Mt. Tarak: Redefining “Major Climb”

There are different types or classification of climbs considering the type of mountains being climbed and many other factors such as weather, type of trail, and so on. So, what is a major climb? Let me leave to you the official meaning of a major climb in its literal sense for you to search on. In the meantime, let me give my own definition of a “major climb” based on my first experience of it at Mt. Tarak Ridge. 

Patience is a Virtue

Do you agree with this adage? A major climb at Mt. Tarak will probably teach you this. The hike to the river usually lasts 3-5 hours, from Papaya River to the ridge, it would take around 3-4 hours (well, the duration may differ depending on your pacing). Generally, I could say, it was long hike. Since it was the first major climb for most of us, I think we have really imbibed every word of this saying “Patience is a virtue”. Along the way, we would always ask “How many minutes more?” and Kookie (the one who served as our guide since he has been there before) would always tell us “30 minutes more” even though it would actually take 2 hours. Basically, it was his way of making us less impatient to continue walking and feel excited about getting near the destination.

It may be hard but be patient...

and ENJOY the trek!^^

From that experience, I realized that being patient when hiking is necessary for you to enjoy the activity because when someone is always anxious about getting to the end, you will end up tired of what you are doing. Instead, enjoy it, be patient, and you will not even notice that you have done something which was difficult for you.

Therefore, a major climb means “patience is a virtue”.

Climbing Down

Climbing down? Is there such a thing as “climb down”? Well, it may sound “semantically-inappropriate” or ironic, but there is. As defined by dictionary.com, it means a “a retreat from an opinion, etc.” In layman’s term, it may refer to “giving up”.

This is exactly what you will feel as you struggle reaching the peak, or at least the ridge of Mt. Tarak. Upon experience slipping on some areas, doing a ‘4-wheel drive’ (coined by pinoy mountaineer, it means climbing a mountain using your hands and feet, synonymous to crawling, I guess. ^^), carrying a huge bag with at least 3 liters of water and lots of other stuffs, sweating a lot, incurring body pains, and a lot more, you’d really feel like “climbing down”. Nevertheless, the show must go on.

If it's hard, take a rest. But, never give up!

Mountaineers are not quitters! So, no matter how difficult it is to reach the peak/destination, it is always wise to keep trudging. As what we normally say, you’ll never know how close you are until you reach your destination.

Abu, do you already feel like giving up? ^^ Well, you graciously overcome the challenge! 

So,  a major climb means “not climbing down”.

Body Pain

Ouch! I can’t walk well. My legs are aching! --- These are just some of the most common expressions you would probably hear when you are about to go back home from a major climb. A major climb is not complete without its accompanying body pains.

During our climb to Mt. Tarak, almost all of us complained of muscle pains (esp. on our legs). As for me, I couldn’t walk normally and withstood walking like an old woman for 4 consecutive days.

Different forms of pain that you might encounter in Tarak ^^ (peace! LOL)

Well, this simply means a major climb means “Ouch! It hurts!”

Expect the Unexpected

As they would normally say, “expect the unexpected”. I find it inappropriate to say that I expect something which is not expected. (hehe) Anyway, in climbing Mt. Tarak, there are a lot of unexpected things that could possibly happen. To mention a few, unexpected cold weather, unexpected strong wind, unexpected skipping of breakfast, unexpected water shortage (resulting to no breakfast), unexpected trekking duration, and unexpected argument (Abu and Kookie, you know this well! Haha!)

Let me share with you how we got through those unexpected circumstances. These are just some personal tips derived from our own experience:

UNEXPECTED WEATHER: Before hiking, make sure that you have read enough about the possible weather condition on your scheduled hike. Also, be prepared with necessary mountaineering gears that could make you safe during the climb – flashlights, ointment/ pain killers/ oil to keep you warm and to ease some body pain (Kookie, I remember your Omega Pain Killer. Haha!). Be prepared as well with the proper clothes. Thicker clothes or something that will keep you warm have to be brought (I remember Abu getting so cold but wearing a backless shirt.^^). If possible, bring earth pad and sleeping bag (right, Jazmin?) to keep you warmer at night. It was really, really cold there. One of the coldest I have experienced in my life here in the Philippines, apart from my Baguio trip. 

You could clearly imagine how cold it is there! Look at our outfit! 

UNEXPECTED STRONG WIND: When I recall this, I always remember Darwin and Rachel. I remember how their tent was devastated by the strong wind and how disturbed they were. They couldn’t sleep at night because they were busy holding the posts of their tent during the entire night. They had to wake up the others (Kookie, Glen) to seek help. To avoid this kind of situation, make sure you bring a good tent. Spare yourself from the beach tent. It will surely collapse.

UNEXPECTED WATER SHORTAGE: Bring at least 3 liters of water (well, it depends on how much water you can consume) which is enough for you not to thirst, at least until you reach Papaya River. The river’s water is drinkable so when you reach it, you can refill your empty water containers before hiking to the ridge or summit. Make sure that you have at least 3 liters with you when you start hiking from the river to the ridge.

that's how clear the water is in Papaya River ( the water is drinkable and you can also enjoy some plunge there!)

UNEXPECTED SKIPPING OF BREAKFAST: We actually had to skip preparing for breakfast because we didn’t have enough water and there is no water source near the ridge or the peak. Therefore, we were not able to wash the dishes and cook set the night before that. Hence, we could not cook the next morning. We endured having a very “unlikely breakfast” just to fill our stomach with something. We had that ‘cold rice’ and tuna fresh from a cold can. To avoid this, try to follow your guide or leader on the recommended amount of water to bring. He is more experienced. (Basically, at least 3 liters each will do.) Also, bring some foods/instant foods such as cup noodles or crackers that can be eaten without cooking or with the use of less water.

Is it obvious that we didn't have breakfast? I guess not! but actually, we didn't! ^_^

(this picture was taken early morning when we were about to go down without breakfast)

UNEXPECTED TREKKING DURATION: Based on researches and readings, you may expect the duration to be a bit similar with what was stipulated in those writings. Nevertheless, the pacing might be different considering your own pacing, you companions’, the trail, the weather condition, and so on. Yet, always be ready of what could possibly take place. Relax, be patient, and let things happen naturally.

Take 5! (some rest we took during the trek. We still look like we're having fun here, right?)

UNEXPECTED ARGUMENT: Well, it was not really a big deal. It was a bit petty but to avoid arguments and doing the trek separately (it’s still good to trek together), each member must understand each other and be patient with the unlikely attitude, habits, or behavior of others. Remember, when hiking together, everyone is an important member of the group.

Hence, a major climb means “expecting the unexpected”.

I hope you were somehow enlightened on what a major climb is based on these definitions.

I major, major enjoyed my first major climb! ^_^

PHOTO CREDITS: Glen and Darwin (Thank you guys!)