Anawangin Cove Hike AAR

Its been a long time since I created an After Action Report (AAR), I guess this one is a good opportunity to make one :) I will leave the details of the event to the participants as through their blogs and concentrate on things to retrospect upon.

Personal Notes:
1. The Pasay Terminal of Victory Liner may be an option, especially if people are coming from The Fort area.
- While everyone came in with time to spare, it could have been a close call given the traffic conditions simply getting to Caloocan.

2. While hiking early has its merits (more time in the cove), the physical effects of such an endeavor needs to be seriously considered.
- My knee was getting a beating despite carrying minimal load.

3. In relation to number 2 above, some sort of physical preparation is required for similar expeditions. Rest and food sources should be adequately provided for all involved.
- While relatively fit, I just came back from a long vacation from the gym and was not properly prepared. Also I had minimal sleep the past few days and had no breakfast prior to the hike.

4. Gear preparation also needs to be done at least 24 hours prior to hike. These include common items that need to be distributed to all expedition members.
- Each of us packed individually, but when we tried distributing the food and drinks no one had enough space/capability to carry more.
- Either all of us packed improperly, did not have the right gear, or preparation.
- I ended up adding a little more weight in my bag than I would have liked.

5. Make sure food items are properly estimated.
- We had a little too much food. We could have estimated it a little better, saving money and weight to haul.
- I was looking at pics and it seemed we had a whole lot of trash/things going on. Need to manage it better.

6. Cooking with aluminum foil works.
- 'Nuff said. More recipes are in order though

7. Camp fire maintenance is a science.
- How to start a fire and keep it going for a significant amount of time is systematic. Stuffing it with anything that burns does not help.

8. Leading an expedition is a tough job.
- I definitely needed a second in command. Good thing Manny and Iam helped out whenever they could.

See the following links for related entries:
http://gnepot.multiply.com/journal/item/210/maikling_kwento_ng_magulang_hindi_parents_in_english
http://belleportento.multiply.com/photos/album/58/Anawangin_Get-away_Jan_10-11_2009
http://tagailogspecial.multiply.com/journal/item/209/Anawangin_Version_2.0