let's trek it slow

Rise and shine everyone! Sagada itinerary for Day 2 is on!

We started the day at around 6am to prep up for a trek date at 7am. We joined a group of six perky and funny school teachers for our 2-3-hour trek to Bomod-ok falls. We learned that this group often takes roadtrips and travels to different parts of the country together, planned or unplanned. They seem to be carefree and just enjoy the perks of being near retirement or retirement. Our trek was a bit of a challenge for them because of the up and down trails that they had to walk but they took the challenge and did it slowly but surely. Obviously, the generation gap was evident; nevertheless, our group (that's moi, Jed, Bong and Ate Juvilaine) and theirs are one in a big goal of trekking the mighty falls. 

This way to the falls. Our group paid 500 pesos for the trek guide plus 350 for the jeepney from the town center and back. We divided the total cost of 850 by 10, which then made us only pay 85 pesos each.
Thanks for this trek-in-a-big-group experience.

The all-so-natural water system

The vegetation

The view while trekking is so inspiring! Let's trek some more!

The main produce



Let's trek it like a pro! Yoh!



Finally, we reached the must-see Bumod-Ok falls. The energy that comes from the powerful rush of water is definitely amazing. We all felt so relieved and refreshed by merely standing next to the giant falls.

After enjoying the beautiful view and the cold splashes of water from the falls, we headed back to the town center. That's another hour or so of trekking for us. And the best way to beat the heat and quench our thirst is to eat halo-halo. Just like in Banawe, they serve bizarre ingredients here: macaroni and crackers. Unfortunately, I didn't give in to the Sagada-style halo-halo and preferred to enjoy this refreshment my way.

When we reached the town center,  everybody had lunch and prepared for the cave challenge. As I have already experienced the caving activities in Sagada, I chose to wait for the group at Gaia Cafe. I have been to this cafe before and I promised myself that when I come back, I should spend more time here and read some more books.

A lot of improvements have been made since the last time I was here. Nevertheless, the homey and quiet feel has never changed. Plus, the view of the rice terraces got even more and more beautiful.

Gaia Cafe and the beautiful view

It was raining when I was dropped off at the cafe. The sound of the raindrops plus
the chilly weather created a perfect moment to have a hot cup of coffee
and read a good book.

  

wander:

Bumod-Ok Falls

Gaia Cafe

wonder:

Day 1 of Sagada trip '13