tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-189753932024-03-19T04:33:26.660-07:00Mount Pulag: Adventures Above the CloudsTristanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05464656781716593718noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18975393.post-27911485114217946452011-01-26T10:25:00.004-08:002021-02-07T08:26:40.872-08:00<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of the foremost adventure destinations in Northern Luzon, Philippines - Mount Pulag is in many Filipino and international mountain climbers' must-do list or bucket list, if you will. Standing at 2922 meters above sea level (MASL), Mount Pulag is the highest peak in Luzon, the third highest in the Philippines. In any case, Mount Pulag is first-rate in giving the novice, the uninitiated, the newbie in mountaineering, hiking or trekking as much adventure and as much awe and wonder as the seasoned mountaineer. A "<a href="http://www.facebook.com/mountpulag" target="_blank">Mount Pulag: Adventure Above the Clouds</a>" experience is for all.</div>
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<b>Mount Pulag: Adventures Above the Clouds</b><br />
<i>~ The Philippines' #1 Provider of Mt. Pulag Tours! ~</i></div>
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with <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/clubtravelnow" target="_blank">ClubTravelNOW.org</a></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">**</span>2020 Trips<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">**</span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: yellow;">July 29-30/ Aug 19-20/ Aug 26-27/ Sept 16-17</b><br />
<b style="background-color: yellow;">Oct 14-15/ Oct 28-29/ Oct 29-30/ Nov 4-5</b><br />
<b style="background-color: yellow;">Nov 18-19/ Nov 25-26 /Dec 2-3 /Dec 16-17 /Dec 26-27<br /></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghACufv3EVKZJvLT5eaQa7jMFlmMeuoGwNoRnfyBBN-qyt8GvFYzbGRPw7OGhgdZMUjZpRENINxypAprSgc_tGDueYYIUwbDYddQpIuVI39s3RDw34GfEBOroZZELbX03UCJNA/s1600/420291_399954986700007_868547022_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Visit www.mountpuladaventures.com" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghACufv3EVKZJvLT5eaQa7jMFlmMeuoGwNoRnfyBBN-qyt8GvFYzbGRPw7OGhgdZMUjZpRENINxypAprSgc_tGDueYYIUwbDYddQpIuVI39s3RDw34GfEBOroZZELbX03UCJNA/s400/420291_399954986700007_868547022_n.jpg" title="Mount Pulag: Adventures Above the Clouds" width="400" /></a></div>
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<u>The Destination</u>: </div>
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<b>MOUNT PULAG</b></div>
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One of the most well-maintained “premier” national parks in the country, it is home of the nation’s rare and endangered species of flora (like the dwarf bamboo) and fauna (e.g., the cloud rat, kock’s pita, serpent eagle, Philippine deer, Philippine pig, etc.). It is also home to some of North Luzon’s ethnic tribes; four of them actually reside within the park - Ibaloi, Kalanguya, Kankana-ey, and Ibanag, and most of them consider Mt. Pulag a sacred place not only because they consider it a resting place and playground of their gods but also a place where they bury their dead. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8PYXSl-7tZeedr3mPPsiGIltjyxDz23eS7vavl18mvd4-c5FaW_sE5fyMoRU-ssH5B_U36zSySPXxgojdpOLuN8vaJ5MBB4GrU9dP4O839Mfu6lzmMuFdsXdT1S8fdS1fGnu2Hw/s1600/Mt+Pulag+Sunrise+-+FHM+Group.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8PYXSl-7tZeedr3mPPsiGIltjyxDz23eS7vavl18mvd4-c5FaW_sE5fyMoRU-ssH5B_U36zSySPXxgojdpOLuN8vaJ5MBB4GrU9dP4O839Mfu6lzmMuFdsXdT1S8fdS1fGnu2Hw/s400/Mt+Pulag+Sunrise+-+FHM+Group.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mt. Pulag is located within the municipalities of Buguias, Kabayan and Bokod in Benguet, Tinoc in Ifugao and Kayapa in Nueva Vizcaya. Deep ravines, gorges and steep terrain characterize Mt. Pulag. </div>
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="400" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=mount+pulag&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Mt+Pulag&sqi=2&t=h&vpsrc=6&ll=16.59803,120.877075&spn=0.263214,0.343323&z=11&iwloc=A&output=embed" width="500"></iframe><br />
<small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=mount+pulag&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Mt+Pulag&sqi=2&t=h&vpsrc=6&ll=16.59803,120.877075&spn=0.263214,0.343323&z=11&iwloc=A&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;" target="_blank">View Larger Map</a></small><br />
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<u>The Trail</u>:</div>
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<b>Ambangeg/Babadac Trail</b> </div>
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This is the well established and considered the main trail going to Mt. Pulag. Vehicles can negotiate the trail all the way to the Ranger Station which is the entire Ambangeg Trail. Still others can choose to hike the entire trail.</div>
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The DENR office and the Ranger station are located along the trail, a few meters from the park entrance. From there, the Mt. Pulag base camp is a 4-km hike along the well-paved trails with a convenient rest stop waiting shed. From the base camp, the summit is just a 45-90 minute hike away. </div>
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<u>The Challenge</u>:</div>
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<b>Mount Pulag: Adventures Above the Clouds</b>, </div>
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with <b>ClubTravelNOW.org</b></div>
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<b>ClubTravelNOW.org</b> brings you the chance to summit the highest peak in Luzon, to satisfy your thirst for adventure, and give you the thrill of witnessing a beautiful sunrise above the clouds and on the peak of Mount Pulag. All in the company of your travel buddies and friends-yet-to-meet at <b>ClubTravelNOW.org</b></div>
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<u>The Itinerary</u>: What's our schedule? Find out <a href="http://mountpulagadventures.blogspot.com/p/itinerary.html">here</a>.</div>
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<u>The Tour Rate</u>: <br />
<b>P4088.00</b>, if pick up and drop off is in Manila. <br />
<b>P3188.00</b>, if pick up and drop off is in Baguio.<br />
(Click <a href="http://mountpulagadventures.blogspot.com/p/tour-rate.html">here</a> for details and inclusions)</div>
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<i>**Want to climb on a schedule not on our list, or via the Akiki trail? Inquire via email for details!</i><br />
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<u>Why join this tour with <b>ClubTravelNOW.org</b></u>?</div>
