Start the decade right | Spartan Trail, Cebu, Philippines

in Worldmappin2 years ago (edited)

Hive_Camotes_Covers (9).png


I don't know about you but I've always been obsessed with getting things right whenever a new year unfolds. The same obsession intensifies when a new decade spurted out two years ago.

It was the start of the new year and a new decade and before it could even begin, my friends and I knew we wanted to welcome it in the most meaningful way we could. My friends and I were trying to figure out our first-ever activity of the decade. We had a few things on our list but we narrowed it down to trekking. It was a subtle attempt to start living a more healthy lifestyle in the years to come. We called an old college friend who knows the trail; he came to the rescue!

Cebu City might be the center of industrialization in the Visayas but we're equally bombarded by treacherous mountains and dazzling beaches all over the Province. There's no need to go far, if you want a damn hike, Cebu City has it!


Respect call times

It was a sunny Saturday morning. We were scheduled to meet at 6 am at McDonald's in Paseo Arcenas in Banawa. Everyone except one arrived on time. I hated Rolly for coming in late without breakfast, that means we had to wait for him until he finished the meal he ordered in McDonald's!

I tried to be cool about people being late but deep inside, I was fuming when we left McDonald's; it couldn't be denied we wasted one hour or so and that we had to deal with the scorching heat of the sun. We were supposed to start early and arrive at our first stop before lunch! 😡

IMG_20200104_073705.jpg

IMG_20200104_073708.jpg

We passed by houses and subdivisions until we reached the hilly part of Banawa where the ever-famous The Good Sheperd, a pilgrimage site, is located. Pilgrims from all walks of life gather here during the Lenten season. We didn't explore further The Good Sheperd tho. Maybe next time!

IMG_20200104_075330.jpg

IMG_20200104_075553.jpg

At this point, I remember being amazed by what I saw. Huge green trees lined up making the walk refreshing. We were on an elevated part of Cebu so the city could be seen from here already.

IMG_20200104_080007.jpg

IMG_20200104_080352.jpg

We kept walking until we could finally see the mountains that we had to surmount that day. It looked small from where we stood.

IMG_20200104_080219.jpg

IMG_20200104_080406.jpg


Up the hill!

Okay, I was wrong in all ways possible when I told you earlier that the mountain is small. It did look small but in actuality, it was huge that in the first fifteen minutes alone, we stopped more than three (3) times. But halfway through the first mountain, the view invited us to stop for a while and just stare at Cebu City's view with all the tall buildings and a glimpse of Mactan Channel and Mactan Island across us. We don't get to see this view every day!

IMG_20200104_080936.jpg

IMG_20200104_080811.jpg

IMG_20200104_081501.jpg

IMG_20200104_081956.jpg

By the time we reached the peak of the first mountain, one of my friends, Ning, declared she was no longer pushing through with the rest of the hike. Her stomach hurt so bad and she felt dizzy. We told her we'd give her time to recover; we gave her water and assisted her until she fully recovered. Thankfully, she felt better after taking deep breaths. We're also blessed that there was a small tree where Ning rested.

IMG_20200104_082424.jpg

IMG_20200104_083329.jpg

IMG_20200104_084056-01.jpg

IMG_20200104_084214.jpg

A few minutes later, we're back on track! Once you're on top of the hill, you'll see Cebu City. Everything in the city looks nothing compared to the huge mountains where we stood. The wind was warm just like how I like it!

IMG_20200104_084732.jpg

IMG_20200104_085042.jpg

IMG_20200104_085052.jpg

IMG_20200104_084710.jpg


Are we lost?

After making sure Ning's 100% fit to continue the climb, we decided to proceed with the rest of Spartan! Now the thing is Jesse, our college friend who was guiding us that day hadn't been in Spartan for months. Guess what? We found ourselves in the middle of nowhere! Lost, we're lost! Oh no!

That's funny because we just successfully survived a challenge and here's another one less than fifteen minutes! Are we doomed? 😥

After checking here and there, Jesse told us he found the right trail. He led the way and we willingly followed. The path was getting narrower, filled with tall grass that made the way difficult to see at first. I had a few scratches on my arms because of these grasses.

