River Trek

I climb mountains and this was my first time to river trek.  We were about 10 trekkers in a town in Leyte, a rugged province east of Cebu.  By ship overnight, we reached Baybay known for VESCA, a university that specializes on agricultural studies.  Unbeknownst to outsiders, this is also a place of virgin rivers and mineral water gushing out of natural springs.  Majestic mountain peaks, lush forest, and invigorating waterfalls make you want to forget going back to the city.

It was summertime and the heat was intense.  After breakfast, we started walking towards the forest. And once inside, the air turned pleasantly cold as sunrays were filtered by thick forest cover.  The old wooden bridge creaked as we passed by a stream.  Within a few minutes, we heard the unmistakable murmur of a river.  Then we emerged from the trees and shrubbery, and gazed at the soothing Image of a clean and flowing river.  The rocks were green with moss, and the rock base along the river gushed with springs amidst broad leafed ferns and endemic flora.

We followed a trail leading to the forest again as the sun come piercing through thick foliage.  We crisscrossed the river through these trails, and intermittently cool ourselves with river dips.  At trail’s end, we rested at the foot of a canyon creating a long strip of valley.  At its base by the gorge is a thundering waterfall creating mist rising up to the high trees of lush forest.  A huge black rock stands amidst the broiling pool.  With this rock as a platform, we took turns plunging below for daredevil stunts!

Time whizzed by and back we go following another trail.  We passed by windy ridges overlooking tree covered valleys.  Canyons and deep gorges dominate the landscape.  We descended in a depression, then a clearing and up we go again.  A mammoth log barricaded the trail.  It was a branch that cracked loose from its gargantuan great-grandfather-century-old-tree!

Then the rains came, turning the trails into a series of maddening mud pools.  One slide from me was arrested by a quick hand stand, but A butt bumping fall was a hard call!  There was a stretch of downhill climb where I have to crawl inch by inch with my hands and butt….And the light was fading, but it was still a long way to go.  Then a trekker’s shoes’ soles surrendered, and so did he who seriously intends to bivouacked in the forest.  But we seriously meant to stay together no matter what.  Majority ruled eventually, and he finally agreed to continue walking until we reached town in the middle of the night!  Ah, what a day!

We fell exhausted on the ground while releasing our backs with the weight of our backpacks.  I removed my shoes and massaged my feet while listening to another fun time exchanging talks about the trek.  Times like these are always pleasant and funny, especially with strong local wine and Hot Native Chicken Stew!!!