One of the most daring stunts I ever tried was mountain climbing. I've always loved the outdoors -- being "one with nature" is most appealing to me. But even I was surprised that at age 40 I suddenly felt the uncontrollable urge to climb -- to "see what's up there." Nothing could stop me. I toned up my rusty bones, joined the Meralco Mountaineers, bought a pair of trek shoes, and hit the incline.
In four years I was able to peak a good number of climbing sites (some more than once), train a batch of newbie trekkers, survive two close calls of hypothermia, and celebrate my 44th birthday climbing the second highest peak in the Philippines the hard way.
My articles on mountaineering, hiking and backpacking are about the lessons I learned after I almost died on my very first ascent. Hopefully, by sharing my experiences, I can help you to not only stay alive, but actually appreciate the wonders of the outdoors as much as I do.
Introduction to Backpacking -- a fast, easy, and FREE online course through Suite University. The course aims to be everyone's first practical -- and life-saving -- guide to preparedness, presence of mind, and *delight* in memorable escapades in the great outdoors. Check it out -- learn something new!
Vital Tips for the Aspiring Mountaineer - a series of mountaineering tipsets at the Bundok Philippines site. My good friend Robert Gardner, climber-photographer-webmaster par excellance, also published some of my earlier pieces:
Tita Ruby's Tips For The Aspiring Mountaineer - a five-part series of important reminders and valuable information fundamental to the learning curve of an enthusiastic novice mountaineer.
