Mt. Maculot/Rockies-Summit-Grotto Traverse

It was early in November when I took myself up on a jaunt in the mountains once again. This time, I was in Mt. Maculot in Cuenca, Batangas and like always, it was an awesome experience. :)

Mt. Maculot is known to be one of the mountains best for a dayhike.

The climb to Mt. Maculot strictly requires a guide and a fee. This is due to the recent accident resulting to a death of a mountaineer. 

As we go up the trail, there were stands selling these refreshments (buko juice, halo halo, sodas) for the mountaineers. I think there were 4 of these 'mini-stores'. The amusing thing about it is that the vendors knew each other. They are all related! 

The trail towards the Rockies wasn't that difficult. The rock scrambling I did a few days before this climb made me very prepared for the Rockies ;)

Mt. Taal is seen from the mountain peak, a wonderful treat after all the assualts.

We did not just visit the Rockies of Mt. Maculot, we also made a traverse going to the grotto. 

The traverse was so much fun. One part was too steep for us we had to do rappeling to go further.

When we got to the grotto, the weather wasn't very friendly. Thankfully, the drizzle remained mild so we got to enjoy the traverse.

Going down from the grotto, we climbed down the stairs, passing along the stations of the cross.

Climbing any mountain is always gonna be fun with these people.

Returning down form the mountain, Sir Edward treated us all ng isang kalderong lomi! Yum yum! A bowl of free lomi doesn't get better after a hike like what we had! And the cold weather makes the lomi experience all the more perfect.

(Pero mas masarap lang talaga pag libre :D)

I was once asked how do I de-stress myself and immediately I answered that being one with nature is how I do it. If I would be given more time to explain myself more, I would say that because being one with nature is how I feel much closer to God, to His magnificence and to all the wonder He is capable of giving. That alone removes all the stress in an instant, knowing that in every step of the way, God is with me always.

Thank you Lord for being with me in every hike!

MT. MACULOT

Cuenca, Batangas

Major Jumpoff: Mountaineer's Store, Brgy. 7 "Siete", Cuenca

Exit Point (traverse): Brgy 5 (to Grotto), Cuenca

LA: 13°55 N; 121°2 E; 706 MASL (Rockies) / 930 MASL (Summit) 

days required / Hours to Rockies / summit : 1 day /  2-4 hr 

Specs: Minor, Difficulty 3/9 (Rockies); 4/9 (Traverse) Trail class 1-3. 

Features: Scenic views of Taal Lake, rock formations, forests