On the road [Photo Hunt]

@ mirandablue

The dirt road to Kapurpurawan rock formations in Ilocos Norte---a three-kilometer unpaved road that led us to the rugged coast of Burgos, and the amazing sight of the white rock formations.

We were on the road for about 4 hours from the city of Vigan, and we were ecstatic when we finally reached this bridge.  A few minutes from our final destination---the white beaches of Pagudpud.

@ mirandablue

"I have noticed that even people who claim everything is predestined, and that we can do nothing to change it, look before they cross the road." ~ Stephen Hawking

And here's one of Metro Manila's major roads, EDSA, on a Monday morning.  This is approaching the tunnel at the intersection of EDSA and Ayala Avenue in Makati City.

@ mirandablue

Posted for Photo Hunt

Rain Clouds [SWF]

Kapurpurawan @ mirandablue

While exploring Kapurpurawan rock, we had one eye at the sky for signs of an oncoming rain.  Rain clouds threatened the horizon but when the rain finally did fall, we were caught by surprise.  This is an open coastal area without any nearby shelter.  We ran about two hundred yards to the nearest hut---I have no idea how we managed the rocky and swampy terrain in the dark without falling on our faces.  It was a scene straight out from a comedy version of "The Day After Tomorrow".:p

@ mirandablue

Posted for Sky-Watch, Friday

Cliffs of Burgos [Watery & Outdoor Wednesday]

@ mirandablue

These were taken from the top of the Kapurpurawan rock formation in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. Limestone cliffs of sedimentary rock along the coast of Burgos which are largely undefended from erosion by the sea. Facing the South China Sea, this coast yields gamet (black seaweed) from September to February, also a period when Burgos Bay is rough and the waves are swelling.  The equivalent to the Japanese nori, gamet comes as a black and flat seaweed sheet when dried.  

Gamet gatherers would wait for the waves to retreat before they start picking on the seaweeds stuck deep in the fissures of rocks and corals.  I have eaten gamet but never thought gathering it can be dangerous.  I loved these windswept cliffs, the rugged coast, this remote place.  It wasn't easy coming here but it was all worth it.

@ mirandablue

Burgos, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

This post is linked to Watery Wednesday and Outdoor Wednesday

Kapurpurawan rock [Photo Hunt: Natural]

According to my Ilocano friend, "Kapurpurawan" means "white" when loosely translated.  The rock formations here are all natural---formed, washed and shaped by nature.  A hill of white limestone (or sandstone), a sedimentary rock that seems out of place in this blackish rocky coast facing the South China Sea.  The rock surface felt like fine grit sandpaper, and it's not dusty.

We were the last people who arrived here that late Sunday afternoon.  According to a tricycle driver whom we met along the way, Kapurpurawan is about 3 kilometers from the highway.  But with the very rough terrain, it felt like 10 agonizing kilometers.  I wish we had a 4 x 4!

Afraid that the car would give out, we decided to park on the side of the dirt road and walk the rest of the way.  The place was isolated---no houses in sight, tall grasses and trees on both sides of the road, we were virtually in the middle of nowhere!  We eventually caught up with 2 guys, who like us, looked lost even with the tricycle driver as their guide.  At the end of the dirt road is a tidal marsh and towards the coast is Kapurpurawan. 

This place is amazing. We expected to see the sunset here but the weather suddenly changed and before we knew it, clouds turned dark and rain started to fall.  Worried to get stranded here in a rain storm without shelter, we ran all the way to the dirt road, across the marsh, and climbed the 18 or so steps to a makeshift hut.  I wish I got a video of the running! We ran like crazy---Sally was so pale and couldn't speak, I thought she was having a heart-attack;  Franzia was screaming like a banshee; I could hear Zhallyn giggling and running like I've never seen before. I was out of breath (from running and laughing at the same time) and felt the jiggling all over!  I am in stitches just thinking about it!

Oh, what an experience.  Definitely the best part of our Ilocos trip.

  Sally, Franzia and Zhallyn--before the 100-meter dash

Kapurpurawan rock formation is located in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, 536 kilometers north of Manila.

view from Kapurpurawan

This post is linked to Photo Hunt

Burgos tidal marsh [Watery and Outdoor Wednesday]

@ mirandablue

We walked through this tidal marsh in Burgos, Ilocos Norte to get to the white rock formations.  This area is near the coast so I would assume this is seawater.  The water here is determined by tidal movement.  Marshes are critically important wildlife habitat, often serving as breeding grounds for a wide variety of animal life.

@ mirandablue

Burgos, Ilocos Norte

This post is linked to Watery Wednesday and Outdoor Wednesday