Mossy Forest
he first base camp was the jump-off point of the climb. Here, we organized our things and got a porter for some of our stuff (more precisely food). And to make sure of security, a two way radio was assigned to both the trail Lead and the sweepers. The climb towards the peak of Mt. Pulag has three main levels, the first on of which was the Pine Forest. Aptly named, the first level will give you a beautiful trail surrounded by Pine Trees. The landscape here is quite amazing, and the cool weather wouldn't let you tire easily. Shortly you will be able to reach Base Camp 2 where a waiting shed had been situated for rest and to get ready for the hike up to Pulag's second level, the Mossy Forest. Entering the Mossy Forest is quite and experience, there are some unique flora to be found here and the unique twirling bent of the tree trunks will elicit a feeling of eeriness and also wonder as thick moss falls down from tree trunks. I was actually hoping to see some cloud rats inside the forest, but I guess you have to venture deeper inside the forest to see one. It is also sad to hear that there are some illegal poachers who were found selling these rare cloud rats. It is also unfortunate to know that some foreigners were able to find some unique plants that helps battle cancer inside this forest, and the Philippines were not given any credit or royalty for the medicine made from these plants. That's why DENR are quite strict on implementing LNT in this mountain. After more than a 2 and a half hour of hiking through this quiet ancient forest we reached base camp 3. It was already dark and colder than before.
