Hello, Hive!
This is a continuation of my previous post where I describe the two faces of Tres Marias. You've already seen the rough and tough side of its trails, now it's time I take you to its muted and otherworldly side.
We woke up early on our second day to cook breakfast and prepare ourselves for the morning assault. Everyone was in high spirit since we're finally climbing Mt. Naliwatan, the highest of the three peaks of Tres Marias at 1325 MASL. Fortunately, we didn't have to carry our heavy backpacks to the summit. We just brought water, trail food and emergency kits with us instead.
The hike started on an easy trail, flat and ground level. There was no other sound save for the tweets of birds and the rustle of foliage as our feet touch the ground. We did talk when a certain topic (or joke) arise but mostly, we were just happily content imbibing the silence. It was like music to our ears.
Soon, the trail became steeper. As we climbed higher, the surrounding also changed almost instantly. We entered into a mossy forest blanketed by ethereal mists. And my eyes feasted on this poetic scene.
As the sun's rays pierced through the canopies, the beauty of the trail was even more highlighted. Thick layers of moss covered the forest floor, hugging nearly every tree we passed by. This lush greens combined with the grayish-white mist, the crisp morning air, the muted sound, and the sunshine, make up a theatrical experience in nature. Like a strange combination of mystery and beauty.
After almost an hour of hiking, we were finally nearing our goal. But what caught my attention first was the tree-lined trail going to the very end of the summit. The moss-cloaked trees that seemed to form a letter A made me imagine of an entrance to a magical place. Being a very unique feature, my friends and I took turns snapping photos with it.
The summit of Mt. Naliwatan is unlike most mountains that will offer you a 360-degree panoramic view right away. You have to work for it. Meaning, you have to climb one by one on top of a tree to see the overlooking view.
Unluckily for us, the mists never left our side. We had zero visibility. But despite the strong gust of wind and a white background, we perched atop the iconic tree branches.
After taking solo and group pictures, we decided to trace our steps back to the campsite. We packed our bags and readied ourselves for another day of fording rivers and streams. Yesterday's ascent became today's steady descent.
With the weekend escape coming to an end, we trekked our way back to the jump-off point. From yesterday’s ascent, we embarked on a steady descent. Yet, I could say with a smile that it was fun while it lasted. 😊
To read the first part of our adventure, click the link below:
Two faces of Tres Marias: Rivers and waterfalls, rocks and boulders
Maria is a hopeless romantic who travels in pages and places. She is an INFP who loves sunrises and moonlight nights and reading books in between. On weekdays, she works for a self-publishing company as a copywriter. On weekends, she lives her life as a poet or hiker. She hopes to share her love for words and the world with you here on HIVE.
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