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<b>ClubTravelNOW.org</b><sup> </sup>is about a belief in making things happen right now, about seizing the day! Carpe Diem! There is no better time to live your dreams than NOW. And yes, that applies to your travel dreams, as well as other aspirations in life. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3cwZtibvfmoN3S2ZqxXyDt_JO25jMk2TXO0lsn0J6bwKYScieP73nQpn3J2WTqfo042Yw5f83dqkbY-5j7vzBOVtu8AR-5Yn5J0Vk7OXqJwAi7WO9fAd4U5AnFFPivxIRePZ/s1600/Overjoyed.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526707436430526242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3cwZtibvfmoN3S2ZqxXyDt_JO25jMk2TXO0lsn0J6bwKYScieP73nQpn3J2WTqfo042Yw5f83dqkbY-5j7vzBOVtu8AR-5Yn5J0Vk7OXqJwAi7WO9fAd4U5AnFFPivxIRePZ/s400/Overjoyed.jpg" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="400" /></a></div>
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The best part about joining this tour is getting to see this wonderful place with the magnificent company of your awesome friends-yet-to-meet at <b>ClubTravelNOW.org</b> And that, our friends, is priceless. ☺ </div>
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<u>Visit</u>:</div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/mountpulag">http://www.facebook.com/mountpulag</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.instagram.com/mountpulagadventures">http://www.instagram.com/mountpulagadventures</a></div>
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<u>The Checklist:</u> Find out what to bring, what to wear, and what to remember <a href="http://mountpulagadventures.blogspot.com/p/checklist.html">here</a>. </div>
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<u>The Next Steps</u>: Sign up <a href="http://mountpulagadventures.blogspot.com/p/sign-up-for-adventure.html">here</a>!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDE3Uw3xj187_SQ7iMoub_W061ZVvOA9ySrTTmk6ZSNo8XyirErhBdY7Lj01lpz770aLIek1llHMxMhXo3IFedzm1PVnaBfyXRourCWFb6t1ttCYqRQp5FzwiXSD_TxZ8Hguw/s1600/abovetheclouds2.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="263" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526708623211778610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDE3Uw3xj187_SQ7iMoub_W061ZVvOA9ySrTTmk6ZSNo8XyirErhBdY7Lj01lpz770aLIek1llHMxMhXo3IFedzm1PVnaBfyXRourCWFb6t1ttCYqRQp5FzwiXSD_TxZ8Hguw/s400/abovetheclouds2.JPG" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="400" /></a><br />
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We look forward to seeing you at this <b>Mount Pulag: Adventures Above the Clouds, </b><br />
with<b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b>ClubTravelNOW.org!</b></span> </b></div>
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See you!</div>
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To join this tour, contact your <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b>ClubTravelNOW.org</b></span> Buddy</b>:</div>
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Tristan Mirasol @ 0906.005.7928 /</div>
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Email @ info[at]clubtravelnow[dot]org.</div>
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***INVITE your FRIENDS!***</div>
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Bring them the JOY of TRAVEL and the GIFT of new FRIENDSHIPS! </div>
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***FORWARD this page to them by clicking <a href="http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=http://mountpulagadventures.blogspot.com/">here</a>.***</div>
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Video from British Blogger Couple Charlie and Charlotte of The Wanderlovers:<br />
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Sneak Peek: Photos from previous trips:<br />
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<i>Happy shadows.</i></div>
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<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b>ClubTravelNOW.org</b></span></b> is more than about the travel - it's about the company. </i></div>
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<i>(naks! but really)</i></div>
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<i>Adventures along the way: A long and scary bridge! (but it was nothing to most of us!)</i></div>
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<i>Toploading is a must for <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b>ClubTravelNOW.org</b></span></b></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i>(ok, just optional)</i></span></i></span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><sup> <br />
</sup></span></b></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ovb6YWp85T6mZu7xHSSSeEkMh03gpo6gCCP_-ZoKG2fstNIJL16_SDFAUzYMPmR8AXN0lfn0Pj273S5ZfsZzg6x-jatexcsvOtWyVrb8fZ1m4erLLNaXfixD9oUUKs_pXMz2/s1600/ClubTravelNOW+at+the+Summit4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566310112959701554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ovb6YWp85T6mZu7xHSSSeEkMh03gpo6gCCP_-ZoKG2fstNIJL16_SDFAUzYMPmR8AXN0lfn0Pj273S5ZfsZzg6x-jatexcsvOtWyVrb8fZ1m4erLLNaXfixD9oUUKs_pXMz2/s400/ClubTravelNOW+at+the+Summit4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Ranger Station</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PEBxbZ3IBaOIdMCv2jloiiV1LimAEyDorvBZahn-KpilqQuqPPB3vXJAmwqDa_y8mFy9EEAdJWHomEWGrVMS79VS-niQNvYLNM8xUkFTjN_B6P3quAOUxKUkUDpGh-PzPM9r/s1600/ClubTravelNOW+at+the+Summit3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566310103700563746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PEBxbZ3IBaOIdMCv2jloiiV1LimAEyDorvBZahn-KpilqQuqPPB3vXJAmwqDa_y8mFy9EEAdJWHomEWGrVMS79VS-niQNvYLNM8xUkFTjN_B6P3quAOUxKUkUDpGh-PzPM9r/s400/ClubTravelNOW+at+the+Summit3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Tired, but happy. </i></div>
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<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pS6AMUQTDAlpnoyufkO3XT5JKpCzcfXqPN0bp-52IBZWFstVT0O6S4S6rh0ZPp8WbV0dU0p5i4meG8XqWJUXAV324x3F375aGS0ot4c7HkTgaP_BYBeuqE9P6V2hpeDSUTYk/s1600/ClubTravelNOW+at+the+Summit2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="265" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566310106656461026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pS6AMUQTDAlpnoyufkO3XT5JKpCzcfXqPN0bp-52IBZWFstVT0O6S4S6rh0ZPp8WbV0dU0p5i4meG8XqWJUXAV324x3F375aGS0ot4c7HkTgaP_BYBeuqE9P6V2hpeDSUTYk/s400/ClubTravelNOW+at+the+Summit2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="400" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>This is our brand of <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b>ClubTravelNOW.org</b></span></b> fun. :)</i></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
