A Glimpse of my Hometown

This was one among my published articles on my early days here in read.cash. That was 4 months ago where the pandemic was on its peak. And a good season for hiking and trekking the mountains and taking in the beautiful sceneries.

Everybody is affected by the pandemic especially those who are living on urban areas,most are living on no-work-no-pay basis.Business establishments were closed,even those who are government employees were force not to go to work.Only those who are operating for basic necessities are allowed to continue operation but strictly observing health protocols.Thus,prompting those who are from the provinces that are making a living in the cities return to there hometown.

The coming home of these people especially the younger ones and the adjustment made for this school year make students bored to the core.As a country settling citizen they are,they help their family on the fields of whatever work to be done.However, field works are done therefore boredom strikes.And living on the province with low to zero cases from the virus makes them explore the place they call home.Let me clear that safety health protocols are stricly observe,obedience and discipline among us living in province keep the virus at bay.

While there's nothing more to do aside from house chores these youths explore their surroundings more,a perfect moment to bond with family and friends.

These are just parts of a close knitted community where one would really like to experience trekking.A place with jolly,diligent,law abiding and hospitable people.A place nestled amidst high mountains of pine tress and mossy forests.

Situated atop the mountains and mossy forests,where villagers call it "Siniblawan Talaw Lake" which means where the stars bath(which villagers do believed for it is what elders long ago told).It is a sacred place where it used to be the place for its people to call rain during drought,and believe me it does rain heavily after people come down from the mountains and performed rituals. It is the source of potable water in our barangay and it also supplies the neighboring municipalities.

It takes an eight hour hike for hunters but there's a short cut route that take 4 hours trek to the lake.Along the way,one should be careful as the path was slippery.You will be fascinated by wild flowers of different colors and kinds especially orchids.Thick mosses hanging on trees and its roots.And while walking,check out for blood sucking thingy-leeches😉.I bet there would be one or two that crawled up.Well,that's part of the adventure.

Arriving at the lake at last fills you with amazement.A lake that was once a bathing place for stars is now a quicksand lake as some termed it,why? It is now filled with very very thick mosses,that one is able to crawl on its surface.The site, anyway is still captivating.

If you're not a skilled hiker, you can still have a glimpse of this beautiful falls. 30 minutes walk from the village would warm you up and if you have gone to the lake and still want to take a look at this then a walk in here would loosen those painful, thightened muscles from the Lake's trek.

In all it's magnificence,Humuyyu Falls welcomes you.Its cool and revitalizing water enough to quench your thirst..Yes,its from the lake.The falls is just one of its outlet for the other streams are supplied by it,too.

Sea of clouds lover or anyone who loves to witness it?A perfect place for sea of clouds,sunset and sunrise viewing. Prep up your trekking bagpack..Ready for a 12hour hike from our village.You would not want to miss the sunset,go early at dawn.It is a long and difficult walk over Mount Kalawitan,so buckle up.

Like the trek at the lake,expect the unexpected while appreciating the ones be appreciated;the different species of flowers and birds along the way. The climb is worth it after arriving at the peak. You survived the 4th highest mountain in Luzon at 2,714 meters above sea level.😁 Mount Kalawitan, at last.

Set up your tent,witness the fascinating view of the glorious sunset.And at night being atop the mountains,talk to the moon and stars as if you're one of them..Wake up,capture that shining,shimmering captivating sunrise at the horizon at dawn.

And take in its breath taking sea of clouds..

These are just some of the known beauty spots in our barangay most of our village youths are visiting..They indulge themselves during this time in exploring while protecting mother nature at their best..

You might like to add these to your bucket list and visit after covid-19 for they are a great escapade from the noisy,polluted and toxic urban life.

photos credits to owners.

z_graeden