(The guest writer is a busy city denizen and a newly christened trekker. She claimed to have never experienced trekking before and is planning to climb again soon.Photos included here are collages of Sir Joy, Bone Doc and Joy’s camera handiworks.)
“If I can do something different and extra ordinary for myself, I would be very happy”- Joy V, the author.
I was never a real outdoor person until now. Having been confined to the comforts of an immensely busy and competitive city life, I’ve never went beyond reading stories of people who trekked their whole life. Yes, I have bouts of convulsive reunions with nature, but none actually required me to trek and climb like what I’m going to do in this “Lake Trek”. No one told me however, that it will be “A Lake Trek to Remember”.
My friend’s invitation to this trek is all but unnerving. I have read and saw the pictures of his wanton explorations and (mis) adventures and although I find it exciting and thrilling in some sense, I’m totally appalled by the risks he’s taking. So even if I dreamed someday, I can go to these places he went to and experience the excitement of an outdoor life, actually putting them into action is not in my fondest aspirations. Not with my present state.
I am in no shape to climb, my schedule is full to the minute and I have no idea what climbing preparation is all about. Yet, I feel some sort of an inner drive to go and plunge myself into the abyss of trekking adventure, something I’ve never done in my life but hoped to, that in the right time, I can possibly achieve.
So when we toyed about the idea (of me trekking) in cyberspace, I was halfheartedly joking in disdain. While I certainly liked the idea, I fear I may be cajoled into this risky adventure and get the kaboom of my life! You know- the risks, my health and everything else that is un-fun. But I also fear I may lose this opportunity to prove something for myself.
The pesky outdoor innuendos of my friend, Bone Doc irked me to excitement.I never thought such climb invitation would actually lead me to walking the hills of Tboli South Cotabato and on my way to Lake Holon, the cleanest of Philippine’s repertoire of lakes. Imagine being in the comfort of my cool room in Manila and then suddenly transport yourself off to the hills of Mt. Parker. Something in between tells you that the only certainty I had was, I’m not certain if what I’m doing is right!
This was a dream coming true for me, and every second I have to savor it. I still stare in disbelief- of the lake, the people I’m with, and the place I am right now. It was a picturesque dream! And I’m living it!
I watched the group pitch tent and prepare food, getting my hands into something I knew and asking questions about the basics of camping out in this lovely place. I find it interesting that climbing gears has been this sophisticated and that camping out can turn into spree of food indulgence despite the distance and isolation it beams. We had adobong kangkong and sinigang for dinner! And were eating under the clear moonlight sitting on rocks! Is this really this good?
When the lights went off, I thought I couldn’t sleep. But the cool breeze outside our tent is seeping under my skin I felt it was cozy enough to sleep. So I doze off.
When we woke up, sunlight was already all over the place, the cool morning breeze still there and the lake in astute beauty as before. Some of the guys were cooking, the others paddling a boat towards the other side of the lake to fetch drinking water. Others simply wander around the lake. I wanted to sleep some more and lazily dream about this place. But I am in this place now. I have to enjoy it.
I went out and frolic with the others near the lake side. After we had a bountiful breakfast, we took a dip into the lake. The guys went boating spree obviously enjoying their time out in the lake. They paddled pushed and swim like they were kids of nobody. They just frolicked oblivious to their stature and shape.
We started trekking back after our prayers. My heart went heavy knowing I’d be leaving this place now, and thinking with my busy life in Manila when will I ever go back here again? Not even me knew. But I made a resolve that Id go back, no matter how long. And that I will be going outdoors more often. My friend Bone Doc is now even cajoling me again to join our batch climb to Mt. Apo this December. I can only sigh in disbelief. Here we go again!
I’m glad there were people like my friend who spent time just so new climbers like us will experience and enjoy God’s loving gift of nature. This people were total strangers to me, yet somehow, I felt lucky I made my first precious moments of nature with them. They helped me realize doing something I want and extra ordinary for myself. And they are just as happy as this one soul had formed an attachment to nature and life.
