THE NEW ISRAEL TRAIL ….(Makilala, North Cotabato)

YOU NEED NOT FLY:

You Can Climb through the Clouds!

AND HERE IS THE TRICK:

The New Israel Trail to Mt. Apo

Welcome to the trail least travelled…Some 24.5 kilometers of foot path least disturbed by man..where only around 300 trekkers come to use every year!

Soon you shall be entering Makilala’s forests from whence come our

rivers and streams which are 90% clear and drinkable at their headwaters…

But before that, allow us to provide you some general insights!

Makilala…Makilala…

Makilala…Makilala… Tribal SettlementsTribal Settlements (7)(7) : Malumpine Valley, Matebugo: Malumpine Valley, Matebugo Makalangit, Sagpangon, Makalangit, Sagpangon,

IlyanIlyan Paruvianan, PekongParuvianan, Pekong

Trail to Mt. Apo (1)Trail to Mt. Apo (1) : New Israel-Makalangit-: New Israel-Makalangit- Ma’ag/Jordan Peak Ma’ag/Jordan Peak

Potential Mt. Apo Trails (2): Sang’ngawan Trail;Potential Mt. Apo Trails (2): Sang’ngawan Trail; Malumpine TrailMalumpine Trail

Macro Agri-IndustriesMacro Agri-Industries : Rubber Processing, Wood : Rubber Processing, Wood Industry, Banana Industry, Banana

Cultural InterestsCultural Interests : New Israel : New Israel MoncadistaMoncadista Biodynamic AgricutlrueBiodynamic Agricutlrue : Don Bosco Foundation: Don Bosco Foundation

Swimming ResortSwimming Resort : Le Reve, Sang’ngawan : Le Reve, Sang’ngawan Hotsprings Hotsprings

CampingCamping : Camp Bulatukan; New : Camp Bulatukan; New Israel; Malumpine; Sang’ngawan Israel; Malumpine; Sang’ngawan Don Bosco Youth CampDon Bosco Youth Camp

LOCATION

Our location in Mindanao

The barangays that comprise Makilala…

VALIDATED BARANGAY BOUNDARY

The Munic ipality of Makilala covers 38 barangays, 17 of which are within the forestland

1.BUHAY

2.BUENAVIDA

3.BATASAN

4.BIANGAN

5.NEW ISRAEL

6.OLD BULATUKAN

7.CABILAO

8.RODERO

9.KISANTE

10.MASILA

11.STO. NIÑO

12.LUAYON

13.STA. FELOMINA

14.KAWAYANON

15.NEW BAGUIO

16.MALUNGON

17.*BATO

Makilala’s Watershed Assets

W1-8,166 ha

W2-12,615 ha.

W3-8,150 ha

W4-5,425 ha.

W1- SAGUING

W2- MALASILAW3-BULATUKAN

W4- LAMITAN

Another municipal asset, Makilala has four(4) major rivers/watershed that supply water both for domestic and industrial use. Sustainability of water production of these watersheds are dependent on extent of forest cover and the overall stability of the upper watersheds/catchments.

Existing Forest Cover

79% or 9,900 ha of forests and forestlands of Makilala has forest cover. Mt. Apo covers around 6,500 hectares while Labidangan range has about 3,400 hectares. Natural forest comprised about 5,000 hectares.

Malasila

MountApoNaturalPark

Saguing

Luayon

Kisante

Bato

Cabilao

Poblacion

Rodero

SanVicente

Indangan

NewBaguio

Buhay

Malabuan

Singkatulan

Leboce

Garsica

Gua

Our major watersheds…1.Saguing R. South Bank--- 8,166 has.2.Malasila R. ---------------12,615 has.3.Bulatukan R. -------------- 8,150 has.4.Lamitan R. ---------------- 5,425 has.

79% or 9,900 hectares of Makilala’s forests and forestlands has forest cover. Of these, 6,500 hectares are in Mt. Apo, and 3,400 hectares are in the Labidangan Range. Natural forests comprise about 5,000 hectares.

Natural Forest 2004Natural Forest

1988

Decreasing Forest Cover Decreasing Forest Cover

Our other areas Our other areas of ecological interest?of ecological interest?

