So. It was a perfect day for hiking less the rain. Of all days in the week it really had to be Saturday. Weekend rain, huh. Seems like it's intentionally picking on us. Well, its valiant volley didn't stop us from doing what we planned months ago: to go on a hike to the well-known Bogd Khaan Uul (Mountain).
My friends tried it two years ago on a winter though it was waaaay too chilly and I know, it was waaaay supreme. Anyways, the coldness was incomparable to what we experienced from this hike but the trek up there was way beyond spectacular. No snow angels as it may be but looking through the details was more delectable. Wildflowers everywhere, not so dry and hot day, little wind, rain water on channels of brooks, mud, more mud, and more mud. It was FUN. Thanks to my waterproof cam that I was able to take pictures even on a rainy day. And thanks to my favorite model, VFF for this hike. To tender(foot) photography, and beyond!
We were supposed to leave UB at 8:00 AM but because of much deliberation whether it was okay for us to hike at this weather we left at 9:30 AM and in an hour and a half we arrived at our destination. And then, our happy, restless feet were on the arena yet again for some adventure. Yanjaa, his son Tinggis and her niece Julie came with us -- Mashka, Nelly and Berlie. No guy vagabundus for today's hike. We just lift our fate to the One who formed that mountain.
 |
L-R: Berlie, Jep. Tinggis, Julie, Yanjaa, Mashka
Photo credit: Nelly Arranguez |
We started the almost 12-km hike at around 11 AM. It was already 4:00 PM when we descended. Nonetheless we're into the details that we didn't notice the time and it was more enjoyable during the trek than the destination per se. It was foggy at the top. They said we could see Ulaanbaatar from there but we were not able to. We also had companies going. We saw friends and families going together, even brought their 5-7 year-old kids. Surprisingly we saw many hikers that day. It was probably a "perfect" day to hike, I knew it.
 |
| Tenderfoot Photography (TP) #1: At the foot of the Mountain |
The bible said that the gate to heaven is narrow. Well from that hike all I can say is, the road to Tsetseg Gung is bouldery, wet, muddy, foggy and root-y. Below are the evidences.
 |
| On boulders #1 |
 |
| On boulders # 2 |
 |
| These boulders are everywhere. Looks like it has been flipped by a gigantic force. |
 |
| Tenderfoot Photography (TP) #2: Hang in there, buddy. We're not even half-way yet. |
 |
| Behold, the boulders of the boulders: Mr. Grandpa |
 |
We ate our lunch and rest for a while beside Mr. Grandpa
Photo credit: Nelly Arranguez |
 |
| Tenderfoot Photography (TP) #3: By the brook. |
 |
We passed by this stream over here. This kind of abundance
in Mongolia is a rarity for me. |
 |
| The root-y road |
 |
| And more root-y road |
 |
| Almost at the top and almost gave up. Leave that to the mud. |
Not just the texture, the trail also changed from one color to another. Amazing. Tall pine trees covered us as we ascend, making some portions of the hike more dramatic than the normal hikes I've been to. Only a red coat with a hood and it felt like Little Red Riding Hood on the woods. Ha. Berlie's coat has the perfect fit only it is black. She looked more of a sin-eater from The Last Sin Eater though. A variety of pine trees were seen too. A couple of shots doesn't hurt nevertheless. It just made the whole hiking time slower.
 |
| Tenderfoot Photography (TP) #4: On green matrix |
 |
| Tenderfoot Photography (TP) #5: On greener matrix |
 |
| Tenderfoot Photography (TP) #6: On orange matrix |
 |
| Nelly on the woods |
 |
| Berlie and her purple umbrella |
Variety of wildflowers were seen too! Remember my blog about wildflowers that are growing in secret? Well I've seen a lot of it more in this mountain! From dwarf-like creatures to black ones, your eyes will definitely be bursting with awesomeness.
 |
| Dwarf's hat-like |
Mongolia undoubtedly is jam-packed with glorious riches and wonders. A life in monotonous color as my very first impression has changed now that I experience it on-hand. Beyond shadow, I can prove that there are always two sides of a coin. You just need to wear a lens that will suitably fit a positive mood. Tired and soaking wet, we finished the hike with a smile on our faces. Now, that's life.
 |
| TP #7: Tired but happy feet |
Comments
Post a Comment