360 Heaven-- Mt Alfred

I have heard of Mt Alfred and saw pictures of its views online. From then on, it has been my goal to one day reach its peak. Just like the other trails that long lived on my to-walk list for some time, it too has been bumped a lot because of unfavorable weather and time constraints. Two weeks ago, as NZ summer ender for 2017, my friend and I finally ticked Mt Alfred off our list.  

That day's forecast was cloudy but we were hopeful it would eventually clear out later as the day will progress. We planned to wake up early but when I looked at the sky that morning, I thought a little extension of snooze time wouldn't hurt. We decided to just go even if the clouds were still blanketing Glenorchy. The air was getting quite chilly since the sun was nowhere in sight, I almost concluded the sunscreen spray I bought last night was a waste of money. Despite all the pessimistic thoughts brought in by the dreariness of the weather, we carried on the track.

The parking lot for the Mt Alfred trail is about 15 minutes drive from Glenorchy town centre and it can be tricky to find (although it's just on the side of the highway) especially since the parking lot doesn't have a sign that it leads to Mt Alfred. There's just one big orange triangle and a small DOC sign that says the track is damaged by October last year's storm. I was pretty sure that was the start of the trail so we did start off our hike.

About a minute or two from the parking lot there hidden in the woods is the sign for the Mt Alfred track. With cheery faces, day packs on our backs we commenced our walk. This was my first half day walk since I got unwell for 2 weeks so I was expecting to struggle a bit. According to DOC this trail is zigzaggy, the ascend was gradual which was an advantage on my fitness level that day. 

The track was truly damaged by fallen trees, we had to do a lot of tree hugging and tree straddling but all these just added more interest to the track. There were a lot of detours which slightly slow us down but the track as a whole was definitely doable. 

As we reached the end of the tree line, the sky was still white. We can see the orange markers leading to the top from where we were resting. It didn't look too far and I can only imagine how majestic the views must be from there. So we decided to just take our lunch break before heading up since the summit is totally exposed; it looked cold up there with the clouds dominating the sky. My friend and I came to an agreement-- whether or not the sky clears in 30 minutes we'll just go for the top anyway. I was almost bummed about the thought of reaching the peak and not seeing any of the views that I saw in the pictures. That contemplation aside, I remained optimistic though.

The way up was steep scree with helpful tussocks that we can grab if we ever take a wrong step and suddenly slip. My apologies, I always have crazy ideas about falling and missteps but really the track was alright just make sure you don't take selfies along the loose rocks. Teehee! 

Once we took our first step up top, the views blew us away as the sun has finally come out and the clouds gradually dispersed. It was 360 degrees of awesome! Mountain ranges surround us. Lake Wakatipu and Dart River are still such stunners from a different angle. Mt Earnslaw and the rest of Mt Aspiring National Park were magnificent. We were alone on the peak for about half an hour, not a single soul around other than us. We were so lucky to savor the peace, serenity and beauty of it all. If only I could stay there for longer, I would.

We only met few hikers on descent, about 3 groups of 2 to 3 people. I find this strangely comforting, especially with the fact that other trails are getting damaged due to too much number of walkers jam packing them. Anyway, I hope this track and the views will be preserved for the next generations to enjoy; for them to realize that there are still wonderful and glorious places that remain in this fragile planet of ours.

At the end of the day, I was so elated to be one with nature again and to add another amazing 360 view in my memory that I could one day talk about with my future grand children when they ask me about my adventures. Haha.

Here's shots from our Mt Alfred hike:

Resting  and waiting for the clouds to clear out at the end of the tree line before heading to the peak

Pretty mountain flora

Mt Earnslaw at the right

The descent

Going down from the top

Lake Alta-- Clear Blue Ombre

I have been eyeing Lake Alta on the DOC website and it has lived in my to-walk list for some time. Over the weekend while on our way to Glenorchy, my friend and I have decided to sneak the short walk to Lake Alta into our itinerary since it was still early as we approached the turn off to The Remarkables.

