Our Family Hike To Mount Olis in Atok, Benguet: Boomer Steals The Show

Our family hike to Mount Olis

We're here

Boomer having zoomies

Free brewed coffee

I see rice terraces or vegetables terraces

Boomer chillin'

That view!

Good morning, y'all, amazing people!!

I am sitting here waiting for the arrival of our 4 guests, and while I have time, let me share a fun hike/tour we had with my family last Christmas. Christmas. The word usually conjures images of crackling fireplaces, twinkling lights, and maybe a slightly awkward family gathering. But last year? Our Christmas was anything but ordinary. It involved a last-minute road trip, a German Shepherd, and a mountain view so stunning it could melt even the grumpiest Grinch's heart.

The final quarter of 2024 was a whirlwind. Work, life, the usual festive chaos. Christmas Day was our only free day, and the thought of just staying home felt… well, un-Christmassy. So, I tossed out a suggestion: "Let's go to Benguet!" My husband, bless his adventurous heart, immediately agreed. My daughter, ever the easygoing one, was on board too. And just like that, with barely a second thought, we were dressed, bags packed, and hailing an SUV. Boomer, our giant German Shepherd, was coming along for the ride – no one was staying home to watch him, and honestly, who could resist those soulful brown eyes?

Our destination? Mount Olis View Point in Atok, Benguet. A relatively new mountain camping site, it promised stunning views and proximity to flower farms like the breathtaking Northern Blossoms. My husband hadn't been to Atok before, making Mount Olis the perfect starting point for our adventure. The journey from San Juan, La Union, was an adventure in itself. A roughly four-hour drive, we left around 6 AM, catching the pre-dawn light painting the sky in hues of pink and orange. It was one of those perfect, crisp, sunny days – the kind that makes you want to roll down the windows and belt out cheesy Christmas carols (which, let's be honest, we totally did). Boomer, predictably, was ecstatic. The car ride was a symphony of happy panting and the occasional excited whine. He's a big dog, a real gentle giant, but we were a little apprehensive about our driver's reaction to the extra, furry passenger. But our driver was a true professional, handling Boomer's enthusiastic greetings with remarkable composure.

We arrived at Mount Olis just before lunchtime, and Boomer's reaction was... explosive. He leaped out of the car before we could even grab our bags, instantly transforming into a furry tornado of exploration. Tourists were charmed instantly, cameras flashing as Boomer greeted them with enthusiastic tail wags and sloppy kisses. Seriously, the dog was a celebrity. He had more fans than a K-pop idol on a world tour lol.
Before heading to the flower farm, we stopped at the registration area. And that's when things got even better. They offered free brewed coffee! I mean, seriously, could Christmas Day get any more perfect? I'm sipping steaming hot coffee, the rich aroma mingling with the crisp mountain air, surrounded by a breathtaking panorama of rolling hills, fluffy clouds, and the vibrant colors of the flower farm peeking over the ridge. Boomer, meanwhile, was busy cementing his celebrity status, making new friends, and accepting head scratches from every passerby. Pure, unadulterated bliss.

The climb to the flower farm was a gentle one, perfect for a leisurely Christmas stroll. The vibrant colors of the flowers( I don't memorize them all but they were so colorful) were a feast for the eyes – a kaleidoscope of reds, yellows, purples, and pinks. It was like stepping into a living, breathing painting. The air was crisp and clean, carrying the scent of pine and blooming flowers. We paused frequently, taking photos and simply marveling at the beauty around us. Boomer, ever the social butterfly, even managed to charm a few of the other visitors' dogs into a friendly game of chase amongst the flowers. We spent the rest of the day exploring the area, soaking in the beauty of nature, and relishing the simple pleasure of being together. Boomer, of course, continued his reign as the unofficial mascot of Mount Olis, posing for countless photos and accepting head scratches with the grace of a seasoned celebrity. We even managed to grab a quick lunch at a small eatery nearby, savoring the local cuisine while enjoying the stunning views.

By the time we'd finished exploring the flower farm and capturing the breathtaking panorama from the viewpoint, our stomachs were starting to rumble louder than Boomer's excited barks. Luckily, a little restaurant was just a stone's throw away. We settled in, the mountain air crisp and cool against our skin, and ordered a feast of roasted pork, tender grilled chicken, and a mountain of fresh, colorful vegetables. It was a simple meal, but the taste was extraordinary, enhanced by the stunning scenery and the feeling of pure contentment that had settled over us. I'm so sorry, but there are no photos of this delicious spread—we were far too hungry to even think about cameras! The food disappeared in a flurry of happy sighs and satisfied grins.

Refueled and ready for more adventure, we set off for our next destination: another flower farm, a leisurely 300-meter stroll away. This next flower farm promised an entirely different experience, and I can't wait to share the photos and stories from that adventure in my next blog post. Our unplanned Christmas adventure to Mount Olis View Point was more than just a trip; it was a reminder of life's simple joys – the beauty of nature, the warmth of family, and the unexpected celebrity status of one very good boy. allows for a more thorough exploration of the experience. So stay tuned! I hope you enjoyed the pictures from our Christmas Day at Mount Olis View Point. Until next time, happy travels, my friends!

⊱ღ One love ⊱ღ
@bloghound

Published:
March 20, 2025 10:15 a.m. PST
In between the farm and the beach
Philippines

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