Where I come from we have avenues, boulevards, streets, roads, drives, lanes, circles, and parkways. Never heard of a bend before moving here. But the designation seems apt–Everglades is the longest street in Alta Vista, traversing the subdivision end-to-end, with lots of twists and turns along the way. So, bend it is!
Everglades starts at the main gate and meanders its way through the subdivision. It has more houses than any other street, which I suppose given its length is that surprising. My former landlords, the Ocampo family, are big property owners on this street. I’m not sure, but I think they may have been partners in the development of Alta Vista as well. One clue is that they are using one of the gates for advertising:
Good luck to you.
Okay, let’s head up the road.
The beginning of the bend.The first house is an Ocampo property. It’s been vacant since before I moved here. They just finished painting the outside and doing some inside work, so I guess they are looking for a buyer or renter.They also have this small house right next door. It’s been vacant for years as well.I do love that palm tree though, quite unusual looking.The Ocampo’s also have these duplexes, six units in all. I think three are occupied now, although two are by family members/employees.Two in the back…And two more in the front. Hard to believe they’ve not been able to rent these out. More Everglades emptiness. You may have noticed it was raining a lot when I took these photos. Got soaked, I did. The sacrifices I make for my beloved readers!Then we arrive at this huge house. I’m not certain, but I think the whole family clan lives within the walls. I’ve seen folks from several generations as I walk by at least.Across the street is the Ocampo family Subic headquarters. Actually, this was the house I was supposed to live in. Signed a lease and everything. Then Mrs. Ocampo came to town and asked me to switch to the one you see in the background “as a favor”. Hell, it didn’t really matter to me so I agreed. She told me I had made a friend for life. I was genuinely sorry her life would end before my lease did.Oh, and my old house is still vacant. The last of the Ocampo houses (that I know of). This was recently rented to a foreigner escapee from Manila. I’m sure 60,000 pesos ($1200) seemed reasonable to him compared to prices down there, but it is way above market value here. IRight across the street is the newly built house owned by a Hasher (Leech My Nuggets). A bit further up the road is this house. Met the owner a couple of times in Alley Cats. He’s a FedEx pilot.He was none too pleased when a house was built right next door to his. Well, they did leave about 12 inches between them…The house of the offenders. It’s not like they didn’t have a choice...Lots more room on both sides of Everglades…And even more, as we continue up the hilland around the, um, bend.Shall we pause a moment to enjoy the view?Another dream coming true for someone…Should look like this when it is done.With a view like this one.These folks are already living the dream. If you go up that street to the right you can get to my house. But not today!Everglades rolling on towards the next bend.Another cluster of houses along the way.A Hasher (Anal Receptive) lives here. That’s him up on the balcony…His next-door neighbor. Sorry for the blurry shot. I was holding my umbrella and taking the photo when a gust of wind yanked the umbrella at the wrong moment.The house across the street……and one more around the corner.Another open stretch of road.Leads us to his house…And this one is being built right next door. Right up against the retaining wall. It makes no sense to me.The illustration doesn’t indicate any neighbors. Maybe that’s the problem?The house across the street.And then a respectful distance further on is this newly built house. When this was built it blocked my access trail to “My Bitch”. I’ve taken to walking along side that wall to left, so I can still get to my favorite hike when I want to.
And that’s the last house on Everglades Bend. But that is not it for the road.
It goes on around another bend…And yet another…...before finally reaching the end of the bends in this ass of the bag (cul-de-sac).There are a few squatter shacks up the hill…You can kinda see one up there (center left)…But the plot where they grow their veggies (sweet potatoes I think) hasn’t fared well in the rain.
So, that’s the story of Everglades Bend. Twenty-five residences on this one street, which more than doubles the count from the previous seven streets.
Still more to come!
Today’s tally:
8 streets
49 houses (including duplexes)
5 thoughts on “Alta Vista: Everglades Bend”
A pretty ambitious tour today. Thanks.
Yup, appreciate (and am enjoying) the pics of the neighborhood!
Thanks. I aim to please!
That was some damned-good reporting McCrarey! Peace Out!
A pretty ambitious tour today. Thanks.
Yup, appreciate (and am enjoying) the pics of the neighborhood!
Thanks. I aim to please!
That was some damned-good reporting McCrarey! Peace Out!
Glad you enjoyed it, Soju…