See you soon!</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18975393.post-1132029517228757922005-11-14T20:38:00.000-08:002011-03-10T18:12:39.007-08:00<b>The Very First Climb: Where it all began</b><br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_9873.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_9873.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_9873.jpg"></a>Oct. 28, 2005; 9AM: From Baguio, we took the Norton buses going to Kabayan, Benguet from the station at Magsaysay Avenue. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_9872.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_9872.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_9872.jpg"></a>With me are my friends Edward and Russell. It is to be a 4-hour trip on rough roads. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_9879.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_9879.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_9879.jpg"></a>Flat tire? It's no longer a surprise. Such things always happen. In fact I somehow expected it already, as I have learned it is part of the experience. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_9880.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_9880.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_9880.jpg"></a>Where we got our flat tire <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_9893.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_9893.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_9893.jpg"></a>This is the Ambuklao Dam, releasing the force where that mighty river we saw earlier seemed to have come from. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_9884.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_9884.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_9884.jpg"></a>The whole trip may be rough, but the fantastic views of the mountains, and seen here, the river, offered a great respite <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_9896.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_9896.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_9896.jpg"></a>Kainan sa Inidian: This is where we are eating right now. We’re all quite hungry, esp. me, as we didn’t get to have a meal in Baguio. (and yet I have the energy to take this pic) <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_9898.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_9898.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
Before we hit the road again, a few pics in the area. Marker: Sad to say, they have dynamite blasting here. (finally, that's me on the right :) )<br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_9900.0.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_9900.0.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_9900.0.jpg"></a>One thing we didn't get to do this time: Toploading. In true-blue backpackers-speak, it's the first class way to travel. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0005.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0005.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0005.jpg"></a>DENR Protected Area Office, Ambangeg, Benguet: Jump off point of any climb to Mt Pulag via the Ambangeg ‘Fun’ Trail. Here you register, pay fees, and hear the orientation. They sell the ‘I survived Mt Pulag’ shirts here. But do buy only after you’ve survived. :) <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0007.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0007.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0007.jpg"></a>From the DENR office, it is a 4-hour hike to the Ranger station. Luckily, we chanced by a group of hikers from Sabit Mountaineers who still had space in their jeepneys. They allowed us to hitch. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0008.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0008.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0008.jpg"></a>Russell and Edward already looking tense about the road ahead. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0009.jpg"></a>These are the friendly Sabit Mountaineers. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0013.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0013.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0013.jpg"></a>Guess what happened? Like I said, transport problems are always a part of any mountain trip. One of the jeepneys ahead of us could not go on further, and since the road just had one lane, we all had to do the rest of the way by foot. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0014.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0014.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0014.jpg"></a>Russell: It’s alright, we had intended to hike this one to begin with. The 20 minutes or so headstart was just a bonus.<br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0015.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0015.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0015.jpg"></a>Edward: Ayoko maglakad! (I don’t wanna walk!)<br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0011.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0011.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0011.jpg"></a>Believe me, the hike was to be a better experience. You get a better chance to appreciate what’s around you. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0016.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0016.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0016.jpg"></a>You would have surely missed this if you were in the jeep as you’d be too busy holding on to anything in that rodeo-ride. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0018.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0018.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0018.jpg"></a>Break! They shouted. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0019.jpg"></a>We became an unofficial part of the Sabit Mountaineers, and we followed their protocols. It was a great experience as we learned more about good practices when on a climb. Stay together, have a leader, no overtaking, identify yourselves through a distinct color per team, and go on only at your own pace. <br />
