Life's an Amazing Adventure!: March 2017

There’s this one article I’ve read before. Seven travels to help heal your broken heart, the title of the article says. I cannot anymore enumerate all 7, blame it on short term memory loss, but I remembered, one of the travels mentioned is Mountain Climbing (it’s actually number 1 on that list). I for one is not a mountain girl. Yes, I grew up in the mountainous town of Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur. But I never intended to be a mountaineer. Don’t get me wrong. I have nothing against it. It just happens that, I am more of a beach person (Lil Mermaid as some of my friends call me). Anyway, one of the odds is that, I got invited to a “fun climb” to Mt.Talamitam on the first weekend of March 2017. I thought to myself, hey why don’t I give it a try?

Fast forward to March 4, 2017. I found myself in a bus bound for Nasugbu, Batangas. We registered at the jump off point. We were a group of 12, so the locals required us to have a guide.

We then started trekking. Chin-wagging and sharing some laughs. At first I was still ok. But after 30 mins into the climb, I was already panting. Out of respect and shame, I still went thru the trek with the group. Until some minutes later I felt nauseous. I sat down grappling to that very thin oxygen up there. I heard two wheezes while breathing, I panicked! And yes, I am asthmatic. I thought I couldn’t do it anymore. I told the rest of the group to go ahead and I’ll just catch up. After some cheering from the group, I got up and went on!

The climb was then smooth. It drizzled a little but it wasn’t bothersome. We did a few more take five’s, picture takings, water breaks, etc. The only thing on my mind at that time was reaching the summit of Mt.Talamitam!

It was when I was at the summit of this mountain, in awe of the beauty before me, I uttered, “This is it, finally!” It was like love at first sight. The view up there was so incredible, that I was not able to keep in the deluge of my emotions. I shed a tear, yes it’s true! I loved every minute of catching my breath and carrying the heavy load of my backpack. I didn’t care if I am dirty, sweaty, and devoid of any make-up, which is very unlikely of me. I didn’t care how I look as long as I am comfortable. I felt free of all worries.

Now going back to the article. Moving on from heartbreak is never easy. Breaking away from your usual routine and trying something new usually helps, and travel easily fulfills these requirements. The act of traveling in itself, especially to a new place, can be an effective balm to a broken heart. Now I understand why Mountain Climbing was number 1 on that list. Just like the heartbroken climbers (not that I am heartbroken as well lol) I was able to reach the summit of this mountain and stood at the top feeling a sense of accomplishment and release. Reaching the mountaintop can somehow give that measure of confidence that if you can climb a mountain, perhaps you can also survive a broken heart.

Plus, the trail, especially as difficult as Mt. Talamitam, demands your full attention. For the several hours during your climb and descent at least, your misery and woes will be pushed to the backseat as you face the beauty and danger of the mountain.

This climb to Mt.Talamitam is my first and legit climb. Somehow at the end of it all, I can now tell myself that I did something that is way out of my comfort zone and yeah, I did something worthwhile. If you ask me, will it be my last? The answer is NO! Am I up for another climb? Hell YES! ;)

Here are some photos taken by me and other members of the group. May these shots show that our climb was truly TalamitAMAZING!