Many has already been written about Mt. Minandar. Many beautiful and carefully choreograph pictures have been taken. Many stories of advent have been shared. But none of those compelled me to write this one.
Mountain climbing isn't new to me. In fact, it's becoming a hobby of mine to look for mountains to trek and travel buddies to go with. Coz there's pleasure in seeing natural landscape and scenic view that can never be equated by shopping, fine dine or even watching epic movies. There's more to the experience than reading a piece of a friends own narratives of the same adventure. There's a new breath of life you will only have once you made it to the top.
And so despite being tired and sleepless after facilitating a four day youth camp, I decided to push with our plans of climbing Mt. Minandar. Preparations was made a night before, but still to recuperate with my energy loss, I wasn't able to wake up early. Still we decided to go.
I don't have problems accessing the area thanks to many bloggers and friends who shared their trek stories. We reach the place effortlessly and manage to register very quick. By a friends recommendation we also chose our tour guide. Great choice I must say.
We started the one hour climb. And barely five minutes after we commence our journey, I was already gasping. Fortunately we passed by a house that offers cane for rent. That helps a lot specially during our descending. I struggle intensively. I had to ask my friends to stop from time to time. I couldn't breath.
It was not my first climb, but I can say it was the hardest among all. My whole body felt so heavy every step feels like a penitence. I had to constantly remind myself it was my choice to do this. I drag my friends to this trip so I must continue. But even though I injected a dose of motivations in my head, still it wasn't enough to keep me going. Several times I stopped and contemplated on not pushing through.
It was then when my friends' interventions that metaphorically dragged my feet to go. They argued I needed to keep trying, that I can make it. They stretch a hand for me to hold when it was so tough. They push me to continue with the journey. Coupled with more pep talk, I made it to the second station.
We rested and drank water. It was not advisable to do so. I was hard headed and thirsty, I drank two glasses. The view of the mountain is so enchanting I suddenly regain my energy and will. We decided to take one of the hardest part of the trek. It's an understatement. It the toughest climb ever for me.
Ten steps and I'm back to the thought of going back. This time they drag me literally. But my heart beats so fast. It was thumping heavily. I was so dizzy. Wherever I look, nothing makes sense anymore. Then I told them to go ahead of me. I stood there, in the middle of the trail, under the scorching heat of the sun and reflected. I asked myself how much far I'll go to prove that I can make things happen when I want to. When I look up, they're almost at the top. I wanted that too.
With those thoughts, I lift my legs and started climbing again. I gave my bag to the tour guide to lessen the weight of my body. Five steps. Rest. Five steps. Rest. It felt like the longest walk of my life. And then I made it to the top. I was reunited with my friends.
The view from there overwhelmed me. You can see the shoreline of beaches. On the other side there were aesthetics of trees and hills that would compelled you to gaze and be mesmerize with. And the final treat, the view of clouds almost touching the peak of the mountain. I could stay for hours there doing nothing with satisfaction. Superb.
And in between resting and posing for photographs, I reflected on how much it is essential to surround yourself with people that knows you and whose idea of fun is parallel to yours. My friends' motivation along the way, not just for this experience, are a big factor to why I made it to the finish line despite my fears, hesitations, and struggles. The little things they do, lending me his slippers because mine broke along the way (Fahad), offering a hand to guide me up and down during the trek (Omar), securing we have everything we need during our journey (Jam), and taking pictures of me and with me (all) means so much than just stating it here.
They are few among those people I can say I'll trust my life with. People whom even if you don't get to connect with everyday, will make you confident that nothing will change. People you know who got your back.
My Mt. Minandar trek is more than just the experience. It's a continuous effort to fortify friendship, to get away from monotonous schedule and to spice life.