IN SCOUTING, I was always amazed with what is next. A hike, a trail. Trails were always a part of what made me want to be a scout, the outdoors was it. I always wanted to take part in making the path or the trail.
Along the trails I would soon collect some rocks, yes, stones along the way to make and place some information for what the trail will lead to. There were signs that would mean it was safe to treacherous. To turn left or right. Water was safe to drink or not. Whether there was some food to eat or not.
Today I will still take on any trail. It is something I would encourage to my kids. We would take on any adventure when possible. While I may not have had the time to fix our schedule for Mount Pulag or any mountain nearby, I will not stop finding any Sunday or free day to have some outdoor fun with them. Even close by. The eco-trail along John Hay is our place to be, my kids say “their happy place.” I am happy.
Despite my very tight schedules, I will find the time to always come home for some time outdoors with my girls. Every Sunday I will make sure to take some time out, out literally, outdoors. I would share with them certain information about what I have learned. Edible things to poisonous is something I would share. Along our hike I would share with them some gumamela flowers with some sweet nectar and also coffee beans for that energy boost. Raspberries and blackberries when found are shared too.
It was 10 years ago when I first asked that North Face bring trail running here to Baguio and then Benguet. I would relay to the organizers about what our place is compared to Camarines Sur at that time. Soon after, there were numerous trail events that came over and continue to bring events through our trails.
Meetings in scouting would always showcase a portion called Trail Ahead, where we discuss business on hand. A title I would rather have than business matters or official business in the meeting program. It does actually describe the meeting better.
I was so glad recently about an event going through the trails. I read posts on social media about many who shared their stories and joy about the outdoors. It really does liven your spirit. Well for us it does. But what made us happy from this event was that the trails that we take were given some refurbishing and improvements. Previously it was dangerous and unkept. At least from our walk last weekend and before a trail event we noticed some improvements.
We just love to go outdoors with my kids, Joy and Mochi. No Juan to tell on us that what we do is limited. We just do what we do. A culture we now develop every weekend. Despite destroyed bridges from the path we would continue on.
From our place we head out, just a backpack of some dog food and water for our Mochi, of course some stuff to clean up after our pet or that of any other. We will, before entering the trail have some snacks, brunch normally. Upon reaching the trail, we will off-leash our Mochi. She knows this and will soon wander happily. A game of Hide and Seek soon happens, trees and shrubs is where we are at and Mochi will look for every one of us.
Here we feel our freedom, free to do what we want, time forgotten. We know where to stop for food or water. A small respite area every time. Even our Mochi knows these spots. The trail is something she knows and smells even after we would change routes. Her memory or scent lasts even for the longest time. It really amazes us. Despite rain or stormy weather, Mochi still knows her nose.
Lately it has been guava that we pick, there's just so many, good amount of Vitamin C I tell my girls. Oh our trail goes around the camp and exits by the old original Main Gate of CJH. A lonely lady guard who knows us always logs us out all before a pat to our Mochi whom she thinks is a rabbit. That's fine. At least the guard would look after us.
Of recent, there was an incident where we were chased by someone. We retreated immediately and wanted to report it, but the guy vanished and was not seen. My girls related of another story where they were also chased by the same along South Drive. From this it never stopped us, I carried with me my walking stick which can double as a weapon, and he was nowhere. I had hoped that the trail event scared him away. I did relay at the exit of what happened and the lady guard wondered why we didn't exit that day.
When I reported the matter to her she immediately knew what I was talking about. She said he was a foreigner taking up medical studies, he soon lost himself and his mind and now wanders the area. Caddies would report of him being in the golf course or sleeping somewhere. I was more afraid for my girls and the story they share. This was already the third encounter we had with the same person. Even my Mochi knows. She would forewarn us immediately.
We suspect this is the same one who harasses runners along the area. Well it won't stop us from entering our “happy place.” We will just trail ahead.