Mt. Pico de Loro Traverse

PICO DE LORO

Maragondon, Cavite and Nasugbu, Batangas 

Major jump-off: Magnetic Hill, Ternate, Cavite

Minor jump-off: Ternate-Nasugbu Highway, Nasugbu, Batangas

LLA: 14° 12.855 N; 120° 38.785 E; 664 MASL

Days required / Hours to summit: 1-2 days / 2-5 hours

Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3

Features: Distinctive spire at the summit, forests, scenic views of Cavite

(Source: www.pinoymountaineer.com)

Pico de Loro will always be a special mountain for me. Although it seems that every mountain I conquered became special. They all have a story.

My fascination for mountain started last 2011. It's a hobby I "accidentally" discovered. That same year, to celebrate my birthday, I organized a birthday climb at Pico de Loro together with my friends from my former office. After that, I was not able to climb any mountain for 2 years (2012-2013). I received invites that I declined for different reasons.

At DENR office.

Last February, finally,I was back on trail. We met at Coastal Mall terminal and rode a bus going to Naic, Cavite and a tricycle going to DENR (P75/person) where we register (P25/person). The DENR office is also a sari-sari store.

Before 7 in the morning and after some stretching and a prayer, we start our trek. After 2 years that I wasn't able to climb, I expect that I will get tired easily but unlike my previous climb, I guess I'm a lot prepared now.

We reached the campsite before 12 in the afternoon and took our early lunch. We rest for a while before we continue our trek to the summit. Though it's not my first time to do it, I am still afraid because it is steep.

Parrot's Beak and the Summit

View :)

Aside from the summit, another challenge is to climb the Parrot's Beak/Rock Tower/Monolith. When I saw the way up, I told them that I will just stay and will not climb the rock tower. After some persuasion, I just saw myself holding the rope and I'm on my way up :).

Two thumbs up after :)

With Dirty Trekkers

Descent

We decided to take a traverse. The way down is also steep. Our trek ended around 4 in the afternoon. Too bad we don't know the way to the waterfalls. We'll come back for sure. :)