AKYAT ARAYAT CHALLENGE

(MT. ARAYAT)

www.akamug.com

Arayat, Pampanga

Oct. 14-15, 2001

By: McMike_Angel@akamug.com

After a 3 hour journey from Manila, we arrived at Sn. Juan Bano, Magalang, Pampanga. From here DENR office is just a 15 mins ride from on a tricycle. Register - - and then start the Trek at around 10:00. The first 30 minute was a gradual climb. Passing some nipa - huts and Sampalok trees. The next hour is an assault hike extending up to the "First-viewing-deck" (Formation of Huge rocks along the clip). We had our snack in there and had some pics too.

We resume our climb and arrived at the summit @ around 14:00. Unpacking our equipments took us 30 minutes and consequently pitch our tent. The campsite is located at the summit itself. It can accommodate up to 15 tents or less and is covered by trees. You can't see anything from here. A 20 meter walk on the bush will lead you to the "One-man-stand". So called one-man-stand for it can only accommodate 1 climber at a time. Standing there would surely take your breath away. One wrong move and your finished.

The next day we unpack our equipments early and start our descend @ 09:00. After 2 1/2 hour trek we arriived at the DENR office had some social with the Forest Rangers and proceed directly into nearby park where there are 3 swimming pools. One of them is Olympic size. After an exausting climb now its time to have some pleasure. The water was very cold though. Huh!!!! argg....

COMMENT:

Whew! That was a hard one. Although the trail was a bit slippery, we did achieved our ETA at the summit. It's cold here at night. No problem with mosquitoes during our climb. If your lucky, you might catch a glimpse on hundreds of "Alitaptap" glittering at night....Overall. It's Fun!