Enjoyed an amazing hike up to Tralala at the top of Kalaklan Ridge with the Wednesday Walkers group. We started at the Gordon Heights barangay in Olongapo City and did the 200+ meter climb from there. It’s been four years since we last took this route, and it’s an ass-kicker. But that effort pays off in some fantastic views. I don’t know what it is about Tralala that impresses me so much. Still, there’s just something about a community without motor vehicle access that makes me respect the harsh life the locals live.
Our jaunt also included a visit to the “Golden Girls,” a mountaintop residence inhabited by an elderly couple. The years of harsh living have taken a toll. The old man told us they could no longer endure the hike down the mountain, and their offspring brought them a monthly food supply. That left me shaking my head in sadness. A lonely life in isolation inevitably drawing to its conclusion. I don’t expect they’ll be around if we should ever find our way up here again.
I hope I live to make that journey again one day.
Not much to say about the Wednesday evening events. Our “seldom-visited bar” for the night was Sloppy Joe’s. The big news there is that they’ve put up a wall in the back of the bar and are building a stage to add dancing girls to the mix. Good luck with that, but I’ll still sit up front and watch the passersby on the street when I’m here. We visited Green Room next, then finished the night at Wet Spot. We are done with Barretto now until next week.
A couple of Facebook memories from this day in the past:
Six years ago, I was visiting Manila and found this disconcerting signage in the men’s room:
Speaking of which, Musk has overreached with this one:
In today’s YouTube video, Reekay tells the story of a dumbass causing drama.
Shall we share a laugh or two?
Okay then, I’m all packed up and ready to go on my journey to Bauang, La Union. It’s going to be a long weekend at the Nash Hash (a gathering of Hash Kennels from throughout the Philippines), with trails on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. They are all morning runs with Circle events taking place afterward. I’ll do my best to blog as I go, but given the starting time and lack of San Mig Zero, I’m making no promises. Anyway, you’ll get the full lowdown when I return.
We were never meant to worry
The way that people do
And I don't need to hurry
As long as I'm with you
We'll take it nice and easy
And use my simple plan
You'll be my lovin' woman
I'll be your lovin' man
We'll take the most from living
Have pleasure while we can
Splendid views. Good luck with the Nash Hash. Try not to get falling-down drunk again.