SENIOR BYAHERO
Self-contained. That was how I was trained as a mountaineer. Although mountaineering means technical climbing, we considered ourselves mountaineers because we simply climb mountains. In those early days of climbing, we learned to be self-reliant. Our backpacks practically contained all the essential things we need for trekking and for camping. In those days, you were judged by the size of your backpack.
Mountaineering taught us many things. We learned to pack properly. Lighter stuff like sleeping bags and clothes at the bottom of the backpack, heavy stuff like stoves, tents and food in the middle, and snacks, first aid kits, maps, toiletries, and rain jackets on top. We learned to train our body, mind, and spirit to get ready for a climb. We learned to preserve nature through the “leave no trace” principle. We learned about the basic camp etiquette of keeping the noise down, and of turning the lights off by 10 p.m. so that everybody can get a good rest. Above all, mountaineering taught me about humility, self-preservation, trust, and discipline.
It has brought me to some of the most beautiful peaks in the country: Pulag, Banahaw, Makiling, Pico de Loro and many more. There is no greater joy than seeing the summit after trekking for hours. The sight of the campsite always takes away the tiredness, the pain, the thirst you felt while climbing. The camp is where you find solace, where you can finally rest, get a hot meal, and sleep under a million stars.
River Ranch camp in Tanay
When I was younger, I could carry at least 20 kilos on my backpack and trek for many kilometers while carrying those heavy loads. But age has its way of slowing us down. I soon learned to lighten my backpack, carrying only the necessities when climbing. I shifted to quick dry clothes, lighter sleeping bags, lightweight tents, chamois cloth as towel to lighten the weight. Meals changed to canned goods and bread so that I need not bring my cook set. When I could no longer carry my backpack while trekking, I hired a porter. The important thing is that I reach the campsite and see my stars at night.
Bonfire at the camp
As I grew older, climbing mountains became a challenge. I still have the will, but not the youthful stamina to do so. And so, I went camping by the beach, by the river, by the lake, or anywhere I can get close to nature and watch the beautiful sunrise after a good night’s rest. I went to Caramoan, Kalanggaman, Balabac, and even Pagudpud with my backpack. It was fine in the beginning until people with no mountaineering discipline started trooping to these campsites. Suddenly, there were videokes, heavy drinking and loud noises all night long that it was difficult to have peace and quiet that I came for. It was time to retire my tent and my backpack.
Then I got invited to go car camping. I was a bit apprehensive joining one because I was afraid that there will still be videokes and loud noises all night long. I was wrong. The crowd I met were mostly of retired mountaineers like me who brought their families and friends to experience the pleasure of the outdoors. It was a natural progression in an adventurers’ life of continuing what you love doing most and not letting your physical barriers from preventing you to pursue such.
Early morning at River Ranch camp
The car, or better yet, the SUV, allows you to load as many family members and camping equipment as possible, unlike mountaineering where you cannot take your loved ones, and carry only enough camping gear in your backpack. The car can now take you directly to the campsite instead of trekking for many kilometers, where you only need to set up camp, and just chill out the rest of the days.
I also saw how car camping is bringing families together to enjoy the outdoors. I saw how young campers left their mobile phones for a change (because there is no signal anyway) and playing in the river. Moms and dads cooking barbecues and grandparents sitting quietly beside the river and enjoying the view of the sunset.
When darkness seeped in, the dozens of campers started having their dinners quietly. There was still drinking but mostly wine. There was no videoke. After dinner, many gathered around bonfires. We were invited to one by our neighbor camper. The talk around the camp fire went from politics to cars to past adventures.
By half past 10, I bid my new friends good night and climbed the roof tent on the Isuzu DMAX. I brought my old reliable tent to the camp but I could not let the opportunity to try the new roof tent with padded sleeping mat pass by. I could not sleep although I was tired. I missed my old tent. I opened the door of the tent so that I could stare at the sky. A million stars lulled me to sleep.
(The author recently retired as an engineer in an auto manufacturing company. He used to be a regular contributor to MB's Cruising Magazine. His taste for adventure has not kept him from travelling, usually via not-so-usual routes.)