First, this isn't a
review about Camp Sabros, their facilities and the amenities. Countless people
have done that already. Even local TV and magazines have featured them.
This is a humble recount of a day with friends. To try to immortalize a bonding
moment with words and pictures lest I'll be too senile to remember. Heaven
forbid, though.
The details were finally confirmed and agreed to just on the afternoon of
September 7, 2012. Just like that. A sudden impulse to go to an adventure.
We've always been like that, not to plan too much ahead as it never does come
into fruition.
6:30 am , Saturday, 8th September 2012
Jollibee Bajada
The original time of departure was at 5AM. But as the driver, Tatang,
had a previous driving assignment on the evening before, he
came in a little later. And off we go to start the almost an hour journey
to Kapatagan, Digos, Davao del Sur.
Destination: Camp Sabros
Mission: 850 meter zipline.
And as usual, just like second nature with us, the journey was filled
with laughter, boisterous teasing, occasional break out into a song/s... Never
mind if we're singing out of tune. It always makes the trip more fun.
8:30 AM
And so we've arrived. The road going to Kapatagan is an
interloping blend of rough and paved road, with just a minute distance for two
vehicles. Roughly. Estimated at around 3,000 feet above sea level, the air has
become crisp. Temperatures dropped, and countless pine trees, wildflowers
and a majestic view of Mt. Apo ( which has become shy when we arrived as it hid
behind the clouds) adorn the panorama. A welcome sight for the eyes especially
for us who were used to the concrete jungle, the city. And the air. I remember
some people say about "clean air". This must be what they're
referring to. Inhale. Inhale. Inhale.
We had to leave the car on the roadside as it won't be able to traverse
the road to the hill. We had to do it on foot. No pain, no gain. A 15-20 minute
trek, which seemed like an eternity actually, what with all the countless stops
to catch our breaths. It had rained the night before, so the path is a
little bit muddy and slippery. It wasn't that steep but not halfway to the
hike, we were a little gasping for air, breathing heavily. Feeling lightheaded
even. Unused to such activity, our legs were feeling the cramps. But the view
going to the site was extremely magnificent. It was worth it.
And finally, we've arrived at Camp Sabros. Nestled atop a hill of lush
pine trees and greenery with a panoramic view of the highlands. When we left
Davao City, it was sunny. But at this altitude, weather becomes unpredictable.
It can rain almost anytime. The air is way too cool. And the clouds above were
like cotton candies. Fluffy. Instinctively, I wanted to reach my hands out to
the sky. My colleague quipped, we're only a dime away from heaven. Suddenly,
fog enveloped the surroundings.
After donning the
necessary safety gears, harness and all,
we started off on the 300++ meter zipline.
There are a number of zipline right in Davao City offering almost the
same as Sabros. But we wanted to
experience it the Sabros way as to us, zipline came into our consciousness
because of Sabros. Back then, faster than one can say Zipline, Sabros comes to
mind.
We were made
to lie horizontally. We call it the
Superman way. Your hands are free to
flap like an eagle’s wings. And off we go.
The zip lasts for about 30 seconds or more. It may seem like a blur but you never miss
out on the scenic vista.
To go to the
3rd tower where the 800++ meter was situated, you have to ride a
vehicle down a steep, muddy and well, dangerous path as one wrong move by the
driver and down the ravine you go. It
was exhilarating. It’s like we’re on an
off road adventure. Super mix of
adrenaline rush and fear rolled into one.
To sum it
up, we went through all the rides and the cable lift. And just as we were going
home, the fog again came in.
Oh, did I happen
to mention that after Sabros, we went on a side trip to Agong House. Oh well,
that’s another story and calls for another time.
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