A tentative Kaparkan Falls exploration idea was hatched during a spelunking excursion last March with travel buddy Gil... who then introduced me to a new friend in Linda.
Both have already made pioneering visits more than once to Tineg, Abra's not-so-easily reached natural wonder. Around the later part of August became the chosen period on the assumption that the monsoon season on the northern part of the country would already be waning down by then. So came Saturday of last week, off I was.
(Gil already gave prior notice on his unfortunate inability to join-in because of unexpected last minute visitors. Meanwhile, Linda was still not certain because of still continuing heavy rains in Baguio, her home.)
The Flight to Manila was on schedule and upon reaching the city... the choice was either to go by land straight to Bangued, or stop by Baguio if Linda was going to be able to still join me.
Baguio it became, as a follow-up notice from Linda indicated her likelihood of now being able to as well go. In looking back, her familiarity with the destination allowed me to experience the excursion in ways I most likely would not have been able to on a first visit.
Ah, the way over was on a military grade truck. And once we arrived at the yet unpaved rest of the way... it then became the onset of a four-hour bump-roll-grind-slide... hardly a moment without a scream, demands in jest that the destination better be "all worth it" a few times repeated, the ride in fact was "hellish" as advertised.
KAPARKAN FALLS
How could I not, as I did... just turn into utter silence and gasp upon first glimpse. A series of cascades and waterfalls carved by nature from up a limestone mountain down to Abra's Tineg River. My attempts in trying to describe the awe inspiring scene would likely be a series of understatements... so, instead... I'll simply let these images better convey the captured essence of being witness to the wonder of Kaparkan.
The decided hike back, as rigorous as it was... I would have not have traded for the easier option of being back on the truck ride. This side note was an experience altogether separate. Red clayish mud would at times try to pull my shoes off my feet as my steps would be treacherously suctioned in. A 10kg backpack added weight, the occasional direct sun along cleared sections, a seeming adrenaline drain from the simultaneous excitement in the essence of the excursion altogether... I let caution prevail. Linda went ahead as she was pressed on time trying to get to a separate destination next. I decided to take my time... and ah, butterflies, dragonflies, wild flowers, rolling hills, the fresh air... and the hike itself made the experience not an ordeal at all... instead, another series of humbling and soul cleansing moments.
AFTER KAPARKAN FALLS
Often I get asked how I get to places and manage the time to do so. For me... it simply is a lifestyle discipline in synchronizing personal activities, travels included. Looking at my return route... I needed a place for a night's rest up. So, Vigan... the one historical city that just doesn't get "old"... was easily a definite.
The following day, the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Sta. Maria I finally did get to. This UNESCO Heritage Site, one of only four Philippine Baroque Churches designated as such... and the only one I had to yet reach. Quite a landmark it, indeed... is!
Bauang, La Union was a mere hour away. The area's noted vineyards then became the next stop of interest... driven by my curiosity considering the quite tropical climate the region has. But, yes, harvest of the red cardinal grape hybrid variety is actually three times a year I was told.
An overnight in Manila, an hour flight to Cebu the next morning, a two hour ferry to Leyte...
and finally, a two hour van ride to current home Tacloban City... concluded yet another "full-of -personal-highlights" getaway.
(By way of Cebu is often a preferred route when time permits because of flight frequency and better fare options. I also enjoy the fastcraft ferry crossing to Leyte, fair weather considered.)
CHEERS!
(Gil already gave prior notice on his unfortunate inability to join-in because of unexpected last minute visitors. Meanwhile, Linda was still not certain because of still continuing heavy rains in Baguio, her home.)
The Flight to Manila was on schedule and upon reaching the city... the choice was either to go by land straight to Bangued, or stop by Baguio if Linda was going to be able to still join me.
Ah, the way over was on a military grade truck. And once we arrived at the yet unpaved rest of the way... it then became the onset of a four-hour bump-roll-grind-slide... hardly a moment without a scream, demands in jest that the destination better be "all worth it" a few times repeated, the ride in fact was "hellish" as advertised.
KAPARKAN FALLS
How could I not, as I did... just turn into utter silence and gasp upon first glimpse. A series of cascades and waterfalls carved by nature from up a limestone mountain down to Abra's Tineg River. My attempts in trying to describe the awe inspiring scene would likely be a series of understatements... so, instead... I'll simply let these images better convey the captured essence of being witness to the wonder of Kaparkan.
The decided hike back, as rigorous as it was... I would have not have traded for the easier option of being back on the truck ride. This side note was an experience altogether separate. Red clayish mud would at times try to pull my shoes off my feet as my steps would be treacherously suctioned in. A 10kg backpack added weight, the occasional direct sun along cleared sections, a seeming adrenaline drain from the simultaneous excitement in the essence of the excursion altogether... I let caution prevail. Linda went ahead as she was pressed on time trying to get to a separate destination next. I decided to take my time... and ah, butterflies, dragonflies, wild flowers, rolling hills, the fresh air... and the hike itself made the experience not an ordeal at all... instead, another series of humbling and soul cleansing moments.
AFTER KAPARKAN FALLS
Often I get asked how I get to places and manage the time to do so. For me... it simply is a lifestyle discipline in synchronizing personal activities, travels included. Looking at my return route... I needed a place for a night's rest up. So, Vigan... the one historical city that just doesn't get "old"... was easily a definite.
The following day, the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Sta. Maria I finally did get to. This UNESCO Heritage Site, one of only four Philippine Baroque Churches designated as such... and the only one I had to yet reach. Quite a landmark it, indeed... is!
Bauang, La Union was a mere hour away. The area's noted vineyards then became the next stop of interest... driven by my curiosity considering the quite tropical climate the region has. But, yes, harvest of the red cardinal grape hybrid variety is actually three times a year I was told.
An overnight in Manila, an hour flight to Cebu the next morning, a two hour ferry to Leyte...
(By way of Cebu is often a preferred route when time permits because of flight frequency and better fare options. I also enjoy the fastcraft ferry crossing to Leyte, fair weather considered.)
CHEERS!
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