Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Hiking Talks #03: The devil's mountain ~Mt.Cristobal


MAJOR CLIMB| The peak takes on a characteristic of “W” shape and is flanked by Mt. Banahaw to its northeast. Many said that Mt. Cristobal is the "Devil mountain" while Mt. Banahaw is the"Holy Mount”. The forests of Cristobal, floored with ferns and thorny plants with a splendid array of flora that include rattan, multi-colored flowering plants, ,” civet cats” the animu and musangs and etc. Many mountain climbers believe in the negative energy that tends to counteract and thus some have their own unknown ghost stories as they have experience it themselves. These are all legends and there is no reason to be afraid in hiking up Mt.Cristobal.


HIKING
Hiking up this mountain was a memorable experience as during such, the author celebrated his 24th birthday. Together with me who did the climb was my brother and his girlfriend, Rui (TAMAK-Ormoc) and Balaw of the Hang’s Mountaineers.



Our reliable sources told us that the Dolores trail is the most usual way trekked to get to the peak of Mt. Cristobal and hence , we trodded this trail. The trail commences just before entering Brgy. Kinabuhayan (the jump-off to Mt. Banahaw). To your left, there is trail road; you could see a tower and the range-like Mt. Cristobal looming to the west. A thirty- five minute walk, through on-and-off cemented roads would take you to house of the Montelibano (psychic). You may drop by to satisfy your curiosity if you wish. As for us, we kept going.



From this point, the forest trail takes 2-3 hours to cross in a moderate pacing. Observe and watch out for the thorny rattan twig that demarcate along the trail and take note that due to the dense forest, panoramic views are rare. The trail looks like a stair within the roots of a tree with a numerous resting floor. It is pretty straightforward from Montelibano’s place and there's just this single confusing fork, marked by a big rock.  Just go straight to the right trail and then you will cross the cogon line.


OTHER TRAILS
A traverse of Mt. Cristobal entails crossing over to the Nagcarlan side. You will reach a high point at the crater rim, and from there, it will be a descent through similar forested area.The entire length of the trail takes 3-4 hours or more depending on pacing. It would be best to coordinate with a guide, as the trail here is not that established unlike that of Dolores Trail.


After 3 Hrs of ascent we settled and had our lunch in the saddle

DETAILS
Dolores, Quezon; San Pablo and Nagcarlan, Laguna
Major jump-off: Brgy. Sta. Lucia, Dolores, Quezon
1470 MASL 
Days required / Hours to summit: 1-2 days / 3-4 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 5/9, Trail class 3

TRANSPORTATION
Transportation going to San Pablo City is serviced by buses bound to Lucena. The traveling time from Manila(Pasay-Beundia) takes 1Hr/45 mins to 2 hrs. 

From San Pablo City (7eleven-Stop light) to jump-off (Brgy. Kinabuhayan), if via tricycle or renting out an entire jeepney with a group , it  will take 45mins-1hr. 
From the jump-off to Montelibano’s place (psychic), it takes 35 mins of trek. And then from this point to “Jones Peak” , it takes 3-4 Hrs in a moderate pacing. The approximation on the travel time for the descend is  minus one hour of your ascending time but it varies as it depends on the pace/mode of trek.

ITINERARY
I don’t post a detailed itinerary because I believe your iti is for yours to make..and experience. God bless!

PHOTOS

 

No comments :