1.1. Sang’ngawan Hot SpringsSang’ngawan Hot Springs(Barangay Batasan/Biangan/4Bs CADT(Barangay Batasan/Biangan/4Bs CADT))

Distance from the national highway: 4.7 km; Distance from the national highway: 4.7 km; accessible by motorized vehicles’accessible by motorized vehicles’

Camping requirement : - Tents and other gears;Camping requirement : - Tents and other gears; Ideal capacity: - 500 peopleIdeal capacity: - 500 people Facilities: CRs, kiosks (due for renovation)Facilities: CRs, kiosks (due for renovation) Current LGU Plans: Architectural and landscape Current LGU Plans: Architectural and landscape

design currently being worked out.design currently being worked out. Potential alternative entry to or exit from the Potential alternative entry to or exit from the

peak of Mt. Apo. Fifty(50) or more hot springs; peak of Mt. Apo. Fifty(50) or more hot springs; many warm pools!many warm pools!

Other interests : Bird-watching; monkey Other interests : Bird-watching; monkey watching!watching!

5,0622,0382,8532,5532,3673,5013,6257,372

10,80113,825

8,340

1,9201,1442,8220

5,000

10,000

15,000

Sep

tO

ctN

ovD

ec Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

June

July

Aug

ust

Sep

t.O

ct.

2001 2002

2. 2. Garok FallsGarok Falls(Barangay Batasan/4B CADT)(Barangay Batasan/4B CADT)

Distance from the national highway: 7.7 km Distance from the national highway: 7.7 km (3 km by foot)(3 km by foot)

Camping requirement: - Tents and other Camping requirement: - Tents and other gearsgears

Ideal capacity: - 15-20 peopleIdeal capacity: - 15-20 people Facilities: NoneFacilities: None LGU Plans : Make it as a side-stopover from LGU Plans : Make it as a side-stopover from

Sang’ngawan Hotsprings, on the way to the Sang’ngawan Hotsprings, on the way to the peak of Mt. Apo. via Mapawa Plains;peak of Mt. Apo. via Mapawa Plains;

Recommended: Ideal for dry season stops, Recommended: Ideal for dry season stops, due to the area’s vulnerable to flash floods,due to the area’s vulnerable to flash floods,

Other interests : Birdwatching, Bullfrog Other interests : Birdwatching, Bullfrog hunting at night;hunting at night;

Distance from the national highwayDistance from the national highway : : 11.7 km (3.7 by foot)11.7 km (3.7 by foot)

Camping requirement :Camping requirement : - Tents and - Tents and other gearsother gears

Ideal capacity : Ideal capacity : 10-15 people at a time10-15 people at a time LGU Plans : LGU Plans : Make it as a side-stopover Make it as a side-stopover

on the way to the peak of on the way to the peak of Mt. ApoMt. Apo, via , via Koong and Lake JordanKoong and Lake Jordan

Recommended: Recommended: Ideal for exposure to Ideal for exposure to the Tagabawa-Bagobo culture.the Tagabawa-Bagobo culture.

Other interests : Other interests : Bird-watching; Bird-watching; Bullfrog hunting; Eel-catching; Bullfrog hunting; Eel-catching; Observance in the local broom making;Observance in the local broom making;

3. Darapuay Falls3. Darapuay Falls(So.Malumpine, Brgy. Old Bulatukan/MAMATA (So.Malumpine, Brgy. Old Bulatukan/MAMATA

CADT)CADT)

4. Malumpine Valley…4. Malumpine Valley…as nature trekkers’ hub.as nature trekkers’ hub.

A 98% Tagabawa-IP Community , and an alternate route A 98% Tagabawa-IP Community , and an alternate route to the peak of Mt. Apo passing through the gradually to the peak of Mt. Apo passing through the gradually ascending waterways along Darapuay River on the borders of ascending waterways along Darapuay River on the borders of Davao del Sur.Davao del Sur.

5. Le Reve Swimming Resort5. Le Reve Swimming ResortBarangay Kisante, MakilalaBarangay Kisante, Makilala

Distance from the Distance from the Poblacion: Poblacion: 8.3 km8.3 km

Facilities: Facilities: Swimming Pools, Swimming Pools, Fishing Lagoon, Fishing Lagoon, Camping groundsCamping grounds

Capacity: Capacity:

200 people200 people Other interests: Other interests:

Cut flowers seedlings Cut flowers seedlings and other landscape and other landscape materials for sale.materials for sale.

