Finally reached the Beautiful Peak of Caurasan!

The memory and the sensation I felt were still vivid from my last encounter with the clouds of Caurasan - my first attempt to reach its peak. Even though my first try at climbing its peak was doomed to failure, however, I had the most unforgettable and ethereal experience when suddenly at that time everything turned to a heavenly feeling of dense clouds that we could no longer see where we were heading, making us quit and not pursue the peak any longer. I was heartbroken at that time (lol) thinking that I’d no longer have the chance to see it, however, one astonishing morning I found myself finally standing at its peak. Finally Caurasan!

The Peak of Caurasan

Nestled in the secluded area of the town of Carmen, surrounded by the majestic highlands of its neighboring towns, lies a small barangay called Caurasan which has a hidden peak where one can access the beautiful panoramic view of the town of Carmen. The Peak has gained attention during the COVID-19 pandemic when people go to the mountains for refuge and solace. Since then, nature lovers, hikers, and the like have been in pursuit of finding this peak to witness the magnificent view this town offers.

Though the peak is not that hard and high to climb compared to the famous mountains of my country, it may be distant in terms of rating, but in all fairness, the view and experience it offers defy any measure of comparison. In fact, it was one of my best and most wonderful adventures in the mountains

So what are we waiting for, Taraaa?
Lezz gooo!!!

We embarked on our journey going to the peak one beautiful weekend. It was a two-hour drive to the mountains. A flashback of sceneries flooded me as I passed this route once again going to Caurasan. Along the way, I was praying that hopefully, we would have a "clearing" and the magnificent beauty of the mountains would be revealed before our eyes this time. And thank goodness, the heaven answered my prayer.

The beautiful view

One of the renowned peaks of Caurasan is the so-called "Into Heights". This peak was the destination I ever wanted when I first came to Caurasan, and I'll tell you this peak is one of the easiest peaks to conquer requiring only a 15-minute chill hike from the drop-off point, yet providing a view that felt like an"additional 15 years" of my life. Haha! I had a super wonderful feeling and the best "ME TIME" I could ever ask for.

I was enjoying my time while owning the whole world when I spotted a peak in the corner of my right eye. The Peak was inviting and I could hear it calling me! And so without a doubt, I together with my buddies embarked on this new adventure, climbing another Peak of Caurasan.

Going Up!

Sinnce the peak doesn't have a name, we'll call the peak - "C1 Peak" in this blog. C1 Peak, because I plan on coming back and climbing another peak that we will soon call C2 and C3. Haha! Kidding aside, so here we go.😎

From Into Heights Peak, we excitedly started our hike going to C1 Peak. From my peripheral vision, this climb would be so exciting and adventurous as we would be the ones to find and discover our path to reaching the peak. The lush greeneries at the foot of the peak offered a promising view of abundant flora and fauna that I started to imagine along the way.

And indeed along the way, we encountered creatures and wild plants that exist in cold and lush places like this. I was even reminded of my climb to Mt, Kapayas, a protected forest in Northern Cebu who similarly a shelter and a home to these beautiful creations.

It's a trap!

The path we embarked on was not rocky and slippery but it imposed a challenge of vines scattered everywhere. We were cautious and keen on every step we took as the vines camouflaged the whole environment.

Most of the vines have spines around them while others appeared harmless yet threatening as they seemed ready to tie us for disturbing and trespassing their kingdom. Thank goodness I was unharmed but my student turned into one of my hiking buddies @kaijen got some bruises on his arms and wrist.

After numerous turns, steps, twists, and ouches! we triumphantly reached the Peak! Yeeaaayyyy!!!

A Nest on Peak and the Magnificent View!

The most thrilling part of our climb was reaching C1's peak, why? because before we could totally reach the giant peak made of rocks we had to walk through the thick vines invading the whole peak. The peak was not like a walk in the park as I imagined because this time instead of walking beneath the vines we have to walk above the vines! As in, it's literally stepping on the vines which we couldn't see what was underneath it!

Angelo tried stepping on it first to test if it could carry his weight and the rest of us! With his lead, we followed slowly. I was holding the vines with my life! I was freaking nervous which I just hid in my laughter. My legs were shaking unsure if the vines could support my weight! And thank goodness it did!

When I started to get to know somehow the vines, I now enjoy every time I stepped on it. It felt a little bouncy and It felt like the whole vine was a nest providing shelter and protection for us on top of the peak! When I felt the assurance that the vines were strong and sturdy, I made myself comfortable standing and sitting on top of it. So this is what it feels like to be a bird on top of its nest! Twit! Twit!

After the "vines part", I moved slowly to C1's Peak which before my eyes was the beautiful and stunning view on top! The whole surrounding was silent and oh so refreshing! I could only hear the soft whispers of the winds and the rustling of the leaves. The unending stretch of the mountains provides tranquility, more than enough to soothe my soul.

I was silent, speechless, and in awe of the beautiful view of Caurasan! Finally! Finally!