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Photo Journalism > Journal Excerpts > Coron Expedition
journal excerpts |Coron Expedition - 12 Days Expedition from May 19 to 30, 2000
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
DAY 3: MAY 21, 2000 Sunday
NAME Helen Spiegelberg
Thank God! - a good night's sleep - at last- thanks to a double dose of "Sonata" and they worked to perfection knocking me out from 8:30 pm-5:30 a.m. when the sound of trickling water from next door roused me from my dreams! Sadly not wearing a watch I had no idea of the time so I was far too wide awake to resume my slumber by the time I'd rummaged and found the watch.
So, up, shower and out the terrace armed with paperback - so far unopened but now, at last, time to relax again with book in hand and a fresh cool breeze to blow away the aches, pains and negative thoughts. Time alone to reflect and to lose oneself in a good book and the beautiful scenery.
The weather looked considerably better, no rain, bright and some sunshine. The outriggers looked very prominent on the still water. The morning shadows adding a certain touch of the "picture postcard". No boats moved, no kayaks, no motorboats -- stillness, quiet, very peaceful and time to think and space to be alone.
7 a.m and everyone up and ready for their breakfast. Food is good here. The pancakes with syrup are popular but not for me, too sickly sweet so early in the morning - for me - the old omelets, very boring, very conservative. I've discovered Milo - never seen or trusted it before - it's different.
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First impressions of Coron Island John: "A coral fringed, jagged, coastline giving way to an expanse of grazing and scrubland interspersed with forested hill-tops. A cute airport terminal, pot-hole ridden runway covered with muddy puddles. A long dusty road to town with oxen plowing the fields. A small but busy self-contained town with streets lined with outlets representing all the trades – all open fronted and with the gutter sidewalk forming a vital part of the area. Shacks, made of corrugated iron and driftwood patchwork, stilted above garbage ridden tidal slime." |
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The Hot Springs were certainly very hot and relaxing and it was lovely to see the local people enjoying themselves and we all got some super natural photographs. The weather was ideal, cool breeze and sunshine.
Too late we realized there were jelly fish around and I've got bitten but luckily not too serious and it certainly made us all more alert to what was under the surface of the water.
Getting into the speedboat was not a problem. here was a convenient mangrove tree to step up into and up into the boat - easy! The kayaks were tied to the motorboat and off we set for some snorkeling. Barry had already done two scuba dives this morning but he joined us for the snorkeling.
Now I had my big problem - if I jumped out of the boat - how the hell would I get back in - no ladder or step - the sides were very far from the surface of the water - oh s----! Not being the slightest of build this was going to be a mega problem - for me and for the poor soul trying to lift me up -but I couldn't resist the thrill of seeing the coral and fish, not having snorkeled in such colorful waters since our trip to Cuba. So, new snorkel and mask in hand, over the side I went - no problem! The others disappeared off ahead, I remained near the boat and probably saw just as much. The different species of coral was amazing, it's another world down there - so peaceful and quiet and such beauty. The fish were quite small but had amazing colors and patterns and many fluorescent blue, darting effortlessly through and round the coral. I was disappointed with the colors of the coral, mostly white, cream, brown, the occasional blue, not the vibrant colors I have seen on films from the Red Sea. It is very therapeutic floating over a coral reef, the sights are spectacular and to a novice like me - awe-inspiring. Sadly I haven't the nerve to go deeper, scuba diving is not for me, I prefer the security of the surface and near to base - the boat! I know I'm missing many great adventures and sights but we all know our limits and for me scuba diving is a no, no area! I began to get cold and as Vic and Greg were by the boat I decided time was up and time was right to try and get back up the boat - especially as the others were still snorkeling well away in the distance. From sea level the side of the boat was very high - how the hell would I get back in it? Vic nobly offered his shoulder and nearly drowned in the process - Greg in the boat trying to pull me in - so no good! Decided to try the back end of the boat and the rudder as a prop for me and Vic's poor shoulder for the other - Mighty whale landed! What a performance! Perhaps Tribal Adventure could be persuaded to invest in a wee ladder for folks like me! The others were back in the boat effortlessly, no one making a fool of themselves. How the boys would roar with laughter and this is only the second day! Adventure holidays are not for geriatrics.
The speedboat brought us safely back in very hot sunshine to base and lunch after which we all collapsed to unite and read in the sun before going to the CATE (Calamian Assocaition of Tourism Establishments) meeting in town. By the time we left the sun had disappeared, clouds had formed and the rain falling yet again. We walked as far as the Tribal Adventures office and the rain became a deluge - the six of us lined up under a corrugated shelter, rain pouring over the edge of the roof in front of us. I suggested to Patrick what a good picture this would make - all of us lined up and soaked, rain all around us. Patrick took two photos from under an umbrella - the result should be interesting. Walking to the meeting would have us making a very wet entrance so we all got onto a motorized tricycle and it belched its overloaded weary way to the end of the village for us to attend the meeting.
The CATE meeting was disappointing. I thought we were going to hear issues on tourism related issues but it was just voting in the committee officials. After a long pointless session we walked back to base to relax with a drink to discuss the day's events. The rum is cheap and superb - apparently the gin is too but tonic is not - as there's plenty of that at home - while in Palawan rum will have to do!
Wow we've ordered another fish dish for dinner and will no doubt enjoy yet another splendid meal! An early night and another early rise tomorrow - and that's the end of my contribution to this journal - next 3 days off - watch this space!