Eddet River » Refreshing Stop on Your Way to Mt. Pulag

{Part II of the series Mt. Pulag via Akiki-Ambangeg Trail » Odyssey to the Playground of the Gods}

Although the trail sign at the Kabayan jump-off seemed to warn us that this route is difficult, I felt the world had opened wide again and this climb seemed filled with possibilities. I whimpered at the excitement when we started the trek, all the while nursing a secret exhilaration.

After registration and a quick lunch we left the DENR headquarters. We passed by few houses and some children coyly looking at their windows. As what mountaineers usually do, we gave them some of our trail food. Their smiles, as a way of thanks, instantly warmed our hearts – just what we need on that freezing weather.  

Yodi enjoying the initial part of the Akiki Trail

Our group on initial trekking the easy part of the Akiki trail  

I still have that excitement during our initial trek, thus I find it relaxing although we are already gaining altitude. The rolling hills covered with green grass, occasionally teasing fog and pine-tree covered distant mountains were an instant treat.

One of the Kabayan burial caves along the Akiki Trail

Along the trail, we passed by one of the Kabayan burial caves showing human skulls and bones. The Ibaloi people of Benguet Province, considers the Kabayan caves to be sacred territory and still performs rituals in the area so we just took a snapshot and didn't bother exploring the cave as a sign of respect.

Akiki trail passing a scenic slope

After few hours of trekking just when the sun was about to set, I heard the refreshing symphony of a rushing river together with the chorus of wild birds looking for a branch to spend the night. We have reached our first camp site – the romantic Eddet River.

Refreshing mini-falls of the Eddet River

“Try to have a good night’s sleep because tomorrow is our main event,” our trail master told us while pointing at the visible 70 to 80 degrees assault trail just across the river. “Are we really going to climb that?” I blurted out, though knowing that there’s no turning back.

Picturesque scenes of clouds, mountains and vegetation - a common treat for mountaineers

It soon started raining so we immediately pitched our tents and prepared our dinner. This is also our only chance to wash up; hence, despite the freezing water we took a quick bath at the river. Given a chance to choose a river for a baptism, I want it here. Everything is so calm, so serene and peaceful.

The sweet rain soon stopped and the skies magically cleared up before we sleep. I zipped out our tent to get a glimpse of the star-filled skies. The amazing soft twinkling lights instantly calmed my senses while the lullaby of the mountain’s nocturnal insects lulled me to sleep.       

  

_________________________ 
Read other parts of this series:

• Mt. Pulag via Akiki-Ambangeg Trail » Odyssey to the Playground of the Gods 
    » En Route to the Marlboro Country of Benguet
    » Chasing Magic at the Enchanting Mossy Forest of Mt. Pulag
    » Grasping For Heaven » Through the Freezing Montane Shrubland and  Up to The Peak of Mt. Pulag

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