A Mt. Talamitam surprise

Nov 8, 2009

Mt Talamitam is a mountain that possesses a unique quality which a hiker won’t realizes until one conquered its heights. Although it is not as grand as its popular neighbor Mt. Batulao, its summit views are better. The grassland, the pastures and its farmlands are one of its attractions. Because this is one of the mountains that can be seen at the Farm town ni Tatay Vic in Maragondon Cavite... this adds more of my interest to climb this mountain.

This could have been a hike in Malipunyo mountain range in Batangas but everyone backed out so I decided to give Mt. Talamitam a try which was closer to my adopted hometown… Maragondon Cavite. It was a bright and sunny day and my eagerness to climb drove me to push through with the hike alone! Although unfamiliar with this mountain, I checked all the information that I can get using my mobile phone GPRS while I travel from home to Tagaytay. I bought my packed lunch at one of the fast food chain then continued my trip to the jump-off at Sitio Bayabasan at Barangay Aga, Nasugbu Batangas. After I registered at the mountain caretaker house (CCBM) which was almost a kilometer away from the highway, I started my way to a cemented path about a 100 meters long then back to the usual dirt road down to the river.

As I passed by the second bamboo bridge, the trail was a little confusing since there were several paths that lead to all different directions. Thanks to the local kids who were swimming at the river… they shouted at me when I took the wrong way and then guided me all the way to the grassland. Of course, their kindness was rewarded… I acted like Santa giving those early Christmas cash… Hehehe. Halfway to the grassland, I was already exhausted. There were no trees and the intense heat of the high noon sun just penetrated through my bone. I was desperate to look for a cover so I get off the trail and walked down to the dead river (water way) to get my self comforted at the rare tree cover. The highlight of this climb was the 100 meters steep (60 degrees) assault to the summit… no trees, no roots and no plants to hold on to… only grasses and rocks. It was a real challenge.

The summit view of Mt. Talamitam was really gorgeous. The cool breeze was refreshing even at noon. There were actually 4 peaks of this mountain range and all of them are accessible and offers a 360 degrees views. I got my eyes focused at the mountain range of Maragondon where Pico de Loro and Mt. Marami were situated then shifted my eyes to the farmlands hoping to spot the Farmtown of Tatay Vic… well; I forgot my eyes were not telescopic… Hehehe. After my brief and relaxing stay at the summit, I was all set to go down. On my descent to the village, I felt like I left my heart at the summit. I wanted to go back… for sunrise/sunset viewing, an overnight stay and fun climb.

Although there were struggles for years regarding the caretaker issue of Mt Talamitam, this does not stop mountaineers from scaling this mountain. Respect for the locals… that’s what it is. Just like any other mountain.

I will be back... Until my next adventure... God Bless!