Conquering Pico de Loro Summit & Monolith

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Hello Steemians!

Today, I'm excited to share with you my story and photos from one of my unforgettable hiking experiences. It happened way back 2015 and at the same time when I am so broken from my previous relationship. As my friend said, this is a way to mend my broken heart. 😆 I thought then that hiking on a challenging mountain with new faces and strangers will help me in moving on. Well, it's worth it and true.

PICO DE LORO
Maragondon, Cavite and Nasugbu, Batangas
Major jump-off: DENR Station, Magnetic Hill, Ternate, Cavite
Minor jump-off: Ternate-Nasugbu Highway, Nasugbu, Batangas
LLA: 14° 12.855 N; 120° 38.785 E; 664 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1-2 days / 2-5 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3
Features: Distinctive spire at the summit, forests, scenic views of Cavite

(Quoted from Pinoymountaineer.com)

Why did I choose to spend my day going on exhausting (and sometimes dangerous) outdoor trips instead of visiting relaxing places?

All I want is to look for somewhere I can breathe with blissful wind though I have leg pain from cramps because of 5K jogging (I just want to feel my sweat and run randomly a day before climb) BUT I didn't expect to see myself experiencing this 360deg breathtaking scenery/view. To discover these vast and majestic creations of God is so amazing.

Enduring and overcoming the challenges during the climb was also an awesome plus. Climbing the Monolith took hardcore guts and strength. With just a rope to hold on to, it was no easy task climbing it at first. Also, the cliff, I can’t even describe it. The whole time, my hands were really sweating even when the wind was blowing hard. One wrong step and I could have probably fallen from a very height point. I hate myself for shouting, shout-outs of not my inner pains but of my nervous toward my crazy pasaway friend doing his 'Buwis-Buhay Stunts'. -_-

God was really with us that day. We had another crazy experience and with His guidance, nothing bad happened to us. Oooops! ALMOST!!! Not in climbing the mountain but the travel we had. Almost accidentssss! (Ordinary van na hindi alam ang patutunguhan, hala sa andar -- "lost van that don't know where to go"; Nawalang preno ng tric -- "tricycle lost brakes"; Nag-apoy na wires ng jeep --"sparkling wires in the jeepney driver's seat; etc) Also extra challenge because of unique Start Jump off point, instead of starting the trek at Naic we started at Nasugbu (Unexpected strolling and seeing the whole Nasugbu) - traverse as well. Monolith first then summit. Thus, from the start, the real adventure is on.

I know I gained new friends from them.

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I have also here the lessons realized listed by my friend who led and organized the activity.

^{Lesson 1: Plan your meeting place and time
Lesson 2: Get contact number from Jump Off Point Rescue Team
Lesson 3: Don’t hike alone. Be with friends and meet new ones
Lesson 4: You must greet every hiker you will meet along the way
Lesson 5: Arrive early on the campsite to have a good place for your tents
Lesson 6: Seek for help when you don’t know what you’re doing
Lesson 7: I know you’re tired but still enjoy every moment
Lesson 8: As much as possible, Hike with your loved ones (Cherish it!)
Lesson 9: Be Brave!
Lesson 10: Preserved natures Beauty}

By the way, he did this list because he felt bad for the outcome of our hike. It was successful yet we encountered lots of near-death experiences. LOL

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Before I end my short-cut story, I also wanted to share my friend's POV from this hike relating to my original purpose. 😎

Here’s the Reason why you should Climb Pico De Loro to mend your Broken Heart 💔:

1. The Monolith is a symbol of Unwavering Love. No matter what you feel due to the Past decision you’ve made, Remember that you are special and with that Positive Thoughts, you’ll have those Unyielding Strength to accept tomorrow with Open Arms.

2. The Summit is a symbol of a Standing Point where you can see the Over all Picture of your Life. Remember, your Life always expresses the result of your dominant thoughts. So while ascending to the Summit, Build your thoughts with new Perspective to improve.

3. Hard Trail is a symbol of Perseverance.It is all about how you will overcome the Easy and Hard Trails of the Mountain – Not giving in to physical and mental fatigue of long walks and a little step of moving on is a great start.

Hope you enjoy my short story.

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Cheers,

❤️ohkkaayy ❤️