About the trail?About the trail?

About the trailAbout the trail……

1. Twenty-nine (29) kilometers of foot path, 70% of which 1. Twenty-nine (29) kilometers of foot path, 70% of which is underneath mossy forests 30% brush land. Manyis underneath mossy forests 30% brush land. Many

have good cliff-edge vantage views to the lowland;have good cliff-edge vantage views to the lowland; 2. 80% of the time, the trail winds on top of the ridges;2. 80% of the time, the trail winds on top of the ridges; 3. The trail has clean and cool watering holes along the 3. The trail has clean and cool watering holes along the way; way;

4.4. The trail is characterized by continuous ascent The trail is characterized by continuous ascent interspersed with rare flat terrains (Makalangit) interspersed with rare flat terrains (Makalangit)

5.5. The, trail however, is most often supported by The, trail however, is most often supported by abundant moss and buttresses of trees in ladder-like;abundant moss and buttresses of trees in ladder-like;

6. 6. The trail is provided with makeshift comfort facilities The trail is provided with makeshift comfort facilities atat

Makalangit Base Camp.Makalangit Base Camp.

7.7. The trail is relatively clean… averaging barely 12-16 pcs of The trail is relatively clean… averaging barely 12-16 pcs of wayward candy wrappers per kilometer.wayward candy wrappers per kilometer.

The jump-off pointThe jump-off point: : New Israel Moncado Alpha and Omega CommunityNew Israel Moncado Alpha and Omega Community..

New Israel….New Israel…. Distance from highway:Distance from highway: 4.7 km 4.7 km

Camping requirement: Camping requirement: - Tents - Tents and other gears,and other gears,

Facilities : Facilities : Camping site that can Camping site that can accommodate hundreds; a reliable accommodate hundreds; a reliable water systemwater system

Other interests :Other interests : Monkey colony- Monkey colony-watching, Swimming at watching, Swimming at BulatukanBulatukan River, lowland landscape viewing, River, lowland landscape viewing, nationalistic celebration and nationalistic celebration and parades.parades.

Mossy forests that drip in Mossy forests that drip in the early morning…the early morning…

Makalangit Base CampMakalangit Base Camp

A place to A place to rest your rest your body at body at the end the end of trek of trek day 1.day 1.

Water, Water, CRs..you CRs..you have have them.them.

Root crops, Root crops, you may you may buy buy them!them!

23 October 2008

Makalangit…Makalangit… At elevation 2000 meters AMSL, At elevation 2000 meters AMSL,

Makalangit base camp provides an Makalangit base camp provides an overnight stop for energy recovery. overnight stop for energy recovery. The host caretaker, Nanay Rosita The host caretaker, Nanay Rosita Pitogo to many, can offer you root Pitogo to many, can offer you root crops, young sweet corn, and free crops, young sweet corn, and free range chickens at affordable range chickens at affordable prices… prices…

23 October 2008

Mt. Pinil-Bama AreaMt. Pinil-Bama Area

This area can be risky due to standing This area can be risky due to standing dead tinikaran trees which were dead tinikaran trees which were damaged by the forest fire of 1998.damaged by the forest fire of 1998.

Mt. ZionMt. ZionIt is only when one reaches the top of this It is only when one reaches the top of this

lesser mountain (Mt. Zion), when one getslesser mountain (Mt. Zion), when one gets

to see the beauty of Mt. Apo. Seemingly nearto see the beauty of Mt. Apo. Seemingly near

in sight, the peak is actually still some good in sight, the peak is actually still some good

four-to-five hours of trek uphill.four-to-five hours of trek uphill.

Lake Maag CampLake Maag CampMaag Camp site is second overnight area for Maag Camp site is second overnight area for

slow-moving trekkers. The peak is 3 hours slow-moving trekkers. The peak is 3 hours

away. Rightmost picture is that of Lake Jordan away. Rightmost picture is that of Lake Jordan

which has been believed to have waters thatwhich has been believed to have waters that

cure various human illnesses.cure various human illnesses.

Other New Israel trail Other New Israel trail sceneries…sceneries…Makilala’s New Israel route is definitely scenic with its dizzy Makilala’s New Israel route is definitely scenic with its dizzy cliffs upon whose edge one may have to pass. The cliffs upon whose edge one may have to pass. The standard 2-3 days ascent, however, is only fit for the standard 2-3 days ascent, however, is only fit for the enduring and the strong-hearted trekker!enduring and the strong-hearted trekker!

