Sagada II: Hiking Excursions

On our second day, we hiked and walked all day. I guess perhaps the drinking session the previous night wasn't such a good idea. I was still a bit sleepy but still energized after another wonderful breakfast. We began the morning by walking up to the Kiltepan viewpoint. Ryan had bragged so much about it, I was really hoping it was as good as he said. My mood was greatly affected by the weather. When the sun was out, it was a bit difficult to hike as I would get sweaty and cranky. Then the clouds would pass and I'd get some form of relief, so much so that I'd be practically bouncing up the trail. Thank god for random flat areas that give me a little breather.








As promised, it was definitely worth the walk. It was mountains as far as the eye can see, and despite the hot sun beaming down on us, it was a gorgeous clear day. If only we had packed lunch, we could have stayed there for a while longer.









Of course we were in great spirits after the hike. After an amazing view like that you can only be smiling ear to ear. Mm, downhill is definitely much easier than uphill. We were also quite enjoying the random wafts of pine trees once in a while.

After lunch at a strange carinderia behind the local hospital, we had a short rest, then hiked up to Ampacao. On the way we passed through some rice fields. It was one of my favorite parts of the hike since we got to see what farming is like there. The houses were simple and are these arranged rocks around firepits for group meetings. I think it'd be really hard to drop off mail as everything is winding and really there aren't any "streets" per se.









Finally at the top of Ampacao, we just hung out, ate some cinnamon bread and absorbed the fresh air and vistas. We had been hoping to catch the sunset there, but unfortunately the clouds didn't cooperate with us. It wasn't a lost cause though. The view was still wonderful.





The next day, I had been aching to go to the waterfalls, but we were all really exhausted and would have to pack up by noon. Instead we took a leisurely stroll to the Lumiang Burial Caves. I was disappointed that we didn't get to go inside the caves, but it was still a nice excursion. The last time I had done this hike, it was raining, I was exhausted and very much out of shape. Much better this time and I was able to enjoy.




Ryan says that they used geckos in their artwork because it's a symbol of a fulfilled life. I hope that when I die I can claim that too. Right now it's a process and I am enjoying working towards new and challenging things. I'm really glad for the opportunities that have been given to me in my life, both the chance to be here in the Philippines to see the amazing things here and also for the friends that I have met along the way. I'll always remember what was at Sagada but really it's the shared laughter that means more to me.