** reposting from Facebook album **

The highest mountain within the boundary of Cavite & Batanges, Pico de Loro offers a majestic 360 view of surrounding beach lines & open seas.

Arriving 8am at the jump off site in Tarnate, Cavite along the highway road going Puerto Azul, we were surprised at the idea of climbing from "off the road". However, with high spirits, we started our climb. The first 30 minutes was a good warm up until we reach the base camp 1 where we had our last CR stop & load up H2O.

Pressing on, the terrain was mixes of "ups & downs" which was good for change of pace & foot works especially for my first timer family. :)

Around an hour after base camp, the terrain started to change... huge rock formation faced us as we conquered the steep landscape going to the top. It was a grueling hour of uphill climb managing the uneven rocks while sometimes using our hands to "hoist" us up to the next step.

Feeling the exhaustion settling in, we busied ourselves observing our surroundings: bamboo trees everywhere (sigh, our life support ^_^), tall luscious full green trees, armies of ants, fallen tree trunks :( , very distinguished sound of illegal logging >_<, spotted a blue ant, spotted a perfectly shaped dead insect fossil-ized :D.

Finally, after 3 hours climbing, we reached the camping ground overlooking mountain ranges & blue seas. The contrasting sight so picturesque was rewarding! Here, we can also see the Parrot's Peak, which is a rocky outcrop & the small spaced summit. Energized, we finished the ascent to the summit in a matter of minutes and was greeted with a 360 view of blue-green seas, white-lined beach line, mountain formations, bright blue skies & fluffy white clouds.


Beside the large rock outgrow is a shaded nook where we settled & had lunch. On the menu is Spicy Tuna in Tomatoes & Cream served with BBQ Kettle Chips :) After a hearty meal, Aby & Jo took the challenge to climb to the top of the Parrot's Peak.







We started our descent around 3pm after enjoying a much deserved rest ;) Since this is a traverse climb, we have zero idea on the trek ahead. Much to the dismay to our already aching limbs, the descent was very steep with lots of loose stones & deceiving piles of dry leaves. The bamboo poles that populated the remaining route of our trek proved to be our life saver as we hang/reach/grab it especially in extreme downward sloping terrain. As much pressure is placed on the feet & upper leg, the strain & pain of each step is greatly felt by all of us by this time. There were times that we just have to slide down (yes, on our butts) to avoid the hard maneuvering. The steep terrain & uneven slopes going down has taken its toll on everyone that the few remaining steps to the "finished line" was a huge relief :)





Not surprisingly, we "finished" in a highway road somewhere in Nasugbu, Batangas (by land, is 2 hours away from our jump off site). Upon seeing the distance that we've covered, we can't help but feel proud of the feat we've accomplished.

I think the way to go for my future climbs would be the "traverse" way. I still can't believe that I've literally walk thru several towns and has cross a mountain to go to the next city!

Next Climb: Mt. Makiling
Next Next Climb: Mt. Apo
Next Next Next Climb: Mt. Pulag
^^ _ ^^