One thing I’m sure of is that getting out and enjoying the countryside with fellow hikers is one of the best parts of my daily life. Yesterday’s adventure was especially nice. We explored the new, as-yet-unopened Philseco bypass highway, then took a trail we hadn’t been on for years back down to Castillejos. Beautiful scenery surrounded us, and it all felt new and fresh. One of the better hikes I’ve done recently.
Want to see for yourself? Here are some of the photos Scott and I took along the way:
A jeepney ride out to the far side of Subic town dropped us off at Philseco Road. Yeah, I was just out this way the day before, but our trail took us in a completely different direction.A new, never-before-walked road was ready to be explored.It’s a big-ass highway that will easily accommodate four lanes once it opens.The portion we walked was mostly uphill.Looking back from whence we came.The empty road did pass through a small village. These local children were resting by the roadside, so we gifted them some biscuits.Then there was this store in the middle of nowhere that was surprisingly busy.Swan handed out lollipops to the young’uns.On up we go past where some construction is still taking place.This friendly old couple lives way up here in a shanty by the road.We brightened their day with some biscuits as well.The view from here.And then we reached the end of the pavement. Turns out the bypass is a LONG way from being completed.It’s nice to be off the pavement anyway.It was surprising to see this pickle ball court way out here. I can’t imagine anyone making the trek to play, but then, I’m not a fan of the game.Scott took this beautiful photograph of a hillside covered in blooming thatch grass.
A couple of years ago, this is the spot the trail we were on led us. So, we knew the trail back down to Castillejos was nearby.
And we found it right where it was the last time we had ventured up here.Time changes everything, and not much looked familiar yesterday.I could imagine sitting there with a cold beer and enjoying the beauty of nature. Then again, how would I get an ice chest full of beer up here?The grass is high but we’re holding on.A little rice paddy on the side.We were fortunate the downward path was mostly unobstructed.Regathering for the final push down.Vine covered trees with blooming yellow flowers was one of the delights we witnessed.Back on the flatlands.I guess it must be springtime in the Philippines.How now brown cow?We did encounter one wet and muddy section on our trail. As you can see, my efforts to find a way around it were unsuccessful.The wide-open spaces.If you have to be put out to pasture, this looks like a nice spot to be.Back on pavement and time for a rest.A big church surrounded by poverty. I see these cathedrals all over my part of the Philippines. I don’t think the doctrine of Iglesia Ni Cristo would fit my lifestyle.And now we begin a two kilometer trek on the bypass road back to the National Highway.These graduation banners gave me a chuckle. One sister gets her degree in HR management. And then the “sister” with the odd name of John Denver graduates tourism management. Well, baklas are part of the landscape here. Honestly, they are an accepted part of the community and everyone gets along. Live and let live is the way to go, and I respect that.You are welcome!Fiesta time is a big deal in the local barangays.And then I came to a fork in the road, and this time I took it.
Back on the highway in Castillejos, we caught a Victory Liner bus to take us home to Barretto in air-conditioned comfort.
Back of the bus for us white folk. Well, that’s where the empty seats happened to be.
I took a short video out the window as the bus journeyed from Castillejos to where we had started our hike at Philseco Road. Nothing much to see other than the world passing by, but maybe you’ll get the vibe of the local life.
And that gives you the flavor of what yesterday’s hike was like. The next best thing to being there!
The beer o’clock activities were well within the realm of the ordinary—not that there’s anything wrong with that. We started our evening fun at It Doesn’t Matter bar. The kitchen there is now closed, so we guilt-free brought in some shawarmas from a stand down the street. The beer was cold and good, and I got to pass the time visiting with my pal Chris. His stepdaughter turns 18 tomorrow, and we were invited to attend a celebration on a yacht cruise around the bay on Sunday afternoon. Sounds like fun!
Next stop was Rum Jungle, and it was a pleasant visit. The music was right and the vibe was comfortable. For those readers who ask to see the dancers, here you go:
This gal was alone on stage when we arrived. She’s actually my favorite, although I’ve never really talked to her. She has a nice smile and seems vibrant and happy. The other crew of Rum Jungle dancers.
We did our nightcap next door at Wet Spot. I was surprised at how busy they were, but happy to see it. I expect there is going to be a shake out of bars in Barretto, but will be happy if Wet Spot is one of the survivors.
Wet Spot has a large crew of dancers now, and most of them are attractive. I try and sneak my photos, and only got this one when a small group was on stage. Sorry, but many of the gals don’t want to be photographed, so I try and be respectful.
Wet Spot is the only bar in town that provides personalized beer holders for their regular customers. I’m proud to have made the grade!
First name……and last name.
And that’s the story of another day in my little slice of the world.
It’s good to be steppin’ it up and steppin’ out!
Continuing with the December 2022 LTG archives, I came across two posts written one day apart that pretty much capture where my lack of companionship was leading me. In “Stranger Danger,” I recount inviting a woman I’d never met before—just chatted with on Facebook Messenger—to my house for dinner. It was a disaster. I didn’t pay her for sex; I paid her to leave. In the other post, “Paying for What You Get,” a bargirl I invited to my house for dinner didn’t want to eat—at least not the food I’d prepared. So, she took care of business and left with the money she’d earned. Well, my luck is bound to change soon.
For today’s YouTube video, I took a trip back to those other ’70s and enjoyed reminiscing about the good times through old photographs. Yeah, the past is history, but memories are forever—until your brain disintegrates.
And they say it can never be worse. Wanna bet?
That’s some fishy business. Nope, that’s not gonna happen.Safety first! Yeah, this isn’t a joke meme, but it makes some good points, so I wanted to share.Let’s get something straight between us!
Told you there were bad. Sorry! I’ll try and do better next time. Promise.
But hey, it’s now1960 in our musical journey. Here’s a Twist for you:
