours to reach the summit.
From then, we set aside our quick ascend and instead, let the charm of the mountain conquer our consciousness. We push through with our climb in slow phase to enjoy the trail, the cool breeze and the view.
Upon reaching the summit, Mark Anthony and I started sharing some stories about our childhood outdoor adventures. Mark shared that Binicayan is their usual playground and they usually climb the mountain every week. If we have mountains within our area in Talisay, Camarines Norte; I will surely be doing the same.
Upon reaching the summit, Mark Anthony and I started sharing some stories about our childhood outdoor adventures. Mark shared that Binicayan is their usual playground and they usually climb the mountain every week. If we have mountains within our area in Talisay, Camarines Norte; I will surely be doing the same.
We stayed in the summit until 9:00 PM to treat ourselves more with the delightful scenery. At this point, although we never had any conversation of postponing the climb in Mt. Ayaas; we knew that our decision to stay longer in Binicayan is enough to satisfy our eagerness for rough terrain. At least in my next visit, I will not be rushing and time will surely be \luxuriant for me to enjoy the nearby Ayaas.
We descended the mountain, with plain smile but delighted heart.
We descended the mountain, with plain smile but delighted heart.