A friend of mine invited me if I want to have an adventure or try treking a mountain.And I said YES, as my motto in life was "Do the things that you won't regret when you grow old". Last Sept.27,2014 we've participated the Lunatrek XIII. The thought of trekking under the big, bright moon excites me. So when I learned everything about the event, I was super sure to join. Cleared my sched for the weekend and prepared myself for it. Just a short background, LUNATREK is an event that was organized by Cebu Mountaineering Alliance, Inc. (CMA) . It is a trekking/camping activity every first full moon of September. Full moon!! That’s magical, right? It aims to unite mountaineers especially when it come to ecological awareness. The first ever Lunatrek was 13 years ago in Discovery Hills, Babag II, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines. And this year, I am happy to say that I was able to witness this exciting event.
This was a minor trek to gather mountaineers to have a get together with other groups with the theme "Hugpong sa Kadaghanan Maglakaw Ilawom sa Takdol nga Buwan (Union of Mountaineers walking under the Full Moon"
We started the trek at 6:00 in the evening and we reached the base camp at 7:00 evening. I can’t explain the joy I felt for a newbie like me.
The firsth photo of Pilars of "GALLOPERS MOUNTAINEERING ASSOCIATION" Ricoy, Harry, KC & Hubert.
Organizers invited a tribal band to entertain, gather and to meet on another. The music was entaining that people get dance with it. We forget that we are away from the City.
This activity was called "The Socials" One of the most awaited part of camping, socials allow you to interact, share experiences, and have fun with fellow outdoorsmen. More importantly, socials strengthen your camaraderie with them, something that is quite crucial in the passion of exploring the outdoors.
'The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you.' This is the first time that I will be sleeping in the mountain nervours yet exciting.
Morning is the best of all times. The sun is not yet hot. Sweet vapors rise from the earth. Birds call to one another. Bees are already at work. Such a beautiful day!
Around 8:00 in the morning we've descent going to the place we're we are going to plant seedlings as the goal of this gathering was to grow trees as we beleive on the saying "NO TREE, NO CLIMB"
Fun climbs like these allow you to meet old pals and make new friends. Sharing stories, catching up on times, taking photos, and laughing with one another are all part of the fun in mountaineering. With all that fun blended with the responsibility of looking out for one other in the uncaring, merciless clutch of Mother Nature, it is not difficult to understand why mountaineers form a very strong bond with each other.
I guess my first experice being in the mountain was an eye opener that mother earth needs our care for her to give it back to us. As what Albert Einstein said “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”
For your first mountaineering experience, please do bring the following:
- trekking shoes or sandals
- sturdy backpack
- extra clothes
- underwear and socks
- cold-weather gear (sweater, warmers, jacket)
- rain protection gear (raincoat or rain jacket)
- sun protection gear (cap, hat, sunglasses, umbrella, sarong)
- blanket or sleeping bag
- flashlight or headlamp
- flip-flops
- snacks
- water (at least 2 liters)
- first-aid kit (including your personal medication if you’re taking any)
- foodstuff or packed meals
- toiletries and personal stuff
- extra moneyClick here to find out more about the event, for pictures and for you to know the organizers, https://www.facebook.com/CebuMountaineeringAllianceInc. (Facebook Account)
