"Adventure is worthwhile." - Aesop. A simple travel quote that best describe my adventure over the weekend. I am always fascinated with waterfalls. Their sizes and cascades may vary but it is always worth the adventure. It is always a proof that the place we live in is heaven waiting to be explored.
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| "the secluded beauty of Calao Falls" |
Sef, a travel friend from Pampanga, invited me for a new waterfalls adventure. I have met him during my trip to Haduan Falls in Mabalacat, Pampanga. CLICK HERE to see the full adventure. The trip was scheduled Sunday and because I have no errands on that day I decided to join the group. Saturday night sleep over in Pampanga was the original plan but because I was drunk at my niece's birthday on a Saturday night, I was not able to travel that night. (Sorry naman, masarap uminom tapos may kasama pang videoke eh!)
Our destination was Calao Falls in Sitio Calao, Brgy. San Jose, Mayantoc, Tarlac. I left Manila as early as 05:00 so that I can catch them at the drop-off point in Tarlac within the call time of 07:00. Lucky enough, I caught the north-bound bus on time. My trip was even luckier when the bus had a quick stop at Marquee Mall in Angeles, Pampanga which happens their service van was behind me. Tadahhh! I was picked-up at the bus station. Aside from me, we also picked-up additional travel buddies along the way.
Our destination was Calao Falls in Sitio Calao, Brgy. San Jose, Mayantoc, Tarlac. I left Manila as early as 05:00 so that I can catch them at the drop-off point in Tarlac within the call time of 07:00. Lucky enough, I caught the north-bound bus on time. My trip was even luckier when the bus had a quick stop at Marquee Mall in Angeles, Pampanga which happens their service van was behind me. Tadahhh! I was picked-up at the bus station. Aside from me, we also picked-up additional travel buddies along the way.
Noticed the trails on the above picture? Yes, Mayantoc is said to have the last forest reserve in Tarlac. Thank you for the efforts of DENR Camiling, Tarlac and the residents of Sitio Calao in Brgy. San Jose. It boasts tall and thick paper trees, acacia and mahogany. It is also rich with fruit-bearing trees and varieties of bamboo.
It was a 30 mins - 1 hour easy trek. Along the river, are huge trees and big shoulders of solid rocks. The river trail is a picturesque to behold. Granite stones are abound the trail. Trekkers are welcomed by the melodies of chirping birds and colorful butterflies.
The water of Calao Falls is refreshingly cold. It stands more or less 30 feet. The water from its base is shallow maybe because of soil erosion brought by a strong water current during rainy season. It is noticeable that soil and solid rocks was arranged by the locals to serve as the basin of the waterfalls.
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| "attendance shot" |
We spent couple of minutes taking pictures within the area. Some colleagues even tried rock climbing. We took lunch with our "baon". These gorgeous travelers brought a handful food. (Ang sasarap nilang magluto, naparami tuloy ako ng kain, burrrrpppp.) We, took time slowly while filling our empty stomach. It was such a great time for picnic. We even ate on our bare hands (Saya lang diba? Picnic talaga!)
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| "lunch time" |
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| "rock climbing" |
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| "on the edge of the falls" |
The best part of the adventure was trekking for the upper falls. Everyone took the challenge even without proper safety rock climbing gears. We went up to look for the another cascade. Below are the pictures taken during our assault.
It was another 15 minutes river-crossing trail but it's worth it. We spent an hour swimming on the freezing water of the falls. It is priceless to reach a secluded non-commercialized natural attraction. Far away from a busy city, from anyone and anything else. Pure nature and let time pass by slowly.
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| "the secret beauty of Calao Falls" |
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| "more pictorials" |
Going down to the main cascade was another great trail experience. We were able to see a mahogany plantation. It is indeed, a great way to save mother nature. The trek going down was awesome. The trek was filled with cheers and laughter from my colleagues. (Masaya silang kasama at kakulitan, promise!)
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| "mahogany plantation" |
Spent few more times to chill before we headed back to the drop-off point. These people: Sef, Jerry Bey, Maria Lourdes, Jennifer, Homer, Bernadette, Jersey, Marjorie and Noralyn made the adventure even more memorable. In traveling, you can really meet great people with the same interests. I am looking forward for another great adventure with these newly met travelers anytime soon.
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| "one last click" |
