Mt. Lantad (Catanduanes)

When I sort of organized a Mount Lantad overnight hike with my friends, all I was expecting was a good cardio activity. I have always thought that I am adventurous and physically fit but I find it quite frustrating that my knees were shaking while going up and down the mountain. I told myself that there is so much more to mountain climbing than just breaking a sweat…

It's the Climb.

The first few minutes of our climb was easy, a simple assault and a few bumpy trek doesn’t hurt. We can even manage to fool around and exchange laughter. But as we go nearer to the top, the ways are getting bumpier and rougher.

We halted halfway the climb, our tour guide (which is our friend too) told us that we need to rest a bit so that we have all the energy, for the next few minutes of climb would be tougher. Indeed it is, the way is steeper and much harder, but panoramic views are now in sight.

We rested halfway

 So near yet so far! almost there, but not quite! 

finally! we ALL made it!

Mt.Lantad at last

As we reached the top, I realized that Mountain climbing is a holistic experience.
It's putting my mind into what my heart desires,and of course making my body follow. Or for me, it is making my body do what my mind wants it to without letting my weak heart get in the way. It is keeping my over-thinking brain from the what-if-I-fell-from thoughts. It's actually controlling what's inside you when you can't control what goes on outside you. Praise Lord, I don't have fears of Heights!

The next day, we  woke up and saw a wonderful works of God! 

clouds and fogs all over.

after a few minutes the magnificent view of the sleepy town of Bato and the famous Bato bridge showed up.It was superb!

I will never dare call myself a mountaineer even after I survived two climbs. I still have tons to learn and heaps of courage to earn. There is this negative connotation for Mountaineers, like they are people who get high or drunk on top of a mountain. But with every climb I made, I have this instant respect to these people, ‘coz they are mostly people with utmost respect to nature and to the people around them.

"Do not change the mountains, let the mountains change you." It may sound cliché, but it is exactly what Mountain climbing did to me. It challenged me, it pushed my limits and most of all, it humbled me.

Will I climb a mountain again? Yes!