The road up The Remarkables was steep and gravelly plus the speed limit was 50 so it took us a while to reach  the parking lot. The start of the track is just beyond the main building of the ski resort.

Lake Alta can be hiked for 1 to 1.5 hours return. It was a sunny day when we went so it was a warm walk especially when the area is exposed, no bush in sight. The track is a little steep to start off. There are orange markers within the ski area, past that you'll have to look out for the low yellow markers which are not as visible as the orange ones but that won't cause you to get lost as the track is easy to follow. There are info boards along the way with interesting facts about the lake which is common in some NZ popular tracks.

Lake Alta is considered a popular track. We saw other people in the parking lot and met some by the trail but it's not as jam-packed as other popular ones we've been to. We actually had the lake all to ourselves for about 30 minutes while we were wallowing on it's serenity and beautiful blue waters we didn't want to leave right away.

The water was so clear and inviting it would have been really great to take a dip but we were not sure if swimming was allowed so we just didn't risk it.

This track is absolutely well worth the hike and the drive up the Remarkables. At last I can finally tick it off my list.  

Here are some snapshots from our walk:

The track passes chairlifts within the ski area

Alpine flower

I was captivated by the alpine florals

The Quake

10.15.13

Early in the morning at around 8, I was on my bed still in a state of slumber. I didn't need to wake up early since it was a non-working holiday. All of a sudden, a shake of the ground made me open my eyes. I waited for it to stop (I thought it might not be a big deal) but then it didn't and it was different compared to the quakes I have experienced previously. I could hear a loud grinding sound like there was a construction going on underground and our house itself was shaking like crazy. There was nothing else I could do but run outside in my sleeping clothes barefoot. While I was out in the open area, I kept looking around doing a head count of my family. My mom was already with me in the street and the dogs went out also (they were really scared as well), my father, sister and her son were the last ones to come out. Everyone in our neighborhood were outside; some were even grabbing their stuff to leave and go to higher ground because of a rumor circulating that there is a tsunami coming. But we decided to stay and thought it might be a false alarm. We hurriedly took important stuff-- prepared water, food, and clothes-- so as we become ready in case we have to evacuate.

As the day progressed, we still stayed in our neighborhood. We set up tables in our garage and opened the gates so we can easily get to the road if ever another shock occurs. There were so many aftershocks along the day, some light some strong. The strongest we experienced was around 6 PM (which was reported in the news to be a 4.8 magnitude); we immediately ran out into the open upon feeling the tremor.

We were dining in mere light of candles and flashlights since the power was out. A few hours later, electricity and water were already available. For caution, we remained in our garage so we set up mats and folding beds to sleep on. It was my first time to ever experience such calamity. Who would have expected a major phenomenon like this would occur in my island. We can never really tell what nature has in store in her bag of tricks. In my lifetime, Bohol have never been shaken by an earthquake with such strong impact (7.2 magnitude). Even the older people I asked verified this.

My family and neighbors were gathered in the street talking and helping each other out. Trying to comfort  ourselves from the fear and anxiety of feeling the ground tremble again.

As we were watching the news the stories we heard of old churches destroyed were confirmed; some still standing with damaged portions while others were reduced to rubble. It was heartbreaking to see those beautiful historical temples of worship in devastating states. Many houses were in unlivable forms while roads and bridges were impassable.

Despite that, our faith is not shaken. We continue to pray for all people of the affected provinces. We shall stay hopeful and faithful that God will keep us from harm's way. I am greatly thankful that all my friends and relatives scattered around the region are safe. This misfortune is an awakening to the people. We learn to appreciate more the value of life, family, friendship, and prayer. This is reality-- we can never predict what goes on on this planet we call home but it's the only one we have. We can endure. This too shall pass.

May we all recover from this disaster. Stay safe and keep the faith.