IMG_20200104_085332.jpg

IMG_20200104_085357.jpg

IMG_20200104_085427.jpg

IMG_20200104_085524.jpg

IMG_20200104_085708.jpg

IMG_20200104_085357.jpg

The trail widened now and we kept talking and walking and singing. We had to keep our spirits up! On top of that, it hadn't been an hour since we started the trek! It'll be a shame to stop now! 😎

IMG_20200104_090118.jpg

IMG_20200104_090203.jpg

We followed the trail covered with plants and shrubs until we found a clearing ahead. Ahhh, what a relief! That's when we knew that we were indeed on the right track. Jesse was more confident now that he saw some familiar landmarks on the trail.

IMG_20200104_090938.jpg

IMG_20200104_091419.jpg

IMG_20200104_092311.jpg


Oh river!

We kept descending until we reached a dry river. I was sort of wishing we'd end up in a regular river, not this one wherein there's no water at all. Nonetheless, we enjoyed what Mother Nature offered that day. We rested here for a bit because Jesse was telling us that not long after this there will be non-stop assaults.

IMG_20200104_094007.jpg

IMG_20200104_093229.jpg

IMG_20200104_093235.jpg

IMG_20200104_094308.jpg

IMG_20200104_093907.jpg

IMG_20200104_094014.jpg

IMG_20200104_094238.jpg

IMG_20200104_094401.jpg

IMG_20200104_094426.jpg

Now, this is the part when things got a bit challenging. We were still following the dry river we entered earlier. But as we moved forward, I noticed that more and more water gathered in the riverbed. We could still find some dry ground tho, It's just a matter of strategy. Some tall and old trees fell across the river; we had to go over or under them just to keep going.

IMG_20200104_095733.jpg

IMG_20200104_095802.jpg

IMG_20200104_095652.jpg

IMG_20200104_100815.jpg

IMG_20200104_101334.jpg

IMG_20200104_101236.jpg

IMG_20200104_101302.jpg

IMG_20200104_100851.jpg

At some point, we thought we'd always find dry land to walk on but when we were nearing the falls, there was no way but to step on the wet riverbed. We got our shoes wet! I hate it so much! I'm going to wear my hiking sandals next time!

IMG_20200104_101815.jpg

Moments later, we heard water gushing somewhere near. Lo and behold, we reached the waterfall. Jesse was perhaps the only one among the six (6) of us who's actively been climbing prior to this trip as for the rest of us, we couldn't even remember 🙄

Jesse gave us two options. One is to climb beside the falls, which he highlighted was easier or two is to go to the right side of the falls where huge rocks pile one on top of the other.

I believe Jesse when he said Option 1 was easier. So I went for it. Watching him climb from afar looked easy and simple, but when I got there, my knees trembled and it was so hard to find where my feet should land and where I'll be holding unto. When I looked down, the fear crept in and I decided, I'm not risking my life for some kind of show! Lol! I took the longer route which was safer for my level.

IMG_20200104_102050.jpg

IMG_20200104_102309.jpg

I didn't expect this post to be this long lol! I'd tell the rest in the next part of this blog. Have you been climbing recently? Share a photo of your favorite hike in the comment section!


IMG_20190518_173638.jpg

Patsitivity

Living life intentionally every single day, she believes that there’s no limit to one’s potential. Right now, she’s on the loose for the pursuit of endless holistic self-growth and development. She wants to light the way for others. She believes there’s no better way to leave a legacy than to pay it forward.

Her ultimate goal in life is to reach the state of enlightenment where there’s nothing but peace, love, happiness, and contentment - nothing more, nothing less.

If you are captivated by what this girl just wrote here, an upvote is pretty appreciated. Follow her as she tells her stories full of positivities. The next story might be for you! ❤️

Sort:  


The rewards earned on this comment will go directly to the people( @noalys ) sharing the post on Twitter as long as they are registered with @poshtoken. Sign up at https://hiveposh.com.

