Mountain in my Backyard!

Gulugod Baboy is the local term for pig's back. It suggests that the mountain is not that big. This mountain is located in my municipality but i went there last when i was in Grade 4. With the advent of blogging, facebook, etc I realized that many people even from the cities like Metro Manila go there during holidays, especially during Easter. Maybe it is a good practice for mountain climbing beginners, as there are different trails going to the peak. The area looks like a toungue protruding from the mainland, or a peninsula-like structure, with the sea around it except at the base of the "toungue". Resorts and scuba diving establishments abound at the foot of the mountain along the beaches. Its waters are famous for marine biodiversity and ecoparks. It is 3-4 hours by car from Manila and will be shorter when the newly constructed extension of the South Luzon Expressway will be opened.

After decades since my first visit, I went there again for two consecutive Saturdays. The first was before sunset with my 11 yr-old nephew, the 2nd  was sunrise with my sister, same nephew and our old dog, Jopet. When i was a kid there were still tall grasses, that  prevent me from seeing the view beyond. We still have to part the weeds so we can get through. Today, it is overly grazed by cattle that at summertime it looks like a bald head.

I will share with you my finds. This can be more meaningful for people here who can relate to our environment and climate. But this can also be new or unusual to people of the temperate climates, whose vegetation or environments are totally different from ours.

I.  The Afternoon Visit:

eastward overlooking the Batangas Bay, Batangas City is at the other side of the bay

Peak 1 or Pinagbanderahan or Tore (meaning 'where the flag was raised' or the Tower)

Peak 3, Summit the highest peak, the ridge going there is the back of the pig where it got its name

Calatagan Bay on the West side, famous for scuba diving, snorkelling, is also site for windsurfing when waters are rough

II. The Morning Visit

Allen exploring a more difficult way to the top! This i cannot try with him.

On view are Maricaban and Isla Sombrero Islands, while at the background is tip of Mindoro Island province. Campers getting ready to go home

The background peak is Mt Makulot in Cuenca, Batangas

 the same Mt Makulot

I dedicate this post to my childhood playmate, Ligaya (meaning Joy or Happiness), who migrated to Miami, Florida years ago! We just found each other again via the www lately and renewing our bond by reminiscing our ways when we were children. I am sure she missed our place very much, and this will put some water into her eyes!

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Thanks to A Southern Daydreamer for hosting the Outdoor Wednesday here: 

or: http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/2010/06/69-outdoor-wednesday