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RE: Mt. Madjaas: The aches, the heartaches and the steps we didn't take

This is one tough climb. I remember when we had attended the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines Inc Annual National Congress held in Antique back in 2017 I guess or 2018, I had been unfortunate to be one of those guys not being able to summit the grand Mt. Madjaas, my first ever major climb after a long hiatus. Good that you were able to do the Flores trail, at the fed, we did the Alojipan trail. I had been injured too ( aside from lack of practice, but things happen beyond my control), and had to endure infected wounds coming back to the city after the fed event. It was the toughest I had experienced, as we had to take the long trail going to the summit and had to do an emergency camp on Day 1 6 hours away from the Summit. The mountain has its own sub climate and ecosystem that humbles every human who dared to walk on its trails. I am just fortunate that I met friends who became families and had urged me to still challenge myself even if I am in an unsure situation. I am just happy that even if I haven't summited the mountain, I had already seen its glory and vastness from where I stand. Yep, blood leeches are a plenty!

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Wow. You also had a challenging time in Mt. Madjaas. But happy to know that a lot good of came out of that experience. It's not only about reaching the summit they say, it's about the journey. Cheers to us 😊

Yes, cheers to us! I had to challenge myself with that climb, considering I had a long hiatus. We were using the old mountaineer's trail, as with the usual tradition of the fed climb. I remember, before we reached Hanggud Tubig (I Think), my right knee bashed on a boulder so I sustained a big bruise and a bump, then when we were on the longest forest line before the ridges, I had been stuck by a sharp branch on my left leg (resulting on a bloody cut) even before we exited the forest line with that centuries old trees that look like a portal. Anyhoo, I was still able to see the glimpse of the summit (albeit not so close, but kinda there). My guide, the sweeper Manong Jelly, was kind enough to get me through the ordeal by diverting my already anxious and panicking self. Well, after 3 days up there, I made it down to the JOP at the Brgy Hall of Alojipan (where the trail head starts). I was more than exhausted, mentally and physically. I was feeling that the majestic mountain had a lot of secrets that we had seen and experienced, but definitely WORTH another VISIT.