Dynamics of Mountaineering 2

Budget is also an important factor and must also be tackled in detail. The expenses and everyday expenditure should be properly taken into account in order to allocate their money well for the whole duration of the trip as well as the logistics needed such as ID’s, officials t-shirts or any souvenir items that will make the expedition a very unforgettable and treasured moment to the participants.

After the trip, a post climb meeting of the group is a must if they want to improve or step forward in their next climb. They must meet in order to know the positive and the negative aspects of the entire activity. This is the best way for the group to decide and hopefully to maintain or to get even better on their positive aspect and avoid any known threats of failure.

The “equipments” needed in mountaineering was discussed by Chevalier Dangcalan.  He encouraged the mountaineers to bring only the necessary things or gears to avoid the heavy load of backpacks and to lighten their burden while on the trip and especially when they go trekking that’ll last for 1 to 2 hours at most.

Equipments that are of utmost importance to bring consistence in his or her phase must be loaded with plastic bags, tents, sleeping bag, enough camping clothes to wear, stove and cook set, lighter fluid, lamp, flashlight or headlight, nylon cord for wet clothes, match sticks or lighter, paper kit, sewing kit and most importantly a first aid kit. Each of these mentioned equipment has its own specific function and purpose and it would be advisable if you can carry them all in just one bag.

Most importantly, a whistle is required which will come to be very useful for emergency cases like when you are lost in the forest or when you need to call for help. Just remember the blow three consecutive times for you to be understood.

Another point to remember in mountaineering is the “Trail Movement” which was lectured by Renan Agustin. He seriously advised the mountaineers to be observant in their surroundings when the group is on the trail.

But before the trekking started, participants are required to get enough rest, coordinate with the officials in the barangay and ask permission and look for a guide to avoid some problems along the way.

Beginners often experience being lost because they are not very keen in observing their environment especially to the trail signs, which are purposely made to guide trekkers to their destination. Renan also informed the participants about the different kinds of trails such as man trail, jungle trail, open trail and natural trail.

As the group follows the tracks, pointers on trail movements must be exercised like the proper postures and positions in stepping and walking effectively in the different pathways whether it goes uphill, downhill or river crossing.

Climb formation should also be observed to ensure the safety and unity of the whole group. One should be assigned as a “lead man” to pilot or to guide the participants to the right direction. The next person that should be designated is the “lead pack” who will go with the visitors, then followed by the “pacers” who will maintain the climbers by checking if they are intact and unharmed and the last is the “sweeper” who will ensure that everybody is following the trail and that nobody is lost or left behind.

The last matter discussed was  “Camp Management” that lectured by Carlos Amatong.  He pointed out that the best campsite is not to be made but to be found which definitely means nature is the best campground itself so it must be preserved and cared for.

Carlos gave some very significant pointers about camp management but in general, he clearly meant that it is very important to respect nature and avoiding making campfires in the forest, keeping the water from contamination by using biodegradable soap. He also said that it is essential not to disturb nature and the campsite should be 100 meters away from the water source. One way of maintaining the cleanliness of the campsite is to bring your own trash with you when you get home. Remember the basic rule in mountaineering:  “Leave No Trace”

Good thing with DOS is that they organize mountaineering trips together with their experienced members, which is an excellent opportunity for beginners to learn and even provide access to the equipments they posses.

Participants find the two-day mountaineering trip “a great and very memorable experience” and for me that was just simply the beginning of a lifetime journey.

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