A Short Walk in the Woods: Talamban to San Jose

Good day, Hivers!

Today, I had planned to embark on a hiking adventure, but my intuition urged me to stay put. The lure of the great outdoors tugs at my soul, yet fear whispers caution about venturing alone. I've hiked solo before, but my friends persistently warn me against it, citing the current dangerous times.

In today's post, I'll take you back a few months to one of our brief hikes. It lasted only until lunchtime, as we had other commitments later in the day.

James invited me, along with @ybanezkim26, for a hike on an unfamiliar trail just a few kilometers from my home. Our destination was Budlaan Falls. Instead of taking a motorcycle taxi to the jump-off point, we decided to walk an exploratory trail that was new to us at the time.

We arranged to meet at Gaisano Grandmall Talamban, the usual gathering spot for Budlaan Falls hikers. I woke up at 5 AM, aiming to meet up before 6 AM. I arrived first, followed by Kim, and shortly after, James arrived, having walked from his home a few kilometers away in Talamban.

We headed toward the public market to find a place for breakfast. After 30 minutes, we found ourselves walking toward the spot where motorcycles usually waited. However, we opted to continue on foot, turning right onto a different trail.

About a kilometer from our starting point, we discovered a cemented road on the right, surrounded by overgrown grass and trees, hinting at an abandoned subdivision. We followed this road until we reached a narrow trail leading to a cluster of houses.

Consulting a local for directions, he directed us to a small local trail. We followed it and stumbled upon a view of Brgy. San Jose and part of Brgy. Talamban. Delighted, we pressed on and encountered another spectacular view.

What captivated me about this trail was its ample shade. We walked a few more kilometers until we reached a junction leading to another trail.

Pausing to rest, we discovered a Santol Tree (Cotton Fruit), resembling a mangosteen but with a tangy sweetness and a cottony texture around its large seed.

Continuing our journey, we encountered a vendor selling cold coke. We inquired about the route to the jump-off point in Sitio Baugo. He informed us that the trail there was on private property and led to a dead end. Instead, he directed us to another barangay. James shared an exciting revelation: there was a lake at Brgy. Pulangbato that we were unaware of, fueling our anticipation.

Following the narrow trail, we reached the lake's view, situated right along our path. Although fenced with barbed wire, its landscape was awe-inspiring, with green grass perfect for camping.

Unfortunately, the gate was locked, and no caretakers were in sight, so we contented ourselves with admiring the beauty from outside, surrounded by Koi Fish. Conversing about the possibility of camping there, we imagined the experience, even though it remained uncertain if camping was allowed.

Continuing our walk, we passed a guard house where we engaged in a brief conversation with the guards, learning that the lake and the entire mountain were owned by M Lhuillier, a wealthy Cebuano family with extensive properties nationwide.

We walked until we reached civilization, taking a break at a sari-sari store where we indulged in ice cream. Following the dusty road to our exit, we chose to leave at Brgy. San Jose near North General Hospital, where they could catch jeeps home. As for me, it was just a short walk from there to my home.

Walking thousands of steps every day should be a norm. Walking has been proven effective in maintaining a healthy weight and preventing various conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure. If you can't walk every day, try to do it once or twice a week. It only takes a single step, and you're on the way to an essential destination: better health.

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