When you hear the words nature what basically comes up in your mind?
The beautiful ambiance, sunrise and sunset, the moon and the stars, the soft breeze of air, the rustling of green trees, the animals and the birds humming around the trees are just an example of the beauty of nature that surrounds us. Most of us often take nature for granted just because it is everywhere right? But mind you experiencing nature is probably the best thing that can happen to to of us. My love for the nature really started when i joined a non-government organization that has an aim and goals of making our mother earth a greener one. That was really the turning point and the time of my life that i was really able to connect my soul with my environment.
My skills were really tested when we have our mountain trekking with some of my friends in our province. I can still fully remember my first ascension to a mountain top well. It was a long 2 days mountain trekking that was so intense and amazing. The big difference between trekking and hiking are when you're mountain trekking this will usually take 2 days or more and that trekking is quite longer than hikes. Physically I was drained and very exhausted as our trekking took 2 days, but emotionally I was stunned and overwhelmed. I had set a goal to do something that I had never thought I could achieved and i did it.
Days before
One of the most essential things to do is to plan well on what are the important matters in your adventure. This is when people might really disregard how important planning is. You need to set yourself ready physically and mentally. Climate, the finances and the crowding are just some of the few factors that you need to consider on your adventure. when you do research on your trip you'll definitely know what to expect and not from your destination will make all aspects of trip planning easier and will help as it is very essential to know information on the place you will be visiting with. knowing that you and your team have plan well this well gives you assurance and peace of mind.
Day 1
I awoke to a dense fog in a beautiful gloomy morning. At 4:00 a.m., we found ourselves off the trail, i can really feels butterfly in my stomach not only that this is my first time to do mountain trekking but i am really excited and looking forward on things that might happen. you will really see and appreciate the beauty of nature as early as dawn.
And then our adventure begins... We are by the way going to Mount Sunop in Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur
What to bring? Essential Things to do on Mountain Trekking
Yes before we finally go out on adventure it is very important to note what should we bring and what should not be. This will gives us a much easier trip around.
*Proper Footwear
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No doubts when we will be out on an adventure this is one of the most essential things to consider. Having wear the proper and exact type of footwear will help us to lighter journey ahead. Based on experienced, shoes will definitely help you not to fall on anything that might led to danger.
Tent
Tent is another important things you need to bring. You need to still feel comfortable like you are just in your own home and in your own bed.
Foods
Yes food should always be the priority! When you are in the middle of a mountain do'n expect you will have a store near you. bring foods that are cook ready or can goods.Food will help keep up energy and high morale for the team.
Water
Mountain trekking is a physical activity that requires strengths and stamina. Without enough water to drink our body muscles and organ are in danger that can lead to organ failures. that is why securing a purify water on journey like this should always be consider.
Medicine Kits
Injury and accidents on trips like this are inevitable. So the more prepare we are the more smooth it will be.
Extra-clothes, Blankets and Raincoat
It is much expected to have a very cold temperature and the probability of raining as well. This can help as be still dry. Often cases of some campers that are not prepared on the cold weather leads to Hypothermia.
Sunglasses and Lotion
Another the hot of the sun and in the midst of the high temperature this will protect you from harming your skin.
Camera
Taking selfies and phots has been part of our life now. This is the best way to look back on something we do and basically something that we share on our social media accounts.(Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and even here in Steemit)
What to consider ?
Make sure to check and listen to report about the weather. There might be a typhoon coming etc.
Make sure all of the team are physically healthy and are ready for the adventure
Make sure to have maps and compass
As much as possible, it is essential to get a tour guide
Check your team always, count.
ALWAYS ASKED PERMISSION FROM YOUR PARENTS:)
We are ready! Adventure is on
On our way, at 9 am This is the very refreshing ambiance we saw. the clear blue sky and thick white clouds are just so fascinating.You will see green plants, flowers, and trees and you will feel serene and completely carried away by the environment. Although tired and hungry it doesn't stop me from taking photos.
After 6 long hours of Hiking, we finally reached the top
Whoa! i completely forgot that i walked 6 long hours after reaching the top of this mountain. Totally breathtaking and rejuvenating! The cold air are just blowing my hair with the birds singing around. This is totally one of God's masterpieces.
We took a long rest before finally setting up our camp and tents for the night. I can't help but to appreciate and love the ambiance that we are seeing.
Night time
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Unfortunately i was not able to take photos of our exact tent that night due to the fact that i was so tired, But our camp set-up is exactly look like this. At night everyone was so cold. We ate together with my team and have some chitchat as well. It was really a great vibes just to share this experience with great people. At night time you can indulge yourself in cricket songs which is just around you and observe swaying trees and plants. Camping is really amazing!
Day 2
That's me when i woke up early and just got blown away by the amazing view. I took some shot with great appreciation to our mother earth. The environment is just so much to handle, upon watching it you sense the calmness and its undeniable beauty. A i feel so optimistic and refreshed, this trip really uplift my spirit.
I took a shot of my friend while where on the top of the mountain. Nature give us strength and inspiration. A realization comes up in my mind that we see it every day, but hardly observe it and barely appreciate it. not until we experienced it.
Going home
The saddest part is going home. I just wished wee could have stayed another night. But most of the team has work so we decided to go home on day 2. But nonetheless it was very memorable and fun. We live nothing but footprints and the memories will be forever remembered. We packed of stuffs and clean the area. We are ready for another long walk.
Learnings
Going home i have so much time to reflect on my 2 days adventure , i have learned and realized so many things that i often neglect or disregard in life. Nature is just amazing , connect your soul to it. We often take our surroundings for granted without realizing how great they are. It is essential that we engaged yourself to mother earth. In addition, going on adventures raises your tolerance for uncertainty and makes our mind more healthy. Experiencing one wilderness event just doesn’t seem to be enough and i want to explore and connect more.
Thank you for reading I hope you learn something from this.