Loboc Church

Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net

Chocolate Hills Viewing Deck

Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com

Abatan Bridge

Source: https://www.facebook.com/xanderfrix

Mystic End of the World: Siquijor

After about a month of saving and researching about Siquijor, I have finally made it there. I find it funny that it was my first time to go there because of the fact that I lived previously in Dumaguete for 5 years which is just an hour away and I only had this chance to discover the island when I'm already based back in my hometown.

I took the mystic trip with my sister and college friends (my Orc family) who are by far the coolest people I've traveled with. We were on tight budgets so Siquijor was the perfect destination since the place was not that expensive; just the right spot for backpacking.

We planned to catch Delta's first trip for the day which leaves at 7:30 am, we arrived at the pier around 7. Upon arriving at the ticketing booth, one of their crew said the first schedule was already fully booked, good thing the other guy at the counter gave us chance passenger tickets. Delta is a fast craft vessel, so it only takes 1 hour to get to Siquijor from Dumaguete.

St. Francis of Assissi Church

Welcome to the mystic island!

Waiting tricycles ready for tours around the island

8:30 was the exact docking time at Siquijor, Siquijor, so we had so much time ahead of us. My first impression as I disembarked the boat-- crystal clear clean blue water that I could jump right then and there. I didn't do that though since we still had motorcycle rental to think about so we could get around the tourist spots easily. Just outside the port, there are a variety of motorcycles for rent. First, we went to Daustrum to get 3 motorcycles, however, they only had one left for us to rent and we acquired the rest of the two along the street from an organized group of habal-habal drivers who were also nice enough to let us borrow their map since the tourist booth was closed for the weekend. The rental was only PhP 350 per day or PhP 25 per hour which is way cheap compared to other places I've been to. We stopped at a gas station along the way. Note: they only have 2 real gas stations; those planning to get around by driving themselves should pay attention for gas stands along the highway with gasoline in 1 liter soda bottles in case your tanks run out.

The crystal clear blue water at the Siquijor port

There's a beach by the port! Wow!

We went searching for our place to stay right after filling our tanks with gas. Driving to the next municipality of San Juan took only about 20 minutes. Most hotels and resorts were situated there. We had 3 tents reserved at Lorna's End of the World. Interesting name for beachfront rooms, eh? I think it's pretty cool ; a  name that sticks to your head because it's unique and catchy. I only discovered this place a day before going to Siquijor through a link my sister gave me. Seeing the tents for rent at 200 good for 2 people and the positive reviews were very attractive so I had our stay reserved by texting ate Lorna (the owner). While driving around to look for the place, we didn't see it right away because the sign board was not very legible but the yellow painted wall caught my attention and I knew that was it. Ate Lorna's original beachfront rooms unfortunately caught fire last year, good thing they managed to build it again. When we arrived, ate Lorna welcomed us warmly like we knew each other for a long time. She's very friendly and accommodating. I never encountered any owner of lodgment as nice as her. Lorna's End of the world is perfect for backpackers, especially for us who were extremely on tight budgets. Aside from the tents there are 4 beachfront rooms with kitchen at only 500 for 2 persons. Another plus about this place is even though we just rented the tents cooking our own meal was still free (cooking was part of the freebies along with fire by the beach and card games-- just what we need for island life). We bought ingredients at a nearby grocery store and we were good to go. Ate Lorna was even so kind to give us oil and dishwashing soap. We felt so at home treated like her family. 

Lorna's End of the World

Our comfortable abode by the beach

The map was very useful for our excursion, especially when we were going around on our own, of course a little asking around was pretty handy too. Our first stop was the Capilay Spring Park just a few minutes drive from Lorna's End of the World. It's a public spring pool, hence it's for free. A group of local kids were around enjoying the water. It's very accessible being located just at the highway right in front of the municipal gymnasium.