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When taking a break (usually 3 minutes at a time), put down your bags, sit down, fix your shoe laces if need be, answer the call of nature, eat, drink... <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0023.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0023.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0023.jpg"></a>...or have your pictures taken. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0022.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0022.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0022.jpg"></a>Our Sabit group. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0025.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0025.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0025.jpg"></a>Look up, there, far away up there, that’s where we’re going. I think. If not that, then the one behind it. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0027.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0027.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0027.jpg"></a>Another break. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0029.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0029.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0029.jpg"></a>One thing you should never do is bring a tent you haven’t even tried assembling. Russell is carrying the 4-person Coleman tent I bought from Chicago. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0030.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0030.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0030.jpg"></a>Once in a while, stop and marvel at the views.<br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0031.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0031.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0031.jpg"></a>Then call a break. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0035.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0035.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0035.jpg"></a>Then hit the road again. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0037.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0037.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px; margin-top: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0037.jpg"></a>Lots of muddy, slippery trails, so be careful. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0038.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0038.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0038.jpg"></a>All 3 still alive. Good sign. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0040.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0040.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0040.jpg"></a>About 2 to 3 hours into our hike, we finally see ‘civilization’. I can’t believe people decide to live this high up. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0042.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0042.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0042.jpg"></a>With views like this, then again, why not? <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0046.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0046.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0046.jpg"></a>Are we closer to heaven yet?<br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0048.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0048.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0048.jpg"></a>A cow poses gamely for the camera. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0049.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0049.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0049.jpg"></a>One more pose.<br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0050.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0050.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0050.jpg"></a>A final pose. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0051.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0051.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0051.jpg"></a>Rus brings out his Lomo to capture the scene. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0055.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0055.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0055.jpg"></a>A hiker stops to catch his breath. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0056.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0056.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0056.jpg"></a>Off we go again... <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0057.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0057.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0057.jpg"></a>Are we there yet? <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0061.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0061.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0061.jpg"></a>Break! Edward still in high spirits. :) <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0062.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0062.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0062.jpg"></a>A steep hike. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0063.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0063.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0063.jpg"></a>Out of the bushes. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0064.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0064.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0064.jpg"></a>A mightier view from up here, certainly. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0067.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0067.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0067.jpg"></a>Fantastic silhoutte pic by Rus. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0068.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0068.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0068.jpg"></a>Mood check: Edward still in high spirits. Rus is tired, or is he? <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0070.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0070.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0070.jpg"></a>Could it be the Sassy Girl tree? <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0072.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0072.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0072.jpg"></a>Flowers. Mountain. Clouds. Sky. What a great canvass! <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0073.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0073.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
