There is no road. It's all sand, huge stones, flowing streams, sheering heat, dusted rain, exhaustion, dehydration and the awesome crater at the end of this journey.
The Eruption.
Home to several thousand of our dear indigenous Aetas, Mount Pinatubo ejected almost 10 billion tons of minerals and toxic metals to the surface environment world wide when it erupted on June 15, 1991. It was so notorious that it was recorded as VEI-6 - the 2nd most violent eruption in the 19th century. The blast reduced the overall elevation by 259 meters - and is now at 1,486 meters ASL. This makes hiking the volcano so much appealing to mountaineers, photographers, geologist, and group of friends - for a 1-day getaways out in the open.
The Plan.
The plan was to capture amazing photos and stage a 15-day photo exhibit on the eruption dates in Robinson's Star Mall in San Fernando, Pampanga - entitled "Road to Pinatubo: When All Hell Broke Loose." - Deparment of Tourism Regional Office 3 commemorating the 25 years of the eruption. To do that, we have to hike into the mountains and on to the Crater Lake. The very generous Regional Director provided for us the offroad jeep ride and the full coordination to the Pinatubo Tourism in the area - free from all visiting fees. The bad news though was that, we only have 3 days to process our photos after we return from the hike. It was a big challenge and a once in a lifetime experience thrown at us.
The Journey.
Traveling from Pampanga to Tarlac, we stayed in Casa Hermogina in Sta. Juliana a day before the planned hike - to prepare our equipment and gain much energy for tomorrow's grueling hike. We have no first-hand experience, and basically don't have much idea on what will bring us in hiking one of the most violent volcano in the world. It was prayers and the eagerness to shoot on behalf of the Department of Tourism that pushed us there. Personally, I was curious on what's really on top of the volcano. "Is there really steam or hot water?" as I told myself during the night. (ctto: www.bedandbreakfast.eu)
In the western edge of Sta. Juliana, the vast valley of O'Donnell River is incredibly beautiful. I had fun trying some settings and fine-tune my equipment in preparation for tomorrow's hike.
On D-day, we were awaken early for breakfast and, rechecking our bags and equipment again. Then we went on to register in the local Tourism Office just along the road. They will assign you the off-road jeep which accommodates as many as four people. Without the proper registration, fees, and jeep ride, you cannot be allowed to go and hike. The process is simple yet under the sheer heat of the sun. Good thing we went there a bit early. Pass 7am and there is no more trip allowed.
It was not the best of rides but definitely do the job. Built from the old chassis of infamous Willy's Jeep, the under-chassis was taken mostly from Landcruisers, Patrols, or Pajeros - so judging by the looks is totally not always the best idea. These are the kind of vehicles that can tackle the terrain going to the jump-off point in Pinatubo.
The off-road rides alone across the valley was totally insane..!
Imagine the excitement when off-roaders went in for some rally racing in the open sand valley...!
Somewhere in the middle, we were able to have some few minutes of breather. The radiator needs refill of water, some few moments for the shaken passengers, and cigarette break for drivers.
Then we press on with the rides. This time, everyone was silent as we were rolling into deeper waters, and bigger rocks - some as big as the tires of the Jeep.
We reach the area where the Jeeps have to park, as rocks ahead are massive and impossible to pass. And this is the jump-off point for the hiking to begin.
The first phase in the hike was a bit dangerous seeing the walls of sands that can easily erode while we are trekking just below it. The goal was to reach Botolan Checkpoint in good pacing, and rest there for a few minutes.
Your feet will get wet in this area - cold waters flowing down heavily from the mountain is a sort of relief though. It was one of the places there to take some really nice photos.
In this area, the stones are small but very sharp - that made my soles aching almost immediately - and maybe I was over-baggage too. Best to wear in these kinds of trekking are shoes with a protective soles such as Merrel shoes - and pack light.
At this point, I found some breather with lesser sharp stones. Dehydration was starting to sink in. Stopping at this point however, is very dangerous.
Reaching these big stones was one of the most difficult - climbing up and down with the load at my back is a bit hurting.
Seeing the Botolan Pinatubo Rest Station from afar is happiness. It's a small encampment that shelter the Barangay members from the heat of the sun.
It's there that you register again and pay an environmental fee that goes to the Barangay funds - I just show them the letter from the RD of DOT3 and it was free of charge for us.
After several minutes, we hike again the 2nd phase which was rather another pain in my soles again. I wish, I was wearing my Merrel for this kind of terrain. The sharp stones will slow you down, and careful to avoid wrong footing that may cause twisted ankle. This is not the place for some injury.
Seeing the "parking lot" was another joy to my heart.
It was here that we rested again for the final phase of the hike. We took several minutes to rehydrate and chat a bit. I am not sure why it was tagged in Goggle Earth as "parking lot" wherein no such vehicle can reach this place upon seeing the trail that we hike.
This is the final ascent. Gradually sloping river bed that's full of vegetation.
The waters flowing is cold and clean but it slows us down again - taking consideration to avoid any injury from slippage.
Seeing this partially arranged stones like ladder means you are almost there.
Welcoming us was this signage. Sirs' Arnel and Nate were able to reach there long before I came - I was really exhausted at this point.
The lake is seen from here - and we're already in the crater of Mount Pinatubo.
From above, some people went down to the lake itself. Deeping in the water however is not allowed since the amount of sulfur in the water is unforgiving to the skin.
There was nothing there really but the astounding landscape of the lake in the crater of one of the most violent volcano in the world standing @ about +1,400 meters above sea level.
Mt. Pinatubo Visitors' Vista is a campsite with some permanent structures built there to welcome visitors to rest from the grueling hike. The air was humid and the sheering heat of the sun will wear you down. They said, it was permitted to camp overnight there but recent bad weather condition made it closed to stay for the night.
The Fruit of Labor.
Kabalen Shutter Bugs (Pampanga Photography Enthusiast back then) - a group of photo hobbyist from within the Province of Pampanga, presented our entries to Regional Director Ronaldo P. Tiotuico of the Regional Office 3 of the Department of Tourism - for the photo exhibit.
It was our privilege to have responded well the challenge in a very short notice.
And was very happy to know that despite my still small experience in photography, I was able to provide some acceptable shots to feast on.
I submitted eight (8) entries, and two (2) were successfully considered to be hanged on the wall. I was not really that good though, but the photos I have taken was well worth all the exhaustion in taking it, right there in the mountains.
Here are my entries. (Libre laet for the best photographers out there.)
No less than the good RD Tiotuico himself awarded us the certificate of appreciation.
Hiking Mount Pinatubo Crater Lake is easy for seasoned mountaineers but very difficult for a noob hiker like me. Aside from my lack of preparation (jogging), I had the wrong footwear (a sandals), and over-estimated the load at my back.
A photo taken by Sir Nate Magsino on our way back to the Jeep parking lot - evidence of how excruciating the journey was.
But nonetheless, it was a beautiful experience, a challenge completed, and a life-long experience for all of us.
The best preparation is to jog first and watch your weight before hiking Pinatubo. Bring only the essential stuffs like emergency kits, food, water, cameras, small towel, energy bars, fruits, etc. all in water tight self-sealing plastic bags. Wear the proper shoes with sole protection. Wear knee pads (if you have) to protect you from injuries just in case you slip. If you have VHF radio, bring it full charge and get the frequency of the monitoring safety team in the area - never transmit if not necessary though you can monitor. Hiking the unforgiving terrain under the heat of the sun for several hours is not a joke. So preparation is a must to have a successful getaways to Pinatubo, and safely back.
Byahe lang.. cheers!
2016 May 11~12, Mount Pinatubo
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