Not Getting (too) Lost at the 3rd MIT-MC Orienteering Competition

Friday - Two days into the event, my original teammate told me he can't join the race. I had to scramble and find an alternate, but actually I only had one person in mind. Daddy-o was my partner almost seven years ago in the second run of this competition, which we didn't finish because of a misread in the map (it still stings from time to time). This would be a perfect chance to redeem ourselves. Daddy-o was initially reluctant but said yes anyway.

Team Lagalag-UPM (photo: MIT-MC)

Sunday - It was a cold morning. The roads are wet, so there's a big chance that the race course would be muddy. The starting line was at the Base Kamp Riders Pit Stop. A lot of new faces and some veteran racers were there. A number of UPM members and applicants were waiting for Thumbie so they can start with their test run. It was a cold but festive atmosphere. Ein basked in the delight of her new fans.

Ein the Orienteering Dog (photo: MIT-MC)

2015 Going To 2016

Happy new year, guys! More than a month has passed since I last wrote here. What can I say? A cluttered mind is not good for blogging.

To save us all the trouble of backtracking, here's a summary of all the things that happened since the last post.

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We've been back to Manila for almost a month now, and things have been extremely hectic. My storytelling is sidelined by tons of things to do. But it will definitely resume next week!

In the meantime, I'd like to invite you all to our upcoming talk series about Nepal. The first one will happen tomorrow (Thursday, 10 November) in R.O.X. Bonifacio High Street.

Our friend and outfitter, Dawa Sherpa of Dream Himalaya Adventure, will be sharing valuable insights on how you can start with your dream trip to Nepal. Tips and tricks that only a seasoned tour organizer can provide. The talk starts at 7:30 PM. I might also share some of our experiences during the presentation.

The next leg will be on Monday, 14 December at Lagalag Store in SM City North EDSA.

We hope to see you all there!

[#AmaDablamTour Day 12] Kala Patthar and Mt. Everest

It was another early morning for us. The earliest, so far. At 430am, we're warmed up and ready to go up Kala Patthar (black rock, in Sherpa language). Only Marie decided to go to EBC (after weighing her options). 

The sky was clear, stars unhindered in their brightness. Venus and Jupiter just above Nuptse. The north star right on top of Pumori. I regret not bringing a good enough camera capable of long exposure. I have to content myself with the mental picture; hoping my memory can hold it forever.

The objective is to get up the black rock before sunrise. It's not the best sunrise in the world, but somehow, catching the first rays as the sun finally surpasses Nuptse's pinnacle can be spiritual. My reason was more practical: to get a time-lapse video for Henry's project.

The steady uphill can be taxing, unless you manage your pace and breathing. Getting to the top on your own sweet time, and not race the person ahead.

Several miscalculations on when the sun will finally breach almost drained my gopro's battery. Luckily there was still enough juice when it finally did.

Sun finally peeking out of Nuptse.

[#AmaDablamTour, Day 11] Gorak Shep

I was awoken by Miko early in the morning. Their hike was supposed to start by 7am. But it wasn't like I was sound asleep. In fact I slept terribly last night. This is the part of the trip that I feel I won't really get used to. I need some humidity in my lungs.

Frosty morning. Missing the girls.

The three of us (me, Henry and Romi) took our time to get ready. We were on our way by 9. It was still close to freezing temps even if the sun was out. So it seems to call for warmer trekking clothing. I regretted the decision 30 minutes into the hike. When the wind died down, the heat became unbearable.  While I managed to take off some top layers, my legs were uncomfortable with the thermal bottoms.

Nuptse from Lobuche