Finally, after 4 hours of trying hike, the Ranger Station. With everybody tired and hungry, we all decided to rest for the night here.<br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0074.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0074.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0074.jpg"></a>Russell. In the dark. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0078.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0078.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0078.jpg"></a>Edward. In the spotlight. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0084.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0084.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0084.jpg"></a>Oh yeah, I forgot to say that they have no electricity here. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0088.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0088.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0088.jpg"></a>Mang Samuel, the Mount Pulag head guide who also mans the Ranger Station, gives Rus, Edward, and me a briefing on Mount Pulag, the rules, and an explanation of where the fees we pay go. He also helped us arrange for a quide for tomorrow’s hike. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0094.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0094.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0094.jpg"></a>Blinded by the flash. After this, we went to sleep on the floor of the Ranger Station, cramped in a corner near the kitchen door. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0102.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0102.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0102.jpg"></a>Oct. 31, 2005; 1AM: We got up by 1AM to start ourselves off again on the way to Mount Pulag summit. This way, we can reach the summit just right before sunrise. Meanwhile, some Blairwitch type pics of me... <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0103.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0103.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0103.jpg"></a>Rus... <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0105.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0105.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
and Edward. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0110.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0110.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
With everything around you in pitch black, it was a tough first hour hike on unseen tough, rocky, wet, slippery, muddy, grassy steep ground. But before long, we reached the first camping site where we took a 5-minute break. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0111.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0111.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
In another hour we reached the grassland where some groups from last night proceeded to, to camp. <br />
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<br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0112.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0112.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0112.jpg"></a>This is the second camp, reached an hour and a half from the first camp. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0114.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0114.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0114.jpg"></a>We only lingered shortly. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0115.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0115.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0115.jpg"></a>It was still dark everywhere, though in the distance you see far off mountains with many lights. Possibly it was Baguio. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0116.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0116.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0116.jpg"></a>The path we were taking now were mostly grassland now.<br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0118.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0118.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0118.jpg"></a>By this time, it is easier to get tired. We are energized by drinking water and a bite of Snickers bar. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0120.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0120.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0120.jpg"></a>Edward rests on the grass, clearly sweaty and burnt out. It’s been really challenging. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0121.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0121.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0121.jpg"></a>Oh no, sunrise is coming! Better hurry to the peak! <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0122.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0122.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0122.jpg"></a>More colors now... <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0123.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0123.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0123.jpg"></a>Much brighter now... <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0125.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0125.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0125.jpg"></a>A walk in the clouds... <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0126.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0126.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0126.jpg"></a>All I can say is <i>WOW</i>... <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0127.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0127.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0127.jpg"></a>The morning sun’s first hello... <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0130.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0130.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0130.jpg"></a>A hint of a smile... <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0134.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0134.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0134.jpg"></a>A burst of sunshine... <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0135.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0135.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0135.jpg"></a>Russell and Edward still on their way up. Too excited to see the sunrise, I went too much ahead of them, closely keeping pace with our guide. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0136.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0136.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0136.jpg"></a>Casting shadows... <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0137.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0137.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0137.jpg"></a>The early birds... <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0140.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0140.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<i>A cloud does not know why it moves in just such a direction </i><br />
<i>and at such a speed, it feels an impulsion....</i><br />
<i>this is the place to go now.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>But the sky knows the reason and the patterns behind all clouds, </i><br />
<i>and you will know, too, </i><br />
<i>when you lift yourself high enough to see beyond horizons..</i><br />
