The World of Mountaineering

I climb mountains for sport. My friend talked me into it a few years back and at first I was like, "What? It's a man thing!" I imagined the symptoms of dehydration, filthy, sweaty shirts, bulky backpacks, muddy shoes and bruised elbows and knees...

Well, that holds true because that's what I experience whenever I climb. Back then, we were all first timers, all so psyched to go mountain climbing that we were "over prepared in a wrong way". Meaning, we brought things that are not needed up in the mountains and we missed bringing the essentials. Imagine, I brought a bottle of lotion, make up kit and the works! And I wore plain, flat sandals instead of hiking boots thinking we'll just walk the whole day. Well yes, we did A LOT of walking. On assault. Shoot, and my paperbag was on the verge of tearing. (yeah, I also had that aside from my small backpack) Bummer.

It's also very different when you're up in the mountains. From the way we dress up, (no jeans allowed!) the jargons, (mountaineers usually make it a point to greet each other with the honorific "Ma'am/Sir" when meeting on the trails) the kind of foods we eat (usually canned or pre-packed. Unless someone brought a cook set). Pretty interesting right?

One other thing. So, how do you do it on the mountains? Brace for the inevitable: there are no toilets in the mountains and there is no other way but do it the old-fashioned way. I understand that this can be quite uncomfortable for some, (even for me at first) but people just get used to it. Anyway, first climbs are usually daytrips and even overnight trips that do not actually require you to mind this concern. At least not yet in my case. My digestive system go into hybernating mode whenever I'm up in the mountains. But girls have a habit to pee a lot. As long as there are tall shrubs and a malong- the traditional "tube skirt" as a cover up, then we'll be just fine.

It's funny as I look back how novice I was. I still consider myself as a beginner of course but I'm proud of what I accomplished. Each mountain that I braved to climb and coming back in one piece is such a sweet deed for me. I experienced a lot of blunders along the way but heck, we go through that one way or another.

Mountaineering has taken me from Zamba, and from the most part of Southern Tagalog and it has made me love my country more, having seen the best of its natural wonders; having gazed on its peaceful towns from its roofs and ceiling; having interacted with its people.

Personally, I tell you: it is all worth it. Whatever expenses you incur, or difficult training you undergo; it is worth it: it is not just the beauty of the views, but the challenge of the trails; the camaraderie of like-minded individuals; and the sheer tranquility of nature that you will count. And of course, mountaineering is a sport, a social activity - relaxation and exertion - at the same time. Enjoy and see you at the summit!:)