Another day, another journey. This time with the Wednesday Sausage Walkers group. Lately, I make a decision on whether to participate or not based on where the group is going and/or who is leading the group on that day. Now when it was announced we would ride the Hashmobile out to Gordon Heights in Olongapo City and then make our way up to Tralala, I normally would have been in a “thanks, but no thanks” mode. But there were a couple of other slow walkers in attendance so I decided what the hell and went along despite my reservations.
I’d done the climb to Tralala once before back in February. I swore back then “never again”. And all the way up this time I was swearing at myself for being so stupid as to consent to this replay. Ah well. According to my fitness tracker, we did a 400-meter ascent. I’d say two-thirds of that was steps, and the remainder a less arduous path meandering its way to the top. It was a challenge for this tired old man, that’s for sure.
Here’s the path we took. Up from Gordon Heights, then across the ridge, and back down into Barretto. All told, just under 10K.In the truck for the uncomfortable 30-minute ride into the heart of Olongapo City. Yes, that’s Ilene on the left ignoring me.Out of the truck and psyching up for the ascent.And up we go!Up and up. In my mind I’m like that obnoxious child in the back seat “are we there yet? Are we there yet?”These kids were cute and friendly, although I’m sure they were thinking foreigners must be nuts to climb up here for no reason…I’m going up, he’s coming down. And the world keeps on spinning around. Heh, I’m a poet and don’t know it.It’s not like I’m above it all or anything like that. But I found myself looking down on Olongapo City…The Sausage Walkers taking advantage of a photo opportunity to catch our breath. At least I was. I’m told Stuart (on the far left) is not Ilene’s boyfriend. Hmm.We ain’t at the top yet, but we are entering the Tralala sitio, whatever in the hell that is…Jim offering me words of encouragement: “Come on slowpoke, we are almost there…”“Hold on, Jim. Just let me stop and smell these flowers first.”We lost the trail briefly and this kind woman came out of her shack to point us in the right direction. She said she was the President of the Tralala school. It must not pay well, we were all surprised to see her shanty occupied. I counted at least 3 young kids in the yard as well. But she was very friendly and helpful, as are most Filipinos.And after just a few minutes we arrived at the church/school that sits smack dab on top of the mountain. There are no roads up here whatsoever. I have no idea how this large building was constructed.A view from the top of Tralala…We took a brief lunch break in the schoolyard. Hey, it looks like Ilene is checking out my ass! Hmm.We had a long walk back to Barretto ahead of us. At least the ridgeline was pretty much level and easier on my tired lungs…And it was a beautiful day in the mountains…The path did get a little rocky in places though…I’m the fat old guy in the back. As usual.And finally, we began making our way back down…Barrio Barretto (and cold beer) awaits!“Hurry up, Scott! I’m thirsty!”Jim stops to assist a goat who got tangled in his rope…
And then finally we were done. I was so tired I only had two beers, then hoofed it on home. Took a nice nap and said fuck darts tonight.
This was my day according to Fitbit. The big thing here is the 268 floors, at least for me. I’m a lazy bastard who prefers flat land.
I’m no Kevin Kim, that’s for sure. These past four days of strenuous (for me) activity make what Kevin is doing all the more impressive. My daily output is about 1/3 of what he’s doing routinely on his hike across South Korea. Well, if nothing else I’ve learned my limits.
This morning I rewarded myself with a foot spa and pedicure. It was just what I needed!
I’m going to keep on walkin’, it’s what I do. At least when the sun is up. Nighttime is for rehydration, and beer seems to do the trick.
Those hours ain’t gonna fill themselves!
Look at the time! I need to get my afternoon steps in. I’m going to take it slow, flat, and easy today though.
Thanks for following along!
UPDATE: Okay, now this is kinda funny. I used the “there and back again” title once before, back in April 2017. That post was in recognition of Kevin Kim’s beginning a walk from Seoul to Busan. The more things change, the more they remain the same.
8 thoughts on “There and back again”
10K done in mountainous terrain is no mean feat. I couldn’t do that. The hills I’ve had to climb during this trip all featured smooth, paved roads, not rough trail. Hats off to you.
I’m going to have to convince you to come out for a visit and see for yourself. I think you’d do fine. Might even enjoy it!
Yeah, you’re a poet and I’m a rocket scientist. Peace Out!
So, do you really think we can put a man on Mars?
Or maybe reach the stars?
For once upon a time we thought the world was flat
But Columbus showed the lie in that
And now really the future cannot be known
But we make it what we will, to each his own!
Hickory Dickory Dock this Filipina was Sucking my (any ideas). Peace Out!
10K done in mountainous terrain is no mean feat. I couldn’t do that. The hills I’ve had to climb during this trip all featured smooth, paved roads, not rough trail. Hats off to you.
I’m going to have to convince you to come out for a visit and see for yourself. I think you’d do fine. Might even enjoy it!
Yeah, you’re a poet and I’m a rocket scientist. Peace Out!
So, do you really think we can put a man on Mars?
Or maybe reach the stars?
For once upon a time we thought the world was flat
But Columbus showed the lie in that
And now really the future cannot be known
But we make it what we will, to each his own!
Hickory Dickory Dock this Filipina was Sucking my (any ideas). Peace Out!
sock? chalk?
Touche. LOL! Peace Out!
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