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- from "Illusions, The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah"<br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0141.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0141.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0141.jpg"></a>No higher land in sight... Just you and the clouds... <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0142.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0142.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0142.jpg"></a>Where angels play... <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0143.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0143.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
This photo would have been much better without that dark cloud right there, but... I’m not complaining. :) It’s already pretty as it is. Just look at the effect on the clouds and mountains below it. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0146.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0146.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0146.jpg"></a>No trees in sight, just rolling hills made green by dwarf bamboos. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0147.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0147.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0147.jpg"></a>Edward and Russell are getting closer... <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0150.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0150.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0150.jpg"></a>On top I am greeted by my friend Chrisgel (right) from UP Buklod-Isip. He happens to be with the Sabit Mountaineers. A future environmental lawyer.<br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0153.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0153.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0153.jpg"></a>Finally, I am joined by my 2 best buddies in the world at the summit of the island’s highest peak, the country’s 2nd. What a privilege. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0154.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0154.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0154.jpg"></a>Edward... contemplating how he’s gonna go back down. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0156.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0156.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0156.jpg"></a>Russell... weaving words in his head on the poetic beauty of the heavens. (aside from planning his next camera shot) <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0160.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0160.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0160.jpg"></a>Me... grateful to the Mountain, inspired by its grandeur, and thankful for another dream knocked down. Seeing the clouds blanketing the mountains and the sun coloring it with yellow and orange, all I could whisper to myself is: <i>So this is what Mama and Papa sees everyday!</i> And here, I feel very much closer to them. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0165.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0165.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
The sun is up alright! <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0166.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0166.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
The west side of Mount Pulag. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0167.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0167.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0167.jpg"></a>Russell’s back side <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0168.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0168.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0168.jpg"></a>Lovely rolling hills <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0169.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0169.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0169.jpg"></a>Time to eat breakfast – of loaf bread, cheese cake, Snickers, corned beef, and liver spread. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0171.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0171.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0171.jpg"></a>Above the clouds<br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0172.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0172.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0172.jpg"></a>Overjoyed <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0178.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0178.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0178.jpg"></a>The 3-Man ALON Team: Tristan (that’s me), Russell and Edward. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0183.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0183.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0183.jpg"></a>Edward: Nah, it was peanuts! <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0184.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0184.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0184.jpg"></a>Russell: I think I’ll come back! <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0185.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0185.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0185.jpg"></a>Tristan: So will I! <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0187.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0187.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0187.jpg"></a>Sun is already too high up, time to go down. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0189.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0189.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0189.jpg"></a>Those tiny white flowers add charm to the hills. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0190.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0190.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0190.jpg"></a>That was the peak! <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0193.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0193.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0193.jpg"></a>A little farther now, but that’s still the peak on the upper right corner. (see the tiny people on top?) <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0194.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0194.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0194.jpg"></a>Mount Pulag: Conquered. (still see the tiny people?) <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0195.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0195.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0195.jpg"></a>One of the best views the rolling hills; picturesque ain’t it? <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0197.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0197.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0197.jpg"></a>Would this make a good postcard? <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0198.