Hiking has been my greatest form of exercise. It is my way of finding and recharging my inner peace. It always makes me feel more alive especially when I do it in the beautiful landscapes of the countryside. So I always grab the chance to hike whenever I have.
Last weekend, I had the chance again to hike and explore and connect to nature. But this time it's more fun and meaningful as I was able to experience it with my friends/colleagues and now my Hive sisters, 
The day of the Hike.
The call time was 6:00 AM. We agreed to meet at Sitio Campitlok Corner Street where we would begin our hike. It was Ma'am Jo who arrived at the meeting place first and was worried about where Ma'am Marfe was since we thought she arrived as early as 5:30 AM but there was no sign of Maam Marfe in the place!, while, I was 15 minutes late because I had a hard time catching a bus going to the place. However, despite our failure to synchronize our time, we were all happy when we finally saw each other complete and were all set for a hike and climb!
We started hiking in a rough narrow road surrounded by fields filled with sugarcane. We were so lucky to experience the morning sunshine rich in Vitamin D on our skin. It was a perfect time to hike with the perfect company.
We passed the road with coconut trees standing proudly adorning the street side. Sitio Campitlok is abundant with grasslands too where goats graze leisurely along the roadside.
I've never been to Campitlok so I was surprised to meet several locals coming out from the foot of the mountain. We politely greeted them while they also asked where were we heading and they gladly taught us the direction.
Greeting random locals and exchanging smiles with them very early in the morning brought warmth to my heart because it's not all the time that I see rays of sunshine on someone's face.
Aside from the lovely smiles of the locals, another majestic view that keep our eyes glued to only one direction was the verdant Mountain of Kamptilok which appears bigger and clearer as we keep moving forward. It was so serene to look at. I felt the tranquility and soothing ambiance it evoke as we were slowly approaching it.
The not-so-long refreshing hike on the ground is finally over and it's about time to start our climb. I filled my lungs with air as we start ascending.
The climb was actually light and convenient. The paths are clean and seem to have been frequented by people every day. I was wondering what beauty it beholds up above for the paths to be well-trodden like this. People must love this mountain to keep coming back!
Not too long, I saw stairs in the steep areas and some cemented sides of the path. Now I have doubts, it might be locals are living on top of the mountain. And yes I wasn't mistaken. We meet two students making their way down going to the school. This made me even more excited to see what's at its peak!
In less than an hour, we finally arrived at our destination, the Peak of Mt. Campitlok.!
(Long Pause . . .)
Inhale . . . Exhale . . .
It was such a breathtaking panoramic view!
My eyes couldn't just focus on one view because everything in front of it was awe-inspiring! I was speechless as I gazed at the sweeping views of the green lands stretching out in all directions. It's like an ocean of green! The big trees appeared like green cotton while the field appeared like a soft green carpet.
Standing on top I couldn't stop myself not to admire the lush green vegetation that extends and meets the sea and the horizon.
The peak.
The humble peak of this mountain is also a masterpiece. Its rugged and sharp rocks added magnificence to its beauty. I was also amazed at that one single tree that grew on the rock. For me, it symbolizes strength and life itself.
When I looked at the back part of the mountain facing the east, all I saw are the lush rolling hills of the town, and to the north part are the roof of the houses living on top of the peak. This must be very peaceful living here!
We settled down on the rocks and eat our snacks, feeling the presence of nature before us. I felt the pure bliss of the gifts of this panoramic view. It left me breathless and at the same time humbled by how huge and wide the world is.
We spent our time talking and at the same filled our inner being of the serenity and tranquility of the mountain. We talked about life, friendship, work, and Hive! We could spend our whole day there talking and watching the view!
As much as we wanted to stay up there, we had to go down before Mr. Sun spread its blazing heat.
I felt a deep sense of fulfillment ad serenity as I connect myself to nature. I am also grateful to have experienced the beauty of Mt. Kampitlok together with my colleagues. Nature has left me in awe again!
That's it for our beautiful adventure to Mt.Kampitlok. Thank you so much for reading! I wish you all safe and well always.
Don't forget to smile often!馃馃槏
To more hikes!