Right after, we drove to Lugnason Falls which was absolutely left as naturally as it is except for a few bamboo seats. It was a serene place with cool and clean blue water. Of course, we took a dip, it was too hard to resist since no one else was there except us, we had the pool all to ourselves.

Lugnason Falls

The water was so inviting

The Enchanted Balete Tree was our next destination. It's also situated along the highway, so it's not so hard to find. There's a pool of water from the spring right below the huge old tree. When we arrived, the owner of the place asked us to log in for tourism documentation and asked for a donation of any amount. She told us the tree has been there for over 400 years and she added there was a previous tourist during the day with a third eye open who saw spirits by the tree, which kind of creeped us out but that wasn't enough to scare us from taking pictures by the roots of the tree. While hanging around, we had fish foot spa at the pool.

4 Ceturies Old Balete Tree 

Fish foot spa

This time, we were headed to a historical/cultural attraction, the St. Isidore Church and Convent. The exterior and interior structures are well preserved. Like most old churches around the country, the walls are made of coral stones while furnishings are of local hardwood.

Picturesque view of St. Isidore Church

Afterwards, we were off to the island's most famous falls-- Cambugahay Falls. We had to step down 132 steps to reach it. There were a lot of people enjoying the cool water of the stream for the weekend, locals and tourists alike. 

Cambugahay Falls

Our last stop for the day was Salagdoong Beach. It was pretty packed with people that we weren't able to settle ourselves right away, we had to wait for a cottage to become vacant for almost an hour. The place was great with white sand beach and cliffs for diving and sliding. We would've wanted to dive but because of the crowd, we we're not able to do that. It's most advisable to visit these tourist attractions (Salagdoong and Cambugahay Falls) on weekdays since they're less crowded.

Lyka relaxing by the beach

With my Orc family

Our original plan was to go around the island. We were supposed to drive from Salagdoong and drive ahead to the municipality of Larena until we reach San Juan town. However, the staff at the beach advised us to drive back where we came from since the other way will take us longer, approximately 2 hours travel and it was already nightfall plus not all areas in the island have street lights. It was a dark long drive back to the End of the World but the spectacular view of the moon was rewarding; turned out it was full moon that night. 

When we returned at Lorna's End of the World, ate Lorna was so sweet to tell us she had a surprise at our tent, when we opened them, it was complete with mattress, pillows, sheets, towels, tissue, and soap. We were only expecting an empty tent, so we brought with us our own sleeping bag; my friend, Lyka, was even worried she didn't bring her malong. We were so touched we kept saying our deepest thank yous to ate Lorna without end. Now, that's more than the 100 pesos each that we paid for. I'm definitely staying there every time I come to Siquijor. 

Ate Lorna's comfortable tent

With ate Lorna at the middle. Thanks for the warm stay, ate!

I've known that San Juan has an amazing sunset view, which we missed because we were only back when the moon was already up. That did not disappoint us though because the sunrise was equally breathtaking. The sky had this beautiful splash of colors, it was good to be awake and greeted by the awesome morning view.

Sunrise at the end of the world

Who wouldn't want to wake up with this view?

Siquijor, Philippines is a beautiful island kept natural and virgin. Most may have misconceptions of the place because of the stories about witchcraft but really there's nothing to be scared of, the locals we've encountered were friendly and welcoming.

We're definitely coming back

The beautiful view while driving around

I had an awesome weekend in a beautiful place with really good company. I want more of this getaways. More to come, I hope so.

Costs:

Delta fare (one-way) : PhP 160 

Motorcycle rental: PhP 350/day; PhP 25/hour 

Tent accommodation : PhP 200 for 2 pax (Lorna's End of the World)

Salagdoong entrance fee : PhP 15 + PhP 10 (motorcycle parking fee)

Salagdoong cottage : PhP 100

Lorna's End of the World

San Juan, Siquijor

09273816377

Motorcycle Rental
Charlie Tayros
09162028043

Pedicab Island Tour
Ronald Angot
09397777784