Chill Trip, Laiya, Batangas, Philippines

I am the adventurous, keep-it-cheap type of traveler.  But once in a while I look for that trip that does not include catching flights or buses, sweeping the sidestreets searching for good cheap food, running around asking for directions to the bus or train stations, or haggling tour prices.  This was that trip.  A weekend inside a resort with the shortest itinerary-- check in, relax, check out.

Trekking at Gulugud-baboy, Batangas, Philippines

I'll take you back a few years. This was my first real mountain hike. I don't really remember much about the climb (because I always mix the memory of it with another similar experience), but what I do remember is how enjoyable a trek is when you're on the trail with your friends. We started the trek well into the afternoon and arrived at the summit in the evening. After a good night's rest, we woke up to greet the sunrise, morning stars and all. The trip down was a cruel reminder of the saying, "what goes up must always come down."

We arrived a bit late, so it became a night trek.

Myself at the summit.

Our camp.  During the night after a bit of rest we had to either find a dung-free spot where our tents could fit or "make" a dung-free spot ourselves.  Did I mention that we had to do that in the dark?

Mr. Cow-- the reason for all the crap. :P

Happy trekkers!

Sunrise at the summit.

A photo right after sunrise.

Photo before leaving.