San Jose, Dinagat Island – from Palhi Mountain (see Hiking is important #803), we sent the pump boat back to Brgy. Llanera arrives at Loreto Leiduoduo Mountain. I certainly would keep hiking considering the choice, but it was the only option offered at the time, rather than missing the peak of visiting Dinagat’s highest (unaccessible so far) but decided to accept it. The drive took less than an hour – very reminiscent of the trails in Tapura, which makes sense, as both were once mining trails.
The drives get us through the full range of damage caused by mining. A large part of the mountain was completely destroyed: the sharp contrast of the bonsai forest is still close to the edge of the soil. Even at the end point of a 4×4 ride at an altitude of about 800 meters, we are still only above severely damaged slopes.
Thankfully, it’s available Traces of the summitalthough there is no advertising or explicit marking on a 4×4 ride, a brief hike is possible. Of course, after traveling so far, I wouldn’t miss the chance to reach the highest point of Dinagat, so we left! Although the trail is short (over 1 km and 2/9 difficulty), it is enough to showcase some of the amazing flora and fauna on the mountain, including a variety of pitcher plants, land hermit crabs and a variety of birds (our Brahmin Mountains has a wide variety of birds (we hover above us):
The summit itself (approximately 940 meters above sea level) is breathtaking with views of Hornhorn Island (N), including the southern Wright Mountains of Mount Cavellan (WNW) and many more landmarks! Just like in the Palhi Mountains, it also allows us to see again – even the life itself, the scale of the disaster, i.e. flora and fauna – is said to be in mining activities, which are said to be numerous (thanks to Gina Lopez and those who oppose mining activities), the mountain may also hope the mountain will recover.
Thanks to Mr. Dario Apole of Loreto Tourism for helping us and the very helpful staff of Island View in San Jose to help us visit Redondo Hill! I hope that given the huge ecotourism potential of Redondo, the hiking trails will be built from the coast and eventually, mining in Loreto and all the Dinagart Islands will no longer be an option: a precious and prec paradise.
