I have this ambition way back years ago when i started mountaineering, that i hope someday I could explore mountains that are unknown to mountaineers and engrave the names that did the exploration. I realized this was an immature thinking, so excuse me i'm just half in love with myself and half in love with oblivion. There are no itineraries on Mt. Mingan, as this is so unfamiliar to the mountaineering society. So we have to cling even to the smallest detail we got from the internet.The Groups original headcount was 7, but it went down to 3 due to some unexpected problem from the others. It was nearly 1:00am when we bounded a Bus going to Cabanatuan, then from Cabanatuan Terminal(4:30am) we rode a van goin to Dingalan. The town was so quiet and peaceful and just at the backdrop of the plaza, is Mt. Mingan. We started our early breakfast at the carinderia stalls within the plaza, then right after we headed to the Town's Mayor for a courtesy call. Went for a small chit chat, then off to the Jump-Off in Brgy. Davildavilan. Where we've been warmly welcomed by Barangay Captain Ramos and his staff.
We're just having warm ups here,One of the steep trail of Mt. Mingan,
No Pressure, we are not racing against time here.
While taking a what we call the"unli take 5"(a term used to those who rest frequently on trail), Annie here spotted one of the resident avian. An expert on aviary said to me that this is a juvenile rufous hornbill. Just the flapping of its wings you will hear how heavy the lifted air is and How i wish this was a new specie that would be named after Annie.
I really dont know how long did we took the trek up to the campsite in Station 5, but we could'nt be happier reaching it.The Next day we resume on reaching the summit. And along this path we were marveled by the diverseness of this mountain.
(a small viewing deck at the campsite)
On Top of the Dwarf Forrest Canopy
our Pathfinder, Kuyan Carding
( i am only assuming that this is a millennia tree, just comparing the size with it's surrounding dwarves)
Mt. Mingan Pinetree
it can produce a sound,this snail chirps.
The Summit, still covered with trees..
