Mt. Pico de Loro

To start off, let me manage your expectations. This blog is not a mountaineering blog, nor a travel blog so don't expect me to hand over itineraries and whatnot. I am just a happy hitch hiker who goes from one adventure to the next without thinking things through. So don't expect much from me. haha! To put it simply, this blog is where I dump off random brain farts accompanied by three pictures I shot. Kaya nga count-to-three title ng blog na to e. hahaha!

I know you're bored. Why else would you be here? So let me waste some of your time once more. Let me present to you: In Photos - Mt. Pico de Loro!

Pico de Loro or Parrot's Peak can be found in Ternate Cavite. It is about 660 meters above sea level, which can take you about 6 to 8 hours to the summit and back if you are planning to do a dayhike. Story goes that Spanish Galleons passing to and from the Manila Bay noticed this stickin-like-sore-thumb of a mountain that looks like a parrot's beak waiting to be fed with a gigantic earth worm by its equally gigantic momma parrot.  

Look at that. I really think something's fishy here. I think a Parrot Super
Mega Zord is hidden there waiting to be called by a Power Ranger.

Well, clearly those Spaniards haven't seen Power Rangers yet. If I had the luxury of discovering this before them, I'd call this the Mt. Hyper Mega Zord Parrot of Doom! haha! Anyway, I think they were equally enchanted as I am upon seeing this treasure of a mountain. You'll eventually reach this spot about 3 to 4 hours into the hike. Never forget to go to this spot where I took this shot. This is where the perspective is perfect. Campers set their tents on the area behind where I stood to watch in awe upon capturing this sight. Imagine waking up in the morning and seeing this helluva sight while making your morning pee! haha!

Do you see that lower beak? Well, they call it the Parrot's Beak - obviously. Your climb to Pico de Loro won't be complete if you don't experience climbing that. 

....But first, be prepared to be scared the shit out of you:

Yes. That's a nylon rope tied up to God knows where.
And yes, one small slip and you'll go plunging down the forest below. 

Pretty much not all who goes up Mt. Pico de Loro pushes through with parrot beak-ing. First, you must muster the courage to do so. Second, as much as possible you must have a guide. And lastly, oh God that fear of heights! I'll let you in a secret - heights scare the shit out of me! Having this fear of heights, I really don't know why I keep on doing these kinds of madness. hahaha!

Anyway, if you were able to overcome those three that I mentioned, be prepared for this reward:

Looks pretty cool, doesn't it? 

Nothing beats conquering your fears and opening yourself to wide array of opportunities and the beauty of nature - and life. This is true both for mountaineering and life in general. Open your mind, but always keep in mind to do calculated risks at all times. Do not rush into things rashly.

Always, always remember: The best things in life are just right there, waiting outside your comfort zone. Plus of course, that Parrot Super Mega Zord. I know it's there somewhere. haha!

Rakenrol.