#1026 - Dingalan Batanes of the East Shots for Sunday.
☁️ Gentle Sunday beloved Hiveans!
Today is our soft space to breathe. Whether you’re sipping tea or coffee slowly or sitting quietly by a window. Rest is our right, not just a reward😉.
Moving now to our daily shots this time in Aurora. It was one noon time that was gloomy with a bit of sunlight as we embarked on our hike to the Batanes of the East in Dingalan, Aurora. We began the journey began with a shared ride on a boat with my wife, our friend and another family joined in a spirit of adventure. The boat navigated the distance between the port and the drop-off point for about 15 minutes. With a guide who is in charge as a navigator of these parts, we tackled the mountain with a mix of excitement.
As we stepped onto the shore we found mud and the reality of our decision to not wear proper footwear became obvious. The path ahead was a mix of mud and slippery slopes because of a result of the rain that had passed the night before. Each step was careful as we navigated the challenging terrain, the wife has most of the struggles and had thought of giving up already😂. The guide led the way and even offered her hiking sandals to wife but my wife refused. The mud clung to our slippers making each step into a tough effort. The slopes were also unforgiving, thanks to the installed ropes which definitely helped each time of the climb.
Despite the hardship, the promise of the viewpoint was upon us. The climb was a test of endurance and determination also a battle against the elements and our limitations. The strong wind greeted us as we reached the viewpoint. The view is a breathtaking panorama of nature that stretched out before us as a reward for our efforts in reaching the area.
In this moment, we paused to capture the memory and the beauty right before our very eyes. Our phones clicked and freezing the scene in time. There's also this curious dog that joined us at the Viewpoint. The dog seemed to understand the significance of the moment as we all enjoyed it.
As the afternoon wore and when we began our descent, our bodies all weary because of the tough downhill but our spirits were lifted. The return journey on the boat was a time of relaxation and reflection. The hike had also taught us the value of preparation so as not to have a hard time and the strength that lies within us that is waiting to be tapped.
This experience was a mix of hardship and beauty and a cherished memory experience. The Batanes of the East is rugged during rainy days, I wonder how it is during sunny or summer times. As we returned to the port, the sun began its slow descent at around four in the afternoon. The tough hike was a reminder that the path to beauty is often paved with difficulty and that the journey, with all its trials is as much a part of the experience.
Follow me on my nature travels.
Shot taken in Dingalan Aurora, Philippines.
Image/s were shot using Samsung Z5 flip phone. ~rex