Mt. Pinatubo, ‘08 Akyat Pinatubo

I was invited to join her in her climb t Mt. Pinatubo, along with other travel photographers and back-packers. Never have I tried hiking before, so I did not really know what to expect.

The trip turned out to be more than an adventure for us. It was a reuniting moment with nature, clicking practice for me and my camera, and a test of endurance for the long hours of hike.

The adventure started off with a one-hour off road trip via 4×4 trucks. It was still early in the morning, the sunlight gave the best hue to every subject you can see around. Perfect time to get my camera clicking.

After a very bumby ride on our way to the foot of the volcano, we were warned ehem told to to brace ourselves for the hike. Some prayed with their groups, some stretched and warmed themselves up, but me and W took a leak instead.

Then the hike began. Not more than a minute after the start, I got sand and small stones in my sandals already. They were there the whole time. But it made me feel and appreciate the hike more.

As we reached the crater of the famous volcano, I have to admit, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. The view was breath-taking. The colors and the details of the mountain were very intricate. The lake that settled in its crater gave a cool breeze to the scenic picture. Everything was perfect. You can’t help but to take a second look everytime you remove your eyes at her.

Before we went down, the rain poured hard as if welcoming and blessing us with her grace.

Seriously, the whole experience is more than real. It is beyond words. If I am given the chance to do it all over again, I’ll definitely do it. Bring the same stuff, take W with me again, invite the same group of fun people, and tackle the challenge head first.

Thanks to The Travel Factor for giving opportunities to back-packers, photographers and travelers to see the wonders of our country. If you have a Multiply page, add them up: thetravelfactor.multiply.com