Mt. Sicapoo/Traverse via Timarid-Simagaysay (2,354 +)

The first day of the presently recommended Sicapoo itinerary tackles the Gasgas river crossings immediately; in a way it is reminscent of the river crossings of Marbel river on an Apo climb via Kidapawan. In the first expeditions, the climb ends with these river crossings. Considering the treacherous nature of the Gasgas River, with over 20 separate crossings, some of which involves strong, chest-deep water, it is really for the best that this is done immediately; before lunch if possible, when the afternoon rains have not yet set in. The blogger has experienced for himself the dangers that a flashflood in this part of the trail can bring. These dangers notwithstanding, there’s some breathtaking scenery involved here, included rock formations along the rivers.

After the Gasgas river crossings, one who take a relatively straightforward trail through tropical forests up to the Saulay campsite. At this point, one would already realize why these mountains are called the “Nothern Cordilleras” – the pine trees and the cool breezes would bring to mind Benguet; indeed the latter parts of the trail have been compared to the traverse of Mt. Ugo. Day 1 ends at the Saulay campsite.

The following day is a long march to Pakpako Campsite, which is already part of the Sicapoo mountain. In the first exploration climb we thought that Pakpako would take no more than half a day but in the succeeding climbs it was found out that several more peaks – and an entire day – would be required before reaching the campsite.

Finally on Day 3, an assault to the very summit of Mt. Sicapoo is possible. The rock formations – including the Penguin – perched on the very roof of Ilocos – greeted the first climbers. Although usually cloud covered, a clearing at the summit would reveal views of nearby mountains such as Agamomota, Kilang, Burnay, Siminublan (some of these have also been explored by One Degree Mountainering Group) as well as the nameless mountains of Apayao, which could someday open the exciting possibility of a Ilocos-Apayao traverse via Sicapoo.

The way down will not bore the climber, as several new sights will be seen, including the twin mountains, Timarid and Simagaysay; the intervening Ugo-like trails between them; in a pine environment that is really very refreshing. Beyond Simagaysay lies the grasslands, some trail-less parts, and finally, One Degree Plateau – so named because of its vast, flat slope, which is so close to the end that one can already celebrate the victory. We described it previously: “‘[One Degree] Plateau’, a vast expanse of elevated pastureland around 300 MASL, scenic for its views of Ilocos Norte and historic for the World War II battles that allegedly took place in its strategic location. A more palpable treat in the Plateau are the duhat trees that provide a delicious trail food as a buena mano in the expedition.” Since the itinerary has been reversed, the duhat would no longer be a buena mano, but a comido de celebracion.

Certainly this mountain is more than enough reason to go to Ilocos! A description of a substantial portion of the trails is part of the Mt. Timarid/Simagaysay entry in PinoyMountaineer. Since a going all the way from Manila to do Timarid/Simagaysay climb would no longer be practical without involving Sicapoo, the former itinerary is somewhat obsolete; it will no longer be modified, but will remain as is to serve as a souvenir of pre-Sicapoo exploration efforts.

ITINERARY

Day 0
1800 From Manila take bus to Laoag (P600)

Day 1
0600 ETA Laoag; Take jeep to Solsona
0700 Register at Solsona Police Station
0745 ETA jumpoff; finalize guides
0800 Start trek / Commence the Gasgas river crossings
1200 End of the river crossing; Lunch
1300 Acend up to Saulay campsite
1700 ETA Saulay campsite / set up camp
1800 Dinner / socials

Day 2
0600 Breakfast / Break camp
0700 Resume trek
1200 ETA Bubuos campsite / Lunch
1300 Resume trek
1700 ETA Pakpako campsie; set up camp
1800 Dinner / socials

Day 3
0500 Commence assault of Mt. Sicapoo
0900 ETA Mt. Sicapoo summit (2354 MASL)
1300 Back at Pakpako campsite / Lunch
1400 Descend to Bubuos campsite
1700 ETA Bubuos campsite / Set up camp
1800 Dinner / socials

Day 4
0500 Trek to Timarid-Simagaysay
1200 Lunch at Mt. Timarid (1402 MASL)
1300 Arrive at Mt. Simagaysay (2354 MASL)
1700 ETA One Degree Plateau, exit to Solsona dam
1900 Back in Laoag; Head back to Manila

PICTURES FROM MT. SICAPOO FIRST ASCENT
Photo credits: One Degree Mountaineering Group

The Gasgas river crossing is perhaps the most treacherous part of the trail; it is also one of the most breathtaking.

Sight of “the Penguin” is the reward that greets the climber who is about to reach Mt. Sicapoo’s summit.

A closer view of “The Penguin”.

Morning view of Mt. Sicapoo, from the Timarid ridges.

Although still steep, the open slopes of Timarid and Simagaysay are refreshing.

SPECIAL CONCERNS
Logistics. PinoyMountaineer endorses the necessity of coordinating with the ONE Degree Mountaineering Group, pioneers of this climb, when making arrangements for Mt. Sicapoo. They do not charge anything for this service, but do it out of love for the mountain. They have issued a a Climb Advisory in February 2011 which ought to be reviewed by everyone who will be climbing the mountain. ODMG can be contacted at onedegreemg@ymail.com.