02.09.10

Hidden Valley

Posted in Playing the Tourist at 7:16 pm by Administrator

Today is our last full day here in the Philippines.  It’s about 9:30AM and we’re waiting for the stores to open before we head downstairs for last minute buys.  In the meantime I’ll share a few photos from our trip to Hidden Valley in Laguna.

Hidden Valley is about a two hour drive southerly from Manila.  As we got closer, we had to turn off the main roads onto smaller communities and winding roads.  It seemed that the closer we got to our destination, the more narrow the road got.  We all noticed this and thought that if the road continues to narrow like this we might have to fold up our van and walk the rest of the way. . . heheheh.  But fortunately we did reach the end of the road where there was a guarded gate and our van did fit, so we didn’t have to fold it up and walk.  Once we piled out of our chariot and started to look around, this is what it was like.

We walked along paths like this, then over a couple bridges.  Here’s a view of the first hot spring along the trail.

There was actually another small pool  just below the shot, which didn’t fit in the frame. We had to walk a little further to find the entrance to this pool, and along the way there was more foliage, some with fruits such as this jack fruit tree.  And yes, yes, I know I’m hoping this is just a bad shot, but most likely I’ve really gained a bit of weight!!!!  Too much feasting this month, I guess. . .

Just a little further was the footpath down to one of the hot springs.

And here’s a shot looking toward the bridge from the hot springs.

And the opposite view looking toward the source of the spring.

Yes, this was warm water. . .

So after our quick look around, we headed toward the lunch buffet.  Yes, more feasting.  Will continue with some of those pictures and more of Hidden Valley later as it’s now about 10AM, and the stores are open.  Aaron and I are gonna head out and do some last minute shopping, then tonight we head out to Sofitel for our last dinner splurge here in the Pines.  Tomorrow morning we plan to eat at Sentro for breakfast, then shortly afterward Aaron and I head to the airport to start our long journey back home–two hours to Taiwan, 3 1/2 hour layover, then finally our final leg of the trip of 11 hours and 35 minutes back to Los Angeles.  If I can get a connection, I might try to post while waiting in the Taiwan airport.  If not, then the next post should be from Los Angeles–home sweet home. . .

Have a great day everyone!  Toodles!

Marlakins

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