We did not stay in Baguio for more than a flying visit – essentially already leaving town this morning, to make the 170km to Capas in Tarlac province (about three hours of driving).

We arrived at Capas in the late morning, went for an early lunch (Filipino spaghetti and a salad for me – yummy), before we boarded a jeepney for the 45 minute ride to the base of the company operating our overnight trip up Mt. Pinatubo.

After filling the necessary paperwork (essentially signing our lifes away) we got onto 4WDs and continued for another 45 minutes into the army base and towards the starting point of the hike. From here we had a hike of about 7km ahead of us – complete with an elevation gain of about 350m.

The hike started in one of the valleys coming down Mt. Pinatubo. Clearly this valley really did  only come into existence (in its current form) during / after the big eruption of Mt.Pinatubo in 1991, with tons of volcanic mud flowing through. In fact – when you look to the pictures closely – you can see, how that volcanic mud must have literally cut or carved out the valley.

Well – we were now here and now making our way through volcanic rock and up the valley. On the way we also had to cross many streams and small rivers – though with the help of our guides, this did work out quiet well – and without any wet feet.

We eventually reached the end point of the rock field and were now hiking along a stream through a jungle like environment – this was for about the last kilometer … until we finally reached the steps leading to the viewpoint over the crater lake and our camp for the night. It was with those last steps, that I managed to heavily sprain my ankle …