Sanchez Peak

A baby trek according to the pros but this definitely was one of the adventures of my life. My friends and I took the 3-hour trail from Brgy. Olympog to the highest spot in General Santos City. We were armed with 3 plastic bags of food, a liter of water for each, two tents, a trekking stick we picked up along the way, and Fres candies with such motivational words. Those words helped. Really!

For a non sporty human being, the trek was a challenge for me. A month of jogging and leg exercise kept me alive. It was no joke but the view was all worth the pains. We started at 3 pm and reached the top shortly after the sunset then set up the tents. We woke up at 6 am (but it's best to wake up at 5) to see and savor the amazing view of mountain ranges.

MSU Travelbugs we are!

To wake up to this beauty. How great is Thou art!

We are on top of the world!!!

Probably the steepest part of the trail. Thus, the hardest.

Overwhelmed!

Almost there!

View from the peak at sunrise.
Mt. Matutum is hiding behind the clouds.

Just yesterday we were there.

Let us dance the day away.

Breathing in the serenity.

Worshipping Thy wonderful works

We are such a tiny part of this world.

I was here.

Take a walk and enjoy the path.

We made it. Hurray!

My favorite photo. Surreal!

Magnificent Gensan city lights at night.

It is time to go home.

First-timer tips:

1. It is better to take the Olympog trail because of the existence of several trees that will shelter you from the sun. :)

2. You won't really need too much food. There is a small sari-sari store at the peak for some midnight snacking. Bring extra water instead if you have a sensitive stomach. The store does not sell bottled water.

3. Keep yourself warm. It is cold and windy at night until dawn.

4. If you are not a sporty person like me, give your legs and lungs a little warm up days before the trek.

5. No proper restroom. Ooopps. The store sells water for washing for Php 40 per gallon.

6. Enjoy the journey. Do not rush in making it to the top. It really is the journey, not too much of the destination. :)

P.S. I hope the local government will help take care of this beauty. 

Have an exciting climb friends!