... And the Trek Continues

There were three reasons why all five of us were already in snooze mode by six- thirty pm. First, we were so tired from the trek; second, it was so dark in there since the place does not have electricity. We had flashlights, yes, but we rather saved energy. And the third reason is that it was so cold in there ( around 20 degrees Celsius), that we wanted nothing but curl up in the sheets with our knees on our chins.

Since we slept early, we also woke up very early - around three o'clock in the morning. So we just cooked our breakfast, but since we were not hungry at that time, we kind of just bonded with small talk around a small bonfire we made. Most of the other campers were already awake by then, but we were like 10 meters apart, so we really did not get to know our fellow campers. When there was enough daylight, we climbed the hill that gave us 360 degrees view of the place. It was truly magnificent. After the picture taking, we ate our breakfast and folded up our tent.

It was time to start our long trek to a place called Kawasan ( which is vernacular for exit) Falls. We started the trek on a high note, the terrain was flat, and since  its still early morning, the temperature was not that hot.

And who wouldn't be in awe with this picturesque walk?

We  passed by a Pechay (Chinese Cabbage) plantation.

We went uphill, we went downhill. Mostly it was up and down during the whole journey. Just like life.

After  we exited from the mini jungle, we saw the sea again. It was still a long way from here to our

destination.

We knew we are nearing the falls when we pass by Kawasan River. This is where water flows from the falls to the sea.We decided to take a  dip there. It was very refreshing after a a long, hot walk.

The Kawasan River

After the quick dip, we walked some more  and passed by this man-made mini falls.

We also passed by souvenir items sold by the side of the road .

   After the dip, we're on the final lap towards our destination.

Our final destination - Kawasan Falls

The whole  trek took us almost seven  hours of walking. We traversed two towns, Mantalongon and Badian. Our guide said that we walked only six kilometers ( about four miles), but it sure felt like twenty. There have been times when I thought of going back, because I felt that I cannot make one more step. But I did. And so were my friends. All we really needed were water and will power. (It was revealed sometime later that my friends were also thinking of going back.) Of course, that was not an option. Taking a ride was not an option either, since there is no way a motorcycle or even a bicycle could negotiate that kind of terrain. 

In the end we were able to complete the trek, and despite the muscle pain we experienced  in the following days, we all agreed that it was an AMAZING experience.