Just Like Heaven

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 3^rd 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. 

google images