Way to go

As Fridays go, yesterday was a good one. It began with a hike and ended with an SOB. Well, the hike had a bit of bitchy hiccup, but it all worked out to be just part of the adventure.

With only six participants, Mike offered to drive the group so we could explore some seldom-visited territory. He mentioned wanting to do the Praeda river walk out near Castillejos, so the Barretto participants rode a Jeepney to Philseco Road and met Mike there. We loaded up in his car and off we went. Somehow, we missed the turnoff, so I suggested we continue on to the Govic Highway and find a trail I had done with the group a few years ago. I did a Govic hike a couple of weeks back, and saw the turnoff, but after that, I wasn’t quite sure where to go. We’ve really been missing having Scott as our tour guide, as he has infinite knowledge of rarely traversed trails. Ed was along with us and had done the hike I suggested, so between us and some lucky guesses, we found our way to the trailhead.

As we progressed along the path, our vague memories were challenged when we came to intersecting trails. Our instincts proved correct for the most part, except for missing the turn to our intended destination, Pamatawan Falls. After four kilometers and a 174-meter climb, we turned around and headed back from whence we came. On the way down, Ed spotted the trail to the falls, but I was too bushed to make that journey. Swan and I continued on to where we started, and the rest of the group enjoyed some time at the falls. We got back to Mike’s car and waited for the others to return. Thirty minutes later, Rob and Chris showed up without Ed and Mike. It seems that after taking a swim, the group walked most of the way to the car before Mike realized he had left his glasses at the falls. So, he and Ed went back to find them.

It was already approaching 1 p.m., and Rob had a dart league match to attend at two, or his team would forfeit without him. What to do? They said it would take over an hour for Mike to make the trip to the falls and back, and we were 5K away from the highway. So, Rob flagged down some locals passing by in their three-wheeled vehicle (like a trike, but with an open storage container instead of seats). They stopped, but couldn’t understand what Rob was asking. Swan translated, and the locals (a man, a woman, and their child) agreed to take Rob to the highway. Rather than spend an hour-plus hanging around, Swan and I crowded into the basket and came along for the ride. Once we reached the highway, I gave the kind strangers 500 pesos for their willingness to help out strangers in need. We got lucky, because right after we got dropped off, a bus came by and we were able to ride back to Barretto in air-conditioned comfort for 50 pesos each.

We gathered for the hike at our usual Baloy 7/11, and this sign was out front of the Snack Bar. Hard to argue with that sentiment.
This week’s Friday hiking group: (L-R) Rob, Chris, Ed, Mike, and Swan.
It’s so nice to get out and see some different terrain.
A tree that caught my eye.
And so begins our journey upstream.
Not surprisingly, we had a couple of water crossings along the way. Not too difficult with the water levels low.
Onward and upward!
We were fortunate that this carabao wasn’t feeling aggressive and didn’t challenge our crossing of his water hole.
The only people we encountered during our journey were this grandmother and kids. We added some cookies and lollipops to their burden.
I’d follow her anywhere.
I’m not sure what that’s all about. It doesn’t appear to be manmade.
That’s me, waiting for the rest of the group to arrive.
And here we are partaking in the kindness of strangers as they carry us back to civilization.
Riding the Victory Liner bus back to Barretto.
Farting on the bus isn’t allowed? Who knew?

Here is the video Swan made from our adventure:

Our 8K journey there and back again.

It was after 2 p.m. when we got back home. I dashed off a post here, showered up, and saw I needed to hurry to the SOB dance competition.

Time to go!

This week, the SOB was at the Alaska Club. Out front is the now-closed Sloppy Joe’s.

See you again soon.

The SOB went like it always does, which is why I only attend once or twice a month. Daddy Dave, the SOB founder and master of ceremonies, was once again not in attendance. I was saddened to learn that after recovering from his recent illnesses, he was involved in a horrific car accident when his driver fell asleep on the expressway. He’s lucky to be alive, but is expected to recover.

This week’s competitors.
And our tablemates after the show. Yeah, we got a little more generous than usual with the lady drinks—a good time for us, and a little extra pay for them.

And that’s as far as we took our Friday night on the town.

And this one is for commenter Cherry:

I’ve been married four times. I fathered two kids with my first wife, and five others came along with the other wives. I did my best to love my step-children just like my own, but I was not much better at being a father than I was as a husband. Back in December 2007, I wrote a post in tribute to my second wife’s daughter, Avery—another episode in The Story of My Life.

Eight years ago, I moved from Seoul to Pyeongtaek.
And seven years ago, I spent my last night in town saying goodbye to the friends I had made there.

And I also posted this memory on Facebook seven years ago:

Walking home from work today I remembered something from 35 years ago. I was still living in Arizona, but I had sent my daughter and son to stay with my mom in Oklahoma while I recovered from my first divorce and a subsequent heartbreak. I had gone out there for a visit and when the time came for me to leave, my seven year old daughter said to me “Daddy, I know all about goodbye. It is spelled S-A-D”. And she was right.

Today’s YouTube video from Reekay shares the story of guy who is screwing up his FIFTH marriage over a misunderstanding. It’s good to know that, as bad as I’ve been throughout my lifetime, I’m better than the loser Reekay tells about. I’d never heard of white blood either, but I wouldn’t have jumped to this guy’s conclusion.

And some jokes before I go:

Choking the chicken?
It’s not her Fauci, I mean fault.
I’m glad I didn’t moo at that carabao yesterday!

And there you have it. A busy evening ahead, so I’d best get after it. Back with more of this drivel tomorrow.

1 thought on “Way to go

  1. I’m glad to read that Daddy Dave is okay. How’s the driver? Fired?

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