Welcomed September with a hike up Mt. Arayat. This time, I joined friends who I haven't seen in years - Gid, Carlo, Cha, Christian & FR - plus 2 new ones, Diego and Choi.
2008 was the first time, I visited Mt. Arayat, an overnight trek with friends, Glee and Ren. We had hiked from the DENR training center to Arayat National Park. The following year, I joined Milmar and JZ to attempt a new trail from Magalang to North Peak then on to South peak. Looking at my old hiking notes, I believe this new trail is now known as Pinnacle peak. We got a bit lost but ended up discovering a new side of the mountain, exiting at Brgy. Bitas. It was a tiring but exciting adventure, passing heavily forested sections that were not part of the usual trail.
summit photo at South peak. This is where we had camped in 2008. The monkeys are gone but the pesky mosquitoes are still here! |
This time, we're going up via Pinnacle to South Peak. I don't recall Mt. Arayat being too tough but 2024 me found it quite a struggle. LOL. I was catching my breath most of the time! I'm now in my 40's but I refuse to accept that it's an age thing as I know people who are older and so much stronger than I am. I just need to train more and eat smarter. LOL.
We finished our hike in 6.5 hours and had our post hike meal at a good old classic Kapampangan resto, Nathaniel's in San Fernando. I enjoyed their friendly service and affordable yummy meals!