When already at the peak…When already at the peak… Seek elevated grounds for tent picthing to Seek elevated grounds for tent picthing to

avoid surface floods when it rains at the avoid surface floods when it rains at the peak.peak.

Keep water sources clean at all times. Keep water sources clean at all times.

Bury human waste deep in the ground and Bury human waste deep in the ground and away from water sources.away from water sources.

Do not vandalize.Do not vandalize.

Shouting of obscenities is prohibited.Shouting of obscenities is prohibited.

Bring your garbage down to the exit Bring your garbage down to the exit points. Exit checkpoints will ask you to points. Exit checkpoints will ask you to present it.present it.

Drugs, guns, and excessive liquor drinking Drugs, guns, and excessive liquor drinking of liquor are strictly prohibited! of liquor are strictly prohibited!

Trail StatisticsTrail Statistics

Makilala’s Share of Trekkers at the Peak.

Year Trekkers % Overall

2005 28 2.4%

2006 206 17.4%

2007* 216 22.0%

2008 129 (no info)

* extrapolated

Garbage management!Garbage management!

The proper orientation of trekkers and serious collaboration The proper orientation of trekkers and serious collaboration with local porters/guides have made a crucial with local porters/guides have made a crucial contribution to our succccessful contribution to our succccessful management of garbage management of garbage along the trail.along the trail.

A two-year successive characterization of waste materials A two-year successive characterization of waste materials collected by the MENR Office along the 12.5-km New collected by the MENR Office along the 12.5-km New Israel-Makalangit Base Camp Section, has resulted thus: Israel-Makalangit Base Camp Section, has resulted thus: Yr 2006 – 12 pcs. Ave./km; Yr 2007 – 16 pcs. Yr 2006 – 12 pcs. Ave./km; Yr 2007 – 16 pcs. Ave./kilometer.Ave./kilometer.

Trail garbage Trail garbage ……Year 2006Section Studied: 12.5 km distance

between Makalangit Base Camp and New Israel Poblacion

Items Gathered Pieces Ave. per % of

Km. Total

1. Candy wrapper 98 7.84 64.05%

2. Biscuit wrapper 21 1.68 13.73%

3. Cigarette Butts 8 0.64 5.20%

4. Tying strips 11 0.88 7.10%

5. Tin can (coke) 1 0.08 0.65%

6. Plastic (cellophanes) 10 0.80 6.50%

7. Paper strips(news,etc) 4 0.32 2.61% Total 153

YEAR 2007Section Studied: 12.5 distance between

Makalangit Base Camp and New Israel Poblacion

Items Gathered Pieces Ave./km. % of Total

1. Candy wrapper 107 8.56 55.0%

2. Biscuit wrapper 24 1.92 12.3%

3. Cigarette Butts 5 0.40 2.6%

4. Tying strips 7 0.56 3.6%

5. Tin Cans 0 0.00 0.0

6. Plastic/

cellophanes strips 46 3.68 23.7%

7. Paper strips

(sardine wrapper) 1 0.08 0.5%

8. Juice wrapper

(oishi manggo) 1 0.08 0.5%

9. Eggshells 2 0.16 1.0%

10. Vitamin tablet wrapper 1 0.08 0.5%

Total 194

Portering rulesPortering rules This is contained in Document Titled “General Working Guidelines for Porter-Guides and This is contained in Document Titled “General Working Guidelines for Porter-Guides and

Trekkers. Some of its salient points are listed below:Trekkers. Some of its salient points are listed below:

Portering…Portering…

1. 1. Service charge Service charge P250.00/day + food; P250.00/day + food; 2.2. Porter-Guide to Trekker Ratio: 1: 5Porter-Guide to Trekker Ratio: 1: 5 3.3. Maximum payload: 15 kgs. + additional charge of P25/kg Maximum payload: 15 kgs. + additional charge of P25/kg for for

excess.excess.

Weighing of cargo is recommended on jump-off @ Israel.Weighing of cargo is recommended on jump-off @ Israel. 4.4. Co-carrying of cargo by the trekker is encouraged. This Co-carrying of cargo by the trekker is encouraged. This

separates the true-blue mountaineer from the ordinary separates the true-blue mountaineer from the ordinary tourist. tourist.

