Yep, another hike on Kalaklan Ridge. Note I said “on,” not “up.” One of the members, Brian, discovered a rough dirt road leading to the ridge from the Olongapo side and offered to drive the group up in his 4×4 pickup truck. I love walking the ridgeline but despise climbing up there, so this idea was a real treat. We took the truck to the top and parked where the road ended, then commenced our walk in the direction of Tralala, a mountaintop village. We arrived 4K later and kept on going for a bit into territory none of us had previously traversed. Then we reversed course and walked back the way we came (no other option on the ridge) concluding what for me was a 9K hike. I enjoyed it very much much. Here are some pictures our group took along the way:
The dog walk, the ridgeline, and my trip into town made for one of my biggest days in a long time.
About that trip into town. I dropped into Hideaway for Joy’s birthday. Had a pizza delivered and gave her an envelope with the gift I knew she could use. I stayed an hour or so and said goodbye before the cake was cut. Next up was Cheap Charlies, a venue I don’t frequent as often as I used to. Come to think of it, I haven’t been hitting any of the bars as often now that I have more motivation to stay home. None of my old crew was working, but I stayed for two beers anyway.
Swan was visiting a friend and wasn’t going to join me. I decided to go to Whiskey Girl to say hello to my waitress friend, Jenn. Except she wasn’t working either. The girl I know from Voodoo now works at Whiskey Girl, so I bought her a drink before I headed back down the highway.
I made Snackbar my final stop of the night. Months and months have passed since my last visit, and the vibe was pretty depressing. Things change, and life goes on. There are lots of nice memories there, but the past is gone.
Home before eight (and Swan). For some reason, Netflix still won’t load on my television, so I finished season 10 of “Shameless” on my laptop. One more season to go.
Today, I’m going to spend my evening at the Rite Spot On The Roof. I’m sure it will be more fun than I had last night.
Facebook memories reminded me that it was seven years ago that I was diagnosed with COPD.
Today’s Quora Q&A:
Q: Do you ever think about your old job after retirement?
A: Funny you should ask. I dreamed about working in my old job last night. It’s been over four years since I retired. I guess my subconscious wanted something to do.
And you regulars know what is coming next:
That’s all for today. Thanks for dropping in.
Nice photos, and a very different view of Easter Mountain!
The Army hospital on Yongsan Garrison made the diagnosis that my Korean doctor had missed for several months, giving me worthless antibiotics for an “infection.”
So you have your doubts about Korean health care, too, I see. Would you say your health care in the PI has overall been better?
They’re about to build a 100-story building on Yongsan’s property.
There were aspects of Korean healthcare I liked and missed, like the ease and efficiency of the annual physicals. I have found a good doctor here in the PI, but I generally have low confidence in the hospitals. Some things are mind-boggling, stupid, and inconvenient–like not being able to schedule appointments in advance–you show up, sign in, and wait your turn, sometimes for hours. Many expats travel to Thailand to have serious illnesses treated.
100 stories–wow! How many does the Lotte Tower have?
Apparently, the Lotte World Tower has 123 floors.