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0198.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0198.jpg"></a>Of course we all had to have a pic with this view. :)<br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0199.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0199.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0199.jpg"></a>Reminds me of ‘Seven Years in Tibet’. Amazing shadow work by the sun! <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0200.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0200.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0200.jpg"></a>Can you hear the soundtrack?<br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0201.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0201.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0201.jpg"></a>A jolly time getting down...<br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0203.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0203.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0203.jpg"></a>Nothing to it, the terrain is still quite flat. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0206.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0206.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0206.jpg"></a>Even easier if the path winds down, a little help from gravity. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0208.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0208.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0208.jpg"></a>Twice OK. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0209.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0209.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0209.jpg"></a>Ulk, hope we don’t have to go up that one to get through. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0214.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0214.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0214.jpg"></a>LOST: Could that be the way? <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0219.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0219.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0219.jpg"></a>Break muna! <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0222.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0222.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0222.jpg"></a>Alright, if you say so. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0223.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0223.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0223.jpg"></a>Could this <i>finally</i> be the Sassy Girl tree? :)<br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0227.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0227.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0227.jpg"></a>Entering the dark and mighty forest... <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0225.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0225.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0225.jpg"></a>Oops, a little clearing... <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0230.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0230.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0230.jpg"></a>Back in the dark forest, fetching forest water to drink. (it’s safe) <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0233.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0233.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0233.jpg"></a>Sun-drenched <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0234.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0234.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0234.jpg"></a>SM Bonus Kornik <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0236.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0236.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0236.jpg"></a>Dead yet still reaching for the sky: This can’t be the Sassy Girl tree, could it? <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0239.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0239.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0239.jpg"></a>Another break... <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0241.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0241.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0241.jpg"></a>... to inspect our poor shoes. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0242.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0242.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0242.jpg"></a>I love my Nike.<br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0243.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0243.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0243.jpg"></a>Which shoe is the dirtiest? <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0251.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0251.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0251.jpg"></a>A good hearty laugh -- as a pat on the back, for a job well done, and as a sign of acceptance, for our many personal foibles discovered along the way. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0247.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0247.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0247.jpg"></a>We will always be brothers, and always of the same frame. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0252.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0252.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0252.jpg"></a>Finally, the ranger station, and getting ready to go. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0253.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0253.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0253.jpg"></a>One last time. <br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0255.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/400/IMG_0255.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #FFFFFF; margin: 2px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/160/1293/640/IMG_0255.jpg"></a>The former Summit marker at Mt. Pulag. It was later removed because it violated what it purpotedly promotes: “Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints. Kill nothing but time.”<br />
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If you wanna come up to Mount Pulag, register with the Protected Areas office of DENR by calling the Superintendent at 09203013932. Best to arrange a ride from Baguio, to the DENR office, up to the Ranger Station and back down. Contact Mang Roger at 09208068656. For more questions and other stuff, just post a comment. <br />
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Thanks for dropping by! :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com32