Mt Iraya Adventure: All or Nothing
February 26, 2011
Fresh from our climb from the highest point of Borneo, Dan & I decided to take on another challenge - the highest point of the Northernmost tip of the Philippines.
Looking at the landscape as I peek through SeAir's Dornier 328, one could not help but be in awe of nature's gift which is Batanes.
Basco Airport Terminal was a sight to behold with it's quaint construction - an artwork in itself, and amidst it all, one can't help but notice the beauty around you. A beauty that is distinctly Batanes.
Looking at the mountain at the end of the tarmac, I was contemplating on how to climb this
beauty - the highest point at 1,009 MASL (3,310 ft) around half the altitude of Mt. Apo (highest in the Philippines). The "mountain of the winds" is a very important landmark for the Ivatans. As we have settled ourselves in Amboy Hometel, where we consider our home in Batanes, we have heared many a story about this landmark.
The next day, after the usual tours, we geared ourselves to climb the mountain.
The climb to Mt. Iraya, whose name was derived from "Inay" according to our guide, Jun, is definitely not for the faint of heart.
If Mt. Kinabalu was Majestic and Challenging, the Mother Mountain which I had lovingly called, was Beautiful and Unforgiving.
The jump off point was a small opening in a forest trail that led us to a semi-open tunnel.
It was interesting to note that carabao sleds pass by this route and, though constant use, it eventually evolved into an interesting entry point that looks like walls caving in on us
The lush forest which characterized the mountain and the uber steep almost non-stop climb made it challenging enough for the both of us.
Approaching the summit, rock formations were used to climb, roots, to support.
Mt. Iraya, being an active volcano, since it's last eruption in 1454, definitely shows activity since, despite the cool mist of fog all around, our guide Jun showed us volcanic vents which emits steam.
One has to be really careful lest one falls - as these vents were situated in unexpected locations.
As one of the Philippine's 22 active volcanoes, we felt honored to be able to have experienced the mountain.
We reached the foggy and windy summit after 2hrs and 15 mins.
Our very able guide Jun, complimented us that it was a record for him as a guide to have clocked at that.
Over all climb was less than 5 hrs.
It was amazing how this mountain has its own lessons to share.
If in Kinabalu, we learned about how little steps count, for Mt. Iraya, it's all or nothing.
No big steps vs. small steps - just a yes or a no.
All or nothing.
Amazing mountain that Mt. Iraya.