A second home, close to my heart. For the last 5 years, I've been coming back and fort in Tanauan Batangas whenever there is family celebrations, my relatives never forgets to let me take part in it. My uncle lives in Tanauan with his family, and one of the things that endears me to visit every one's in a while is that there home is right before one of Batangas many fresh water rivers. Its a water spring covered in otherworldly lush greenery. It's also a communal place where residents come down to spend family time, either swimming, washing clothes or even camp at night. Normally, my cousin's like to come with me when I decide to take a dip in the cool spring waters. But this time, it was too early in the morning. I have not much time for a leisure swim, so I brought my camera instead. Today's morning exercise would be an hour of trekking the banks of the river on my own.
Just coming down the valley, on a clay wall that's turns slippery muddy after a rain is already a challenge. But it's still too early, sunshine won't be due after 30 mins. As it is, Tanauan is very cold at night even during summers, and can be very hot on a midday. This little falls is the first sight to behold when I reached the bottom of the valley. Probably just one of the many around here. Surprisingly, the spring has rocky bottom so the water is clear instead of murky. Nice thing, as it means that there are places with deep crevices.
Water is running constantly, making a calming sound on places with deep and shallow pools. Like a natural zen garden, its a very inspiring location, with rich foliage. I was soon covered in spider webs and my shorts wet at the bottom for constantly brushing on wet grass blades. I was easily lost in my own thoughts because I was alone. My imagination running wild, with my childhood fantasy's when I first watched the Jurassic Park movies. I was imagining gigantic reptiles or dinosaurs hidden in the foliage at a ready for a surprise attack. The setting on the movies are tropical islands of Isla Sorna and Isla Nublar off the coast of Costa Rica. I can't be lost here can I? I followed the river upstream, the trails seemed endless, and it probably was.
I was deep in the riverside, but a sign of civilization never left me. People here are not dumping their garbage in the river, however, when the river gets flooded, along with flood are debris of garbage that gets deposited in the banks. Although, it's not much, this place needs a little clean up, or maybe just leave it as it is, because it means that no one has yet to place their attention to this location and decide to develop it for more visitors. It's an off beaten path after all.
Sweating as I trace my way back. I was surprise to find a few men washing clothes along the river banks. I have seen people doing chores in this place a couple of times, but mostly women. So I thought women will have their time probably later.
Makes shift huts are available for rent, and I realize its a Sunday. People would be coming down in a couple of hours for some family time. So for me, I was glad I took this refreshing morning walk early on. I found a new activity to look forward to on my next visit.
Francis Balgos
is a Call Center Agent, Weekend Travel Warrior, Amateur Spelunker,
Sometime Surfer, Newbie Mountain Climber, Photography Enthusiast,
Certified Beach Bum, A first born son, Faithful lover, True Explorer...
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