Laguna 2015 Series| Returning to Sta. Maria's Three Falls

 
happened on May 24, 2015

the much enchanting falls in the uppermost part

After two years, I'm back to this enchanting falls, with the Windangan Group and a better camera this time.

We woke up early for breakfast and in preparation for our hike.  The other kids are so ecstatic of this trip because of this (hike).  We have been bragging about the falls for quite some time now and they are just so eager to see it.

We passed by the newly built suspension bridge and we cannot let it pass without a picture of it (with the whole gang on it).  We have tested its durability and strength - and I'm glad that it has passed or else...

 

the newly built suspension bridge

typical local life on the river

they are having fun



and we invaded the bridge

adding more weight to it

the full cast.. minus hubby since he's the photographer

We parked our cars on the road side and started our "not so hard nor so easy" 30 mins. hike with a local guide.  It's our stamina and endurance that were tested this time.  As expected, the kids are more fit that we are (in terms of stamina).  They are always in the front line all throughout the hike and always leaving us (adults) behind.

let the hike begin

trees and more trees along the way

and caves

another small river to cross

It's so refreshing to see a healthy forest and undisturbed nature. We just enjoyed blending with nature. I love how the fresh air smell and the only sound we can hear are the birds and our own breathing.
 

a short break for photo op

enjoying the sound of nature

There are some changes (more of improvements) from our last visit - (1) station of the cross for pilgrims; (2) restored bamboo bridge; feeling more secured in crossing it and (3) cemented pathways for an easy hike.

with cemented stairs with railing for easier hike

the restored bamboo bridge

water from the falls



and hubby is always the last



The tiring and difficult hike is so worth for this:

conquering the first falls.. getting ready for another one

the three falls, quite crowded now

  

Apparently, on our first trip here, we were not able to climb the upper falls since there's no easy path then.  Now, a lot of improvements have been made to make this more a touristy site.  We even met some campers at the top.

 

easier way to the top

 

the campers



look at that!



more stronger falls



 

The water is freezing cold but very refreshing.  We took our time swimming and marveling at nature - how tiny we felt compared to God's creation. 

and the water fun begins

more pictures please

hubby and ynahkay having a moment

Before leaving, my son was suddenly inspired with the rock formations created by the campers that he created his own.  I'm proud of him in patiently rebuilding (when the first one collapsed) and completing this. At least now, I'm seeing that he will have a great attitude of completing whatever he has started in the future.

 

the Engineer daddy can't help being involved

my future Architect is so focused on his creation

We didn't want to leave yet if not for our complaining tummies.  Lunch is in a rented cottage (for 300 pesos only) while we are dripping wet.  We realized that we were famished with the hike and swimming that almost all our food were consumed. 



our cottage



and they still didn't want to leave yet

the most common form of transportation on the mountains

and they are just so amazed of the horse

We wanted to spend more time here but we have to go back to Manila so after the kids had checked the river, we returned to Bes J's home to pack and be on the road again.

 

This is one of the great weekends our group had.  I really pray that we can continue with this tradition till our golden years.  It's the kids' time then to organize our trips.

Till our return then Sta. Maria!