I caught myself wondering why my fondness for mountains has grown even stronger. My neighbors and sometimes even my family ask me already "taga-bukid naka, peru ganahan gihapon ka musaka ug bukid?" which means "You are from the countryside, but why do you still want to go to the mountains?" sometimes they will add "You are just exhausting yourself". But you know, there are things in life that words simply can't capture, things that are best felt rather than explained. And if you try to put them into words it feels like trying to catch a lightning in a bottle. And in the end, all you can say is "You should give it a try too".
How I really wish I could share the feeling of sitting atop the mountains while gazing endlessly at the beauty around me. It is in every deafening silence and the breathtaking view that my love for the mountains even grows, and this time Mt. Manghilao is giving it.
Mt. Manghinlao, is a beautiful mountain nestled in one of the highest points of Danao that one should climb. This mountain has an easy trail but the mountain exudes a different atmosphere and feeling for its climbers as this mountain is a pilgrimage mountain. In fact, this mountain is famous for the giant cross that stands tall on its peak and is visible even from far away distance. And this cross is the best landmark for anyone to not get lost while climbing the mountain. So no worries if it's your first time.
Tara! Let's climb together!
I heard from the driver that two trails are going up to the mountain, one is the common path that people use during pilgrimage, while the other one is more challenging as it goes to the edge of the cliff. I chose the latter, however, the driver insisted that we should take the easier route as it was about to rain. The trail may get slippery and he was concerned about possible accidents. My mind silently protested as it felt like the driver did not trust my climbing skills. Hehe. But in the end, I thought it was for my safety so I nodded to agree. And yes, before we could even begin our climb, it rained and I was shocked that the water turned the road into a river!
The trail was easy but far from boring as it had a curvy trail like the chicken's intestines. And since it had just rained, the vegetation looked as fresh as my roses at home in the morning with the leaves soaked wet by the rain, and the best part was there were no other climbers even though it was the weekend! Heavens are in my favor again as I get to enjoy another mountain all by myself.
With a few relaxing steps and indulging myself in the green sceneries along the path, I finally reached the narrow path leading up to the mountain. My guess was right this was the home stretch, the last portion of the trail I needed to climb to finally witness the beautiful view on top that I've been eagerly waiting to witness.
And the view, . .
I took a deep breath. The quietness, the stillness, the tranquility, the beautiful mountain rolls. Aaahhhh. Everything was simply breathtaking.
Top view-wise, I could confidently say that Mt. Manghinlao holds the key to the wonderful view of the North. In the west, I was surprised to clearly see the beautiful shore of Tuburan and Tabuelan even the port of Tabuelan is visible from the top. With that, I wonder that maybe in ancient times when there was no means of transportation, the people of Danao took the long road and walked all the way to Tabuelan or Tuburan if they had transactions in the town! Woaaahh, quite far!
In the East and North, all you could see were what seemed to be never-ending rolls of the mountain. Each mountain has different hues that paint the landscape!
And because the rain had just stopped, some of the mountains were even hugged by the clouds making the scenery even more stunning.
There's no doubt that every mountain has its different distinct beauty especially when we get to see their peaks, but in my experience, each mountain offers a one-of-a-kind journey and feeling to each of the climbers. As for Mt. Manghinalo, I found peace, the kind of peace I feel when I visit old churches in the province. The view, the cross, and the tranquility felt like I was closer to the heavens where any prayer I whispered would surely be heard by God.
I stayed there a little longer savoring the moment and the feeling as it started to drizzle again. It was like a touch of heaven.I don't know, was it maybe because the mountain is a pilgrimage site where Catholics visit the place and pray yearly there that made me feel that way, or was it the warm and relaxing embrace of mother nature with the breathtaking beauty of Mt. Manghinalo on top?
Oh, you should give a try too!
📚She is a public school Teacher on weekdays, a Jill of all trades on weekends, outdoorsy on holidays, a mother, and a blogger in between. 😉
🍃She's in love with nature and the simple life of the countryside. As a lifelong learner, as she is, she is attracted to learning opportunities and growth. ❤️Join her as she shares life's simple joy and its beauty through traveling, exploring nature, the wonders of creating things through some of her DIY, the good things about countryside life, a glimpse of being a Public School Teacher, and more! If her content makes your heart smile, please leave an upvote, comment, or reblog.🤗
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