Gbins Can Do It!: Tarak Attack: Tarak Ridge Adventure

We almost postponed our trip to this famous mountain in Mariveles Bataan for the second time due to typhoon Emong. It was not until Friday that we decided to push through with our plan. We actually monitored typhoon Emong on-line and through TV news update to be sure that our set time schedule would be safe. After we'd learned that typhoon Emong has weakened and were moving outside the country, we finalized our plan and did a lot of preparation. We also did some research regarding Tarak Ridge via www.pinoymountaineers.com and some other blog spot for more info and some other special concerns.

Tarak Ridge
Our rendezvous was at Bataan Transit bus terminal in Cubao where we took a 4:30am trip bound for Mariveles Bataan. Heavy rain poured as we approached the province of Pampanga. The situation made us worried. Could this be another cancelled trip? We dropped off at Barangay Alas-asin in Mariveles and we went straight to Barangay hall for registration. We paid 40 pesos each. This time the rain had already ceased and the sun peeked through the clouds. Our positive outlook of a successful trek replaced our uncertainties and doubts that we couldn't make it to the summit due to bad weather condition. There were also other groups of mountaineers in the area preparing to trek the summit... it made us more excited since we knew we were not the only one out there. We proceeded to Aling Bebe's place (our jumpoff point) to have a heavy breakfast before our journey started.

Breakfast at Aling Bebe's Place

We started our trek at around 9:45am. Surprisingly, within 15 minutes of walking, we stopped to have our first rest at the edge of the eucalyptus plantation. After a brief rest, we continued our way until we reached the nipa hut where and old lady greeting us smiling. We registered again and paid 20 pesos each. After a few conversations with the old lady which was so nice to us, we trekked along the trail which was mostly muddy. It was too slippery that most of the guys were cautious. Our shoes were heavier now with an added 2 inches thick of mud. What was really challenging here was the 30 to 40 degrees uphill trek which was very muddy and slippery. Luckily, I survived without getting slipped. We continued our trek until we entered to a forested area.

Rest after the slippery trail
The trails of the forested area were mostly ups and downs with some slippery parts brought about by mud and mossy rocks. There was a part of the trail wherein we have to use our rock climbing technique in order to ascend and descend to the deep canal (rain water way) which I think was created due to erosion. Some of the mountaineers used to rappel when they came into this part of the trail. Along the way, we could see several water falls from a distant mountain range. When the trail started to descend, we could hear a river flow from a distant... This could be the Papaya River... at 1:10pm we arrived at the Papaya River. Most of us were already exhausted and hungry. We stopped by here to have our lunch and much needed rest.

Papaya River

At 2:30pm we started our assault to the ridge campsite. This time, the trails were mostly uphill with some 90 degrees ascending trails. This was the most difficult part of our hike. For almost two hours, there was no other way but going up. For almost two hours, laughter and smiles disappeared. For almost two hours, roots, small trees trunks, branches, and shrubs became my best friends. I held unto them dearly. For almost two hours, photo ops were forgotten. For almost two hours, I was really exhausted. For almost two hours, I could see grasses at the far end of the forest. The ridge! How close? I remembered a song by Daryl Hall and John Oates, "so close yet so far away", my favorite back then. I love the song but not my situation. I imagined myself at home sleeping or watching TV. What am I doing here?

End of the forest... grasses! Ridge gateway
The ridge which was also our camp site was awesome. The view of the coastal area of Manila, Cavite, Corregidor and Bataan was so nice. I could even spot Mt. Pico de Loro at the other side of Manila Bay. Fulfillment and success kept my energy high. The feeling was so great. This feat was really irreplaceable. All those exhaustions and muscle pains were drained away. I truly believe that every mountain possesses a magical power... a power of renewed refreshment.

Tarak Ridge (Camp Site)

At around past 7pm, while we were having our dinner, heavy rain poured that water started seeping our tent (believed to be waterproof). Tired and hungry, we were unmindful of the chilling temperature that was beginning to penetrate our tent and the rain water that invaded the four corners of our tent. For more than two hours of non-stop rain, I already accepted the fact that I have to sleep in a flooded and chilled tent. At past 9pm, the rain had stopped and the sky was cleared with clouds exposing the moon and the stars which made the view of Tarak Ridge fantastic. All of us alighted from our tents to witness the fascinating beauty of God's creation.

Night view of Manila and Cavite coastline from the camp site
We woke up 5am the next morning to catch the sunrise view of Tarak Ridge but we were dismayed since it was very cloudy. Even so, we never let the opportunity of photo ops to pass by. And of course, a cup of coffee just made everything perfect. We broke camp at around 8am and descended at around 8:30am. We had our late breakfast at Papaya River and a two hours rest to give way for those guys who wanted to have a swim at the river. Well, I took the chance since this was a rare opportunity. After a good rest and a full stomach, we started our hike back to our jump-off point at around 12:10pm. Our descent was smooth this time with only one rest for photo ops and water refreshment. We arrived at Aling Bebe's place at around 2:03pm. We have ourselves cleaned up and took our much awaited lunch. We were all geared up for Manila at around 4pm.