Journey Down Under

After several monotonous days at work or in school, human beings deserve to have a breather. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, away from smog that pollutes every bronchiole in our vulnerable lungs. And if you have an itch for fresh air, a journey down under just like ours may just be the cure for you.

The first stop of our journey down under is the island of Nogas, which is located along the coastline of Anini-y. Legend has it that Nogas and Anini-ni were lovers, separated for eternity. And to vanquish their flaming love, Nogas was made into an island that only manages to look at Anini-ni who was transformed into the mountain range that we see in Anini-y today.

Nogas Island from the mainland

although the island's beach looked really white from the mainland, debris of leaves scatter along the beach

the path to the lighthouse is lined with Calachuchi (Frangipani) trees

Nogas Island Lighthouse

relatively young mangroves

hermit crabs also abound the island, this one is searching for a new home

Next stop, Siraan Hot Springs. People say that the water flowing out of the rocks has enough sulfur that it can be lit to a flame.

view of Nogas from Siraan

Large slabs of rock in Siraan

another view of Nogas from Siraan

After some rest and a refreshing drink, we headed out to Anini-y's San Juan de Nepumuceno Church.

Anini-y Church / San Juan de Nepumuceno Church

inside the church

After photographing the church, we headed to Bry. Ingwan Batangan, Hamtic, Antique . We hiked up to Ingwan Batangan Falls. The trail was really slippery and we had local kids serving as guides. I hesitated on bringing my camera out of my bag since I was dealing with water, so I only managed to photograph the falls.

And just as I thought that the journey was over; I twisted my ankle on a rock on the way back to the van, causing me to fall down to the murky water and take an unplanned bath. I landed badly and adding insult to injury, I popped my left shoulder socket off. Good thing I had the compulsion of bringing my brother's waterproof bag that day, my gear could have been screwed. And on the way down, it was like de ja vu because I remembered I had a dream of the event happening but my gear was all wet because my bag was not water-proof. Lesson learned, always bring a water-proof bag.