5.5. The porter-guide is expected to help in the following:The porter-guide is expected to help in the following: Pitch tents Pitch tents fetch water fetch water facilitate cookingfacilitate cooking

personal necessities site personal necessities site safeguard equipment and supplies safeguard equipment and supplies

from pilferage from pilferage rescuer and danger zone notifier rescuer and danger zone notifier

. 6.. 6. Walking protocol: the trekkers and porter-guides must Walking protocol: the trekkers and porter-guides must stay within shouting distance, for trail security.stay within shouting distance, for trail security.

7.7. Sleeping outside the pre-designated a camp areas is not Sleeping outside the pre-designated a camp areas is not encouraged, for the trekkers to avoid falling trees and other encouraged, for the trekkers to avoid falling trees and other unnecessary unnecessary risks.risks.

Portering…Portering…

8. 8. Exit trail must be pre-determined; no diversion is Exit trail must be pre-determined; no diversion is

to be contemplated unless extremely necessary.to be contemplated unless extremely necessary.

9.9. Porter-guides must ensure that their trekkers are properly Porter-guides must ensure that their trekkers are properly orientedoriented

by the LGU before jump-off; by the LGU before jump-off;

10.10. Porters and trekkers share the responsibility of taking care of their Porters and trekkers share the responsibility of taking care of their garbage - bringing the same up to the exit points.garbage - bringing the same up to the exit points.

11.11. Miscellaneous provisions for porters-guides:Miscellaneous provisions for porters-guides: Mastery of the trail and exit points;Mastery of the trail and exit points; Capable of assessing the appropriate pace of his group;Capable of assessing the appropriate pace of his group; Provides himself appropriate climbing gears Provides himself appropriate climbing gears tents, raincoat, bolo, clothes, tents, raincoat, bolo, clothes,

cooking utensils, water containers, medicines, first aid skills, flashlights, backpack, cooking utensils, water containers, medicines, first aid skills, flashlights, backpack, sleeping gears, needle, thread, plates, spoons, cups, etc. sleeping gears, needle, thread, plates, spoons, cups, etc.

Refrains from drinking intoxicating liquors;Refrains from drinking intoxicating liquors; Provides happy service and forge friendship with the trekking public.Provides happy service and forge friendship with the trekking public.

Portering…Portering…

12.12. Miscellaneous provisions for Trekkers:Miscellaneous provisions for Trekkers:

Only trail-experienced trekkers may be allowed to lead the way. Only trail-experienced trekkers may be allowed to lead the way. Neophytes must stay in the middleNeophytes must stay in the middle when the group is big and the when the group is big and the

trekker line is stretched long.trekker line is stretched long.

Discipline in cigarette-smoking and intake of alcoholic drinks;Discipline in cigarette-smoking and intake of alcoholic drinks;

Eating on time and in the right amount in order to replenish lostEating on time and in the right amount in order to replenish lost

energy.energy.

Self-discipline in water intake along the trail in order toSelf-discipline in water intake along the trail in order to

maintain the right body salt and avoid muscle cramps.maintain the right body salt and avoid muscle cramps.

Provide adequate food for the porter-guides;Provide adequate food for the porter-guides;

Duly register themselves at the LGU Processing Center.Duly register themselves at the LGU Processing Center.

12.12. Both porter-guides and trekkers shall wear IDs at all times.Both porter-guides and trekkers shall wear IDs at all times.

13.13. A mutual rescue obligation binds both porters and trekkers.A mutual rescue obligation binds both porters and trekkers.

Prohibited ActsProhibited ActsInside Mt. Apo Nature ParkInside Mt. Apo Nature Park

Prohibited ActsProhibited ActsInside the Mt. Apo Nature PArkInside the Mt. Apo Nature PArk

1. 1. Hunting,destroying or mere possession of any plants and animals or forest Hunting,destroying or mere possession of any plants and animals or forest products.products.

2.2. Dumping of any waste materials detrimenal to the protected area or to the Dumping of any waste materials detrimenal to the protected area or to the plants and animals therein.plants and animals therein.

3.3. Mutilating, defacing, or destroying objects of natural beauty, objects of Mutilating, defacing, or destroying objects of natural beauty, objects of interest interest to cultural communities, or objects of scenic value.to cultural communities, or objects of scenic value.

