We wasted no time and immediately went on our feet once we were done appreciating the view of Mt. Mataripis and resting a bit. The trail to our next destination is rather shrubby, and the grasses are the ones that are either too sharp or the ones with spiky pods that cling hardly on cloth. I should know: I got a lot as Ran used me as a human shield from the spiky shrubs. Pinauna ako eh!

Beyond the shrubs though was breathtaking beauty.

It was still not a walk in the park, but the trail was far easier than the one en route to Mt. Mataripis, at least for the part before the main challenge. We still walked a considerable distance before we finally saw the peak that we were after.

Mt. Batolusong features three peaks, with Rangyas Peak being the tallest standing at 883 MASL. Since we came from the neighboring Mt. Mataripis, it was more convenient for us to start from the highest one then go down, doing a loop instead of an out and back trail.

The sun peeked through the clouds at one point when we were on our way to Rangyas Peak, but we have a feeling that rain would be inevitable. The winds were blowing hard and the sky was becoming darker and darker. We still went forth, as going back is not really an option. We wanted adventure and we got a real one.

The way to the peak itself was actually an adventure already by itself. One has to use a rope anchored on the top of the peak to get at the top. Add the rain and strong winds to the equation and the challenge is on!

Nauna si Ran, so I get to take photos from below.

As soon as Ran reached the top, it was my turn and he got to take photos from the top. I must say, he really did a great job capturing my climbing moment. Mas dramatic kasi mula sa itaas kaysa ‘yung nakatingala ako mula sa ibaba habang umaakyat s’ya.

Malakas ang hangin at basa ang daan, hence the climb using the rope was extra challenging. When we both reached the top where the rope was fastened, a short break was in order.

Just a little more walk from where we rested stands the the Rangyas Peak marker. Just as soon as we reached the marker though, the winds started to howl and the clouds that have been forming heavily above us unleashed a very heavy downpour. It was zero visibility when we were at the peak of Mt. Batolusong, and there was nowhere to go for cover. Thankfully, our backpacks were water resistant and were able to withstand the wet deluge.

Lacking in sleep, tired and wet, but Mt. Batolusong gave us an adventure that we will never forget. We enjoyed a lot, so much so that it is not over yet.

Rangyas Peak, though the highest and most challenging of all the peaks of Mt. Batolusong, is not our last stop. No, we are just not done yet.

Two more peaks to go!