Going on trips with friends can be both fun and annoying because everyone has their own rhythm and routine and not for a few times it happened for me to have one or two not respecting the hour we discussed before. But in the end, the beautiful memories created on a journey should be more powerful than the things happening before it :)

Agree @gabrielatravels! He knew I was mad at him; my friends know how strict I am in terms of time But they still chose to annoy me lol! 😂

Thank you for sharing this post on HIVE!

Your content got selected by our fellow curator hafizullah & you received a little thank you upvote from our non-profit curation initiative. Your post will be featured in one of our recurring curation compilations which is aiming to offer you a stage to widen your audience within the DIY scene of Hive.

Next time make sure to post / cross-post your creation within the DIYHub community on HIVE and you will receive a higher upvote!

Stay creative & hive on!

Thank you @diyhub for the love and support! 🥰

WOW! It felt like an Indiana Jones adventure, from the pictures at the beginning with the view overlooking the city, and progressively getting inside the forest, it felt really epic!

What a brave team 😁

Perhaps the bravery stemmed from the fact that we're just in Cebu. We might have lost but we'll find our way because there are still people living in the forest. ☺️

This is brutal yet fun! My mom love this kind of stuff. I can't understand the burning passion😂. Thanks for sharing those beautiful photos.

Haha you must try trekking and getting lost at least once you'll understand where you Mom is coming from. 😂😉

I never had an adventure like this wherein there's a lot of obstacles but I'm looking forward to it since I haven't got out since the pandemic hihi. Katakot lang lo pag nawala kayo sa right trail papunta sa destination niyo huhu.
From the looks of it po naghike na kayo na para bang treasure hunting na dahil sa mga naglalakihang damo..
While I'm reading this may kaba kasi nawala kayo sa trail then got relief when I read that one of you finally found it and I'm happy that you reach your target po.
Mapapa sigh ka nalang hihi tas mapapasabi ng success..

Epic trail all the way up a “what seamed small” big mountain.
What a views 😁😎🤩 stunning. And than to follow the stream all the way until the waterfall, beautiful.
To bad one came late. I know the feeling. There is always one hehehe 🤭
Thanks for taking us along on your trip.
Have a great mid-week 👋🏻☀️

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Wala kyo tour guide? Ysn mahirap sa mgs bundok sa pinas, hndi klaro trails..unlike dto sa HK, inaayos tlga nla pra hndi na need ng tour guide hehe.. Easy hike pa..

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Nothing like an exhilarating hike! I haven't gone on any in a few months and this made me so excited to go out into the wilderness so fast it was alarming! Thanks for sharing and warming up my hiking itch!

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Congratulations @patsitivity! You have completed the following achievement on the Hive blockchain and have been rewarded with new badge(s):

<table><tr><td><img src="https://images.hive.blog/60x70/http://hivebuzz.me/@patsitivity/upvoted.png?202210111711" /><td>You received more than 50000 upvotes.<br />Your next target is to reach 55000 upvotes. <p dir="auto"><sub><em>You can view your badges on <a href="https://hivebuzz.me/@patsitivity" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" title="This link will take you away from hive.blog" class="external_link">your board and compare yourself to others in the <a href="https://hivebuzz.me/ranking" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" title="This link will take you away from hive.blog" class="external_link">Ranking<br /> <sub><em>If you no longer want to receive notifications, reply to this comment with the word <code>STOP

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

That looks like a beautiful trail. Lovely to go for a walk in nature with some friends!

banner.jpg
This post was upvoted by the Nature Lovers Community

What a great hike! But I have to say, I am glad that you took the "safe" route. I hope you all are safe wherever you are. I love the pictures you posted here. You did such a good job capturing the moment. I really do think that going up and down those mountains would be exhausting.

It looks like EVERYONE had fun! Great post!

Awe, this is so so beautiful!! I love the story that you tell us, step by step, also with the pictures. I like your post a lot, and the place clearly is totally beautiful!