Mt. 387 (Batong Amat) Traverse // March 19, 2017

View from the summit

A hiking ground that is recently gaining the interest of climbers, is Mt. 387 (Mt. Batong-Amat) located at Carranglan, Nueva Ecija.  The area is within a 65,000 hectares' watershed, wherein 387.9 hectares are comprised of mountain's range.  At the summit, one can see a cluster of hills which quite similar to the Chocolate Hills of Bohol; for this reason, it is called "The mini chocolate hills of the north".

Jerico and I joined an organized climb by the group of Cristel Fontarum, that would later be called "Team Halo-Halo", as it composed of participants coming from different hiking groups.  Before the climb, we were given a trail's overview and a brief history of the place.  We learned that the place became an execution site of captured Japanese soldiers during the World War II; and each year, a group of Japanese people is visiting the place to make some offers.  

We commenced the climb at around 6 in the morning and decided to do a traverse hike.  

Photos Taken

The trail to summit consists of minimal assaults

A view from a shaded area while having a stopover

My first successful climb at a tree.  I had difficulty in moving down; perhaps, this was my first and last time in doing such thing :P

Near the summit

Jerico (Pat). the next Rommel Dalisay?

One of the landmark at the summit.  

At the Summit

At the other side after the summit

A rainbow

Jump shot

Tian

Looking at a distance

Group picture

Going to Aloha Falls (Traverse)

There will be a continuous steep descent over there!

Descending in a bamboo forest.  The trail in this part is not yet well established.

This part is the main obstacle in doing the traverse.  A very steep trail in an open field. 

Going down.  Sliding in grassland, I forgot to bring my gloves!  

Aloha Falls

The Aloha Falls

At a different angle

We had our lunch at the Aloha Falls.  Some waded, some just sat still while enjoying the views, and there was this group which had a "cheering moments (Drink of the day: lambanog from Laguna)"...

Ayun si Jerico nalasing na.... 

We went back to the jump-off at 3 in the afternoon.

Last group pic taken while waiting for the truck.  It was a successful hike for a cause!

We can do no great things - only small things with great love - Mother Teresa

Actual Itinerary

March 18, 2017 (11 PM): ETD Cubao to  Nueva Ecija
March 19, 2017 (11:30 PM): ETA Cubao

Note:

1. One of the participants claimed, that she saw a medium-size snake along the trail while descending from the Aloha Falls to the place of pick-up.

2. There is  water source at the Aloha Falls

Photo Credit: Cristel Fontarum, Christian Anievas, and Jerico Tabuzo

End

-JSC