Mt. Talamitan - Mt. Apayang Twin Hike // June 25, 2017

Last weekend, I joined an organized Mt. Talamitan and Mt. Apayang twin hike.  Sometimes being done as trilogy climb (including the nearby Mt. Batulao), each summit offers a rewarding 360 degrees view of grassy slopes and nearby ranges.

We commenced the hike at 4 am after a briefing and short prayer led by Kae.  The team utilized a buddy system; I was partnered with the talkative and energetic Rona.  Her knack in establishing a rapport is truly amazing and I didn't have a hard time in dealing with her (hmm.... yeah!).  

The Hike
The trail is comprised of dense grasses; mossy soils which made it slippery; and open fields.  Overall, it is fair.  

Mt. Apayang at the background

Rona, Gelo and Nath on the way to Mt. Apayang

Mt. Talamitan taken at the summit of Mt. Apayang

The fast pacers which will soon be called "Team Ligaw" (Mga nagmamagaling kasi :P)

The entire team at the summit before the descent

Descent
Five of us got lost during the descent.  We started running when we reached the open field.  Rona said that our guide told her to always turn right (which supposed to be left). We ended up exploring other trails. 

We took some fruits from this Mango Tree

Exploring a trail under the sun

We went back when we came across a soil filled with water.  It seems that no one is passing that trail.  Tatz and Nath used their GPS and they noticed that the right path is at the other side (yari ka sakin mamaya manong guide :P).  Rona was already exhausted during this time and she asked something to eat.  Nath offered her an egg.  He asked Rona if she wants a brown or a white one (I thought he was only joking).  It was already past 12 by the time we reached the falls; others were already done taking their lunch.

Mt. Talamitan took at the open field

Grassland

Rona what are you playing? :O

Lunch at the falls

Layong Bato (Mini Falls)

Boodle fight with the organizer Kae

Dentor.  I learned that he is a great swimmer; an aspiring Olympic champion.  wow! :o :P

We stayed at the falls for 3 hours then proceeded to Calaruega as our side trip.

Calaruega

Group Picture (insert me)

Group Picture 2

At the hanging "Tete"

Prenup shot at the old church

The Inside

Team Ligaw (I, Gelo, Tatz, Rona, and Nath)

Real beauties are not hidden; they can easily be seen.....at the top! - JSC (June 2017)

Actual Itinerary
June 25, 2017 (1:00 AM): Meet up McDonald Greenfield
June 25, 2017 (10:00 PM): Home Sweet Home

Event Fee (Organizer)
850 per pax (Kae Lagrimas)

Worth Remembering (Moments and Thoughts to Look Back)
- Series of Fart
- Our guide story regarding the brownies given to him by his guest.
- Sabi ni kuya kanan lang daw lagi wag daw kakaliwa - Rona
- Pagpitas ng manga sa puno
- Brown or a white egg?
- The GPS gurus (Tatz and Nath)
- Exploring the other parts of the mountain
- Team Ligaw 
- "Tete" - a kapampangan word which means bridge.
- Hanging Tete
- Ebun
- "Rambutan"
- The 100 php avocados
- Dinner at Mahogany (bulalo, unlimited banana, and coffee)
- Anak ni Mayor and the espasol vendor
- The 200 php crablets
- 300 Php 
- Allergy Series

Photo Credit to the owners :P

End

-JSC