Getting my rocks off

Yesterday’s hike turned out to be a surprising adventure. It all began when Swan said she wanted to come along. She thinks my Standard Saturday Solo Street Stroll route is boring, so I tried something a little more creative. We took a Jeepney out to the Kalaklan barangay area and got off at the hillside cemetery. My plan was to go down to the beach at the lighthouse, then walk the sand to the Bantan Bayan neighborhood, and make our way back to Barretto from there. It had been a while since I walked this route, and I belatedly discovered how much things had changed. One of those changes was the lingering impact of the recent storm, including a higher-than-expected tide combined with rough waters. In the end, these obstacles proved insurmountable. Here’s how things went down:

I see dead people. The massive hillside cemetery was where we exited the Jeepney.
From our vantage point we could see the Lighthouse Resort on SBMA.
Down the steps we go!
Made it down. Next we climb those steps behind Swan
The real lighthouse. In all the time I’ve lived here, this is the first time I went up for a closer look.
A bay view from on-high
And a view of the river meeting the bay.
Our pathway to the beach
A ship on the bay
And trash on the beach, more residual damage from the recent storm. I’m constantly amazed at the shit that washes up from the bay.
One of these things isn’t like the others
Some of those angry waters I mentioned.
Walking the seawall was good while it lasted
Until there were only remnants of the seawall left.
And here is where the dilemma began. Back in the day, we’d hike around that structure on the left. Yeah, we’d sometimes get wet feet, but no big deal. That wasn’t an option yesterday because the tide and waves were giving that route a pounding.
So, I had the bright idea to climb up and over these rocks. Our destination was right on the other side, and someone built that structure up there, so I figured there would be a path down to the village.
Up I go!
Right about here, trouble set it. I couldn’t get a grip or good footing, and I started to slip. But I was falling to the side and a drop off to the rocky rough waters below. Yeah, I freaked out but managed to back my way down the way I climbed up.
Just some scratches on my leg and a cut on my finger. I was probably lucky.
On the way back to the highway, we passed by the grave of Olongapo City’s first mayor, James L. Gordon. Interesting story at the link, including his assassination in 1967.
Then back to where we started. I’m glad this wasn’t my final destination.

Splurged for a trike ride home after our abbreviated adventure. Not much distance, but lots of excitement.

Went out for some bar time after a two-day break and started at It Doesn’t Matter. Enjoyed some brews and then Swan’s brother-in-law popped in and joined us for a bit. We went to Wet Spot next, but it was so dead that we carried our drinks next door to Green Room and enjoyed them there. Ordered some food to bring home and called it a night.

Back in the high life again

And so ended another day in the life.

And now a word from our sponsor:

I posted this on Facebook during the scamdemic, but sadly, it seems just as pertinent now based on folks supporting Kamala

Today’s YouTube video is from Reekay. I’m not sure what is going on, but numerous vloggers are posting on expat fuckups. Reekay has been around a long time (I was following him prior to my move) and he offers sound advice.

Here’s the funny stuff:

Not that I would know what’s going on here.
What goes around, comes around
This one seems a little flat.

Alright, I’m running late. Got to feed those hungry gals at Hideaway, then meet my sweetheart for our dinner at John’s place. Until tomorrow then.

4 thoughts on “Getting my rocks off

  1. Sorry to hear about the now-treacherous route and the scrapes. Favorite places appear and disappear all the time. I can sympathize.

    Reekay basically says not to be an Ugly American. This is apparently easier for some than for others.

    Enjoy Hideaway and John’s. Breathe easy.

  2. ahhh…be careful when you hike, John
    It’s really scary you fall down there……
    you should have a beer to calm down the shock 🤧🤧

  3. Yep, that’s a low-tide walk from now on.

    I’ve been lucky and haven’t encountered many assholes here. I avoid the idiots as much as I can.

    John’s is still out of red wine, so we ate at Jewel Cafe instead.

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