1. TRYING OUT
I'm not fond of climbing or hiking. If you would give me a choice, i would definitely choose swimming. I love nature so much that it made me decided to go hiking and get new perspective of travelling. Same as in life, through experience of new things, we see sides of what we normally see. It's like a view to our hindsight, we see something right there that might value but we would only know that until we pay attention.
2. EXPECT
By trying out something new, we either expect it to be great or not. In hiking, i expect it to have long walks until reaching summit, heavy bags and breathtaking views. To my surprise, those were met. What even surprised me are: the sky is more vast up on the mountain. (pictures); There are sea of stars, tent and city lights. My decision is not a failure this time.
3. ENJOY THE TRAIL
In swimming, i enjoy the warmth and coldness of the sea as it kisses my body and the heat of the sun through my skin. In hiking, it's very different. You carry a heavy bag with your back, you climb an assault against the gravity and most of all, you try not to die by being mindful of the cliffs. Treat the trail like your hardship:It will make your legs stronger. You try not to fall to someone but still you enjoy the view and the thought that you might actually end up being together.
4. SOCIALIZE
What i observed and liked in hiking are the people. When you come across someone either they are locals or hikers who have gone to the summit, they would greet everyone a good day and remind you to be careful. Everyday, be open, there's a love outside waiting to be discovered. Those are from the people around ready to greet you in THE CLIMB.
5. BE WITH LOVED ONES
I'm amazed with those people who can travel by themselves. I've been into different countries but i don't think that i can travel by myself for the reason that i want to create memories with the people that i cherish but not because of the capability to travel alone, because i know can travel skillfully alone.
What i know is it would be more meaningful to have someone you love to create memories together. Be with those you love, because memories are what we take in our graves.
6. BEING ON TOP - We always strive to be on top of our game. I think these pictures would speak what it's like to be on top.
7. LETTING GO
It's not easy to let go of the things that we have held for sometime and we care about. Being on the mountain would allow us to shout our feelings, appreciate simplicity and have a break from all the noise that's bothering our sanity. Use this opportunity to enjoy your time with friends and nature and be amazed how a place can heal you.
8. I BUILT A TENT. I COOKED
We have everything in our fingertips these days that we forget to define the value of everything and the joy of waiting for the price. Having only your tent as home and some limited food to cook in the camp site would make you realize the beauty and value of simplicity.
9. I LISTENED TO MUSIC
I always listen to music whenever i travel, that's my way of connecting to places i see. Music is powerful. It changes our perspectives in life. Our song and lyrics can shape our thoughts to our beliefs. Personally, by having music in me, i feel more empowered and connected to the place and the moment. Try plugging in and you might lose yourself from the weights you're holding and in the beauty of the challenging trail.
10. UNDERSTANDING THE HARDSHIP (going down the trail)
If climbing is hard, i think going down the trail is even harder because of the gravity that pulls you down. I also realized that i should've bought a climbing shoes to help me hold my feet on the ground instead of using my running shoes. Look for inspiration to hold your feet on the ground so you would keep yourseLf from the pull of the gravity down.
11. LOOK FORWARD FOR A NEW ONE
Whether the experience is easy or hard, hiking is now what i look forward even though i know it might be scary and rough sometimes. It's like a pill i need for some time to get me into my wandering state. Remind yourself that the next chapter is exciting. Maybe reminding yourself that it's gonna be fun and challenging is what you need to get your drug kick in again!.
A Blog inspired by the stories and photos of wheretonext.ph
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Mt. Batulao
Nasugbu, Batangas
Jump-off: Evercrest Golf Course, Nasugbu
LLA: 14.0408 N 120.8011 E 811 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 2-4 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 4/9, Trail class 3 with 60-70 degrees assault