4.4. Intentionally damaging or leaving roads and trails in damaged condition.Intentionally damaging or leaving roads and trails in damaged condition.

5.5. Leaving in exposed or unsanitary condition refuse or debris, or depostiting Leaving in exposed or unsanitary condition refuse or debris, or depostiting the the same in the ground or in bodies of water.same in the ground or in bodies of water.

6.6. Altering, removing, destroying or defacing boundary markers, and signs.Altering, removing, destroying or defacing boundary markers, and signs.

7.7. Leaving marks on tree trunks, rocks, boulders, and other natural structures.Leaving marks on tree trunks, rocks, boulders, and other natural structures.

Prohibited ActsProhibited ActsInside the Mt. Apo Nature PArkInside the Mt. Apo Nature PArk

8.8. Building of fire for cooking and any other purposes is absolutely prohibited. Building of fire for cooking and any other purposes is absolutely prohibited. The bringing in of pyrotechnics and other explosives is likewise banned. The bringing in of pyrotechnics and other explosives is likewise banned.

9.9. Construction of structures other than tents, and cutting of trees and Construction of structures other than tents, and cutting of trees and sagebrush is strictly prohibited.sagebrush is strictly prohibited.

10.10. Washing of utensils and clothes directly in the lakes and other water source is Washing of utensils and clothes directly in the lakes and other water source is strictly prohibited. Pitching of tents within 20 meters in the ase of Lake strictly prohibited. Pitching of tents within 20 meters in the ase of Lake Venado, and 50 meters in the case of water sources at the peak, is strictly not Venado, and 50 meters in the case of water sources at the peak, is strictly not allowed.allowed.

11.11. During the dry seasons, bathing and swimming in the lakes within the park is During the dry seasons, bathing and swimming in the lakes within the park is prohibited. As a general rule, regardless of dry or wet seasons, such is not prohibited. As a general rule, regardless of dry or wet seasons, such is not encourage for safety reasons.encourage for safety reasons.

12.12. Shouting of obscenities, nudity, and unwarranted public display of affection is Shouting of obscenities, nudity, and unwarranted public display of affection is strictly prohibited;strictly prohibited;

13.13. All other crimes in the lowland, such as illegal drug use, prostitution and All other crimes in the lowland, such as illegal drug use, prostitution and other anti-social offenses are likewise strictly banned within the Mt.Apo Nature other anti-social offenses are likewise strictly banned within the Mt.Apo Nature Park.Park.

Breath-taking sightsBreath-taking sights

Floral DiversityFloral Diversity

the changing the changing face of the mountainface of the mountain… …

Dry to wet season lakes…Dry to wet season lakes…

A heart-rending solitary place …that invades the very A heart-rending solitary place …that invades the very core of a trekker in search of the self!core of a trekker in search of the self!

Soil layer at Soil layer at the summit the summit

……

kk

This water-retaining ash deposit makes possible the continuous flow of the spring even during the 7-month drought experienced in the 1970s.

Present topsoil Present topsoil

Sulfuric depositsSulfuric deposits

Ferrous ash depositsFerrous ash deposits

Old topsoil (clay loam)Old topsoil (clay loam)

Fresh plant remains buriedFresh plant remains buried

underneath a 1640 eruption.underneath a 1640 eruption.

368 years 368 years

of history of history

under your under your

feet? feet?

You may have once You may have once doubted if there is doubted if there is water up there…water up there…

February 2008February 2008 March 2008March 2008 June 2008June 2008

But are not the rain clouds But are not the rain clouds higher than the peak?higher than the peak?

Breath-taking Breath-taking sights!sights!

Have a nice trek up the country’s highest peak!

Sail with the clouds, feel the chilling winds, journey into the self, and …

…realize that a human being’s 70 or more years of earth life , is but a dot in time and space!

“Man did not weave the web of life; he is just a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself!”

- Chief Seattle 1864

YOU HAVE REACHED THE CLOUDS, UP THE TALLEST PHILIPPINE MOUNTAIN… NOW, BE CAREFUL IN COMING DOWN.

WATCH YOUR STEPS…

WATCH YOUR STEP S IN COMING DOWN…

We only agreed to reach the clouds.

We never said Heaven!