The previous week-end was all about trail running.
After our breathtaking test run of the Salomon X-Trail route at Camilo Coast-Pico De Loro in Nasugbu, Batangas last Saturday, me and trail running buddy June Santiago did a subsequent visit to one of the more popular mountain trails in Laguna, the Famy mountain trails or what is actually Mt. Romelo located in the adjacent town of Siniloan.
We had planned just to explore the trails and see where it would lead us although June has trekked the place several times in the past (including one with his wife and kids) that brought him to the Buruwisan Falls, one of several falls that can be accessed through the trails.
During our visit, most of the trails were very muddy, deeming it impossible to do straight runs or even power hike so we were threading the routes very slowly as there were several instances when we both slipped and fell off our arses.
The trails are not as easy to navigate as it looks, sculpting a path of sludge although the scenery was gorgeous, from barren windswept mountains to lush greeneries along the route. From the peaks of the Romelo mountains come wonderful views of nearby towns and the magnificent Laguna Lake.
Due to time constraints and prior appointments, we did not push through with our trek to the Buruwisan Falls and had to turn back. It was a wet and wild experience which conjured some gasps, yell and laughter after slipping on mud several times. Definitely, a return is in the offing.
Leaving you some pictures of the trails we took. Enjoy!
Sign that leads to Buruwisan Trails and Falls
Entrance to the mountain trails
A river immediately greeted us just a few meters from where we started
Locals usually bathe here but didn’t see any as it was already late in the morning
Entering a small village
The one and only river that we had to cross
One crossing and just knee deep
The trail run-hike begins here
Power walking through the jungle
Just single-track trails usually beneath outgrown trees and ferns
An uphill climb
Nice views at the top of this hill
Laguna Lake and the Sierras
Plenty of coconut husks strewn at the side of trails
The farther we went, the muddier it got
Made a stop-over here to buy coconut/juice at P10.00 each
It was more of a hike at this point as we were forced to walk on the edges to avoid the sloppy mud
Hot as it was, the cool breeze was a blessing
This hill is an eye refresher
More trails at the top of mountains
Thanks to June for this shot
One of the rare moments when we were able to run
More trails on the top edge of this mountain
One of few vacant shacks over the forest
Jack-fruit trees were abundant along the route
Deep ravines along the edges of the trails
Descending a hill
Nice single-track path
Oh so muddy trail
Mud slush
Giving credit to these pair of Reebok Zigwild TR2 Trail Shoes which sheds mud very well on this sloppy terrain. The outsoles are designed to keep mud in and out of it. They are self cleaning so you’re not weighed down by gobs of mud.
A store in the middle of nowhere selling sodas, ice-candies and snacks. Rested here for about 10 minutes
Back to the trails
The trails were all ours
At this point, we could hear the gushing waterfalls nearby
Trails could be dry at one point then completely muddy after just a few meters
Just a hike near the falls
That’s the nearest we could take a picture of Buruwisan falls as almost knee-deep mud prevented us from reaching it further
The falls on my left
Downward run with those cement barriers to hold on
A duck with her siblings
Disappointed that we weren’t able to reach the falls but June vows to return back!
Back to where we started
JAZZRUNNER 