We arrived in Camarines Norte after 9 hours of drive. And another 30 minutes to Municipality of Vinzons where we're going to ride a boat for 2 hours that will bring us to the island. Fear hitted me for this will be the first time that I'm going on a boat ride. Reluctantly I stepped to aboard on the boat but still having heavy steps to go on. I was shy to back out for my friends are getting really giddy about the ride. But what they were saying were all above my head...Yes! I admit it I'm worried but so excited like I'm about to hold the keys to my Ferrari.
Aysis and I looked in each others eyes, hers telling me that its okay and mine telling her, "call my Mom whatever happens"
Then the 2 hours boat ride began... Waves, sun, salty sprinkles, boat motor, waves, dizziness, waves, and again...waves.
Almost Paradise ...
It might be an exaggeration but as we approached the Island of Calaguas, I thought I saw a glimpse of heaven. The sea was so clear and blue as if you can see a book that was deep submerged in the water and be able to read it while you still sitting in the boat. The weather has been kind with glorious sunshine with westerly wind prevailing...
The influx of our feet to the sands of the shore was like walking in flour and sugar land.
I have been to other beaches but I never been to a paradise...
Eating Out, Tents, Sunscreen, Shrimps and Caldereta
Tiredness was forgotten, foods were starting to fill the table and smoke were merging in the air... We arrived! Kuya Joey, his brother Landon started to prepare meals. They were incredibly accommodating and hospitable. Tents were being put up at the same time.
Everyone of us was fighting the urge to put our sunscreen lotions and jumped to the inviting embrace of the sea. The striking heat of the sun was the only thing that hindered us from doing so.
While we were waiting for the sun to at least be kind to subtle its heat, we averted ourselves to cook some meals but to our surprise Kuya Joey had an all day planned meal for us. King Love even teased him about having a catering business. : )
- Cooked rice
- The Famous Spaghetti ( Wink, wink ;-) ) ( I was really surprised by this arrangement, I always thought that foods with sauces were eluded in travelling and much in camping but not until I met the POR philippineoutdoorrampage.blogspot.com/ guys, but really it turned out fine and best)
- Ginataang Hipon (cooked by my fairy-god friend King Love)
- Sinigang na Hipon (cooked by Ron-Ron - King's younger brother ; Supervised by ....yes King Love)
- Inihaw na Isda
- Chicken Caldereta
As of 4:00 in the afternoon, we found ourselves swimming and laughing our hearts out. The water was so refreshing. We played like kids, letting the waves crashed into our bodies and breaking into the shore. All our tiredness, heartaches, pressures and worries were dispensed on the ocean floor. I know just by looking at my friends' faces, without saying a word, that we all don't want to end times like this.
The Gang... oopss wala ako...Haha |
King and his brother Ron-Ron |
As the day ends to rest, and the sunset wanted to take charge, we washed up and prepared ourselves to sleep. Then as night falls, Aysis and I decided to stay outside and spent times in our cottage talking but as the whole world seems to go to sleep the weather became too cold and felt our knees trembling. We wrapped ourselves with whatever we find that we thought might gave us some heat. Hahaha : D
Nonetheless, though coldness enveloped the night, it was still a wonderful clear night.
As I looked in the sea and listened to the waves, serenity succumbed me. I felt like Mother Nature was there to nurture each of us. I can't help but marvel at the intricate design of a single leaf, the roar of the waves, and the boundless beauty of the landscape of the place...
It is true that time spent in nature is time spent realizing that you don't know all and you never will understand how nature made itself.
Until we meet again...