Hiking matters #119: Blogging live from Mt. Kalawitan after a successful summit bid!

APA CAMPSITE, MT. KALAWITAN (1195 MASL) – I am back in Apa campsite after a successful climb up Mt. Kalawitan, the fourth highest mountain in Luzon (after Pulag, Tabayoc, and Timbac). I joined a group of Swiss hikers: Helen, Philippe, Mia, Carol; and three guides from Sabangan accompanied us: Roger, Jerry, and Chester. It was a very nice experience! Thanks to Rolf and Pia, Swiss volunteers in Sabangan, for organizing the Mt. Kalawitan service together with the people of the town.

On the way up I saw the wide expanse of Halsema highroad, like a river; I also saw Tirad Peak, distant but unmistakable. Finally, the mountains of Ifugao and Mountain Province also came to view, and I suspect having seen Mt. Napulauan (though I have to verify this). Importantly, Kalawitan’s summit has dwarf bamboo like the one in Pulag!

Anyway this is the first time I’m blogging from the campsite so you will excuse the brevity! Signal has been sporadic. I will blog more tomorrow when I get to Sagada or Baguio. Nonetheless, I think God for providing us with good weather today!