Within every countryside's embrace lies a remarkable gift- the easy accessibility to the great outdoors and its natural marvels. Armed solely with my trusty shoes (my 4-year-old hiking shoes) and a pair of joyful feet, I and my friends embark on a 5-hour expedition to the mountains where sweat and enthusiasm are our tickets to experience nature's riches.
This was the same as my usual "simple" hikes traversing landscapes which need no expenses and no extra baggage, just pure nature discovery and physical exercise. So join me in this hike and climb of ours to the mountains exploring caves, and let us be both refreshed and amazed by the views that unfold before our eyes.
Let's go Taraaa!
Instant company in the open field!
We kicked things off in a vast open field filled with "Amor-seco" grasses (in our dialect), clingy grasses that stick to our clothes by the time we pass them. So aside from my hiking buddies, I have instant company with me, these weeds clinging to my pants!
There wasn't exactly a marked trail on the field because it was already covered by these grasses. My friends, when they noticed the path, were asking me if we were really heading to our destination. Haha. Well, at this time, it's not the destination but the journey. Thankfully the endless walk 'they thought' among those grasses finally ended when we reached a small stream.
After crossing the stream, we ventured into another field of cogon grasses and lush vegetation. The sun was starting to shine scorching hot and I could already feel the sweat on my face and on my back.
And just a few more minutes, we reached the foot of the mountain, a mini forest of various palm trees. I was adjusting my eye vision at these moments because everything appeared so dark. I don't know if was it because of the lush forest or was it because the open field we passed a while ago was super bright and open.
Sweats and ascends
In the embrace of the mountain, I found myself retracing my steps after a year of coming here again. I honestly forgot where the exact path is! My husband told me of a certain tree that would serve as our guide and mark on which path to go, but when I looked around all trees looked the same! They are green,tall and some are huge!
Finding the way was very challenging since new leaves and sprouting plants were already covering the once-familiar trail!
Everywhere I gazed and wandered my eyes, hues of green painted the whole scene. Plants are getting lusher and verdant compared to my last climb. And to be honest, it wasn't the scorching sun that caused my brow to glisten with sweat this time, but the puzzle of finding our way through this labyrinth. Huhu. The closer we approached the cave, the more intricate the path seemed and the more tricky nature had become!
Lucky for us, three local kids followed us on our climb and decided to be our trailblazers. They joined us, and together, we made our way through the mountains and finally found the Dose Kwartus Cave. It's moments like these that make me realize how strangers can become friends in the midst of an adventure!
It's the cave!
Finally, we reached the mouth of Dose Kwartos Cave - a gateway to another world. My heart raced with the same wonder I had felt the first time I laid my eyes on it and explored this majestic cave. Despite being exploited by the locals, the cave remained splendid. Its entrance tunnel and its big mouth opening have become greener.
The local kids, now our guides, led us through the cave's chambers underground. They brought us to the chambers I hadn't explored yet on my previous visit.
Locals named the cave Dose Kwatos referring to the 12 Rooms or chambers this cave has underground. The kids toured us on the first four chambers. Some chambers disappoint us and some also leave us in awe. Some chambers were heavily exploited by the locals in such a way that they mined the cave to collect its precious stones and sell them to the market. They also sell the soil which is very fertile because of the bats' and birds' waste.
So instead of the white shimmering stalactites and stalagmites which were formed in very long years, the only ones left were the broken and dried rocks. It was a heartbreaking site. However, I myself felt relieved for some chambers that were partly touched and some left untouched. How I wish that the Tourism department of my town would protect and preserve the cave. Pretty please.馃様
Despite the sad views of the cave underneath, still, exploring the cave was like stepping into a secret realm where time seemed to stand still. The feeling was so surreal that I almost forgot we were beneath the ground!
Summit and Scenes!
When we emerged from the cave, we stayed and sat at the cave's window as we pondered about our adventure beneath. I am proud and in awe of the cave's beauty and how it stood still despite what its been through in the hands of the locals away from the eyes of the people.
I looked around and searched for more views and my eyes were drawn to the summit that loomed above. For the nth time, I couldn't resist the call of the view, so carefully, I started my climb.
When we reached the top, (together with my hiking buddy), I was greeted with by breathtaking panorama that made the whole climb and adventure worth it, The serenity up there was like hitting the reset button for the soul. Hope the cave will have its own reset too.
The whole adventure we had was all worthwhile and special. From the sweat-inducing trek through grassy fields to the hidden rock formations beneath the earth's surface and the refreshing summit, everything was splendid.
So here's to more sweaty adventures summit victories and moments of pure splendor! See you on my next blog.
Thank you so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed it too. I wish you all safe and well always.
Don't forget to smile often!馃馃槏馃槉