ULOG #41: Sunday swim at the river (with very short clips)

!steemitworldmap 16.357470 lat 120.596363 long Hydro 1 Waterfalls d3scr

#beautifulsunday was started by @ace108. Thank goodness for a beautiful Sunday for although it did rain, it was just for a bit and it was late in the afternoon. We have decided a few days ago to visit our grandfather this Sunday. We just did not know what time but we were still able to go.

It has been more than a month since my grandfather returned to his home. When he got out of the hospital, we decided to bring him to our home so that he will be taken care better. Once he was well enough and strong enough, he decided to go back home. Our cousins takes care of him there. Since we have not seen him for a while so we decided to pay him a visit.

My grandparent's home is near rivers and waterfalls where we frequently visit when we want a quick getaway and a nice place to de-stress and relax. What I like about this waterscape is that it changes every now and then. Factors that could cause this change include rise in water level which is brought about by monsoon and typhoon season. Water from the mountains drains to these rivers which can make a shift in rocks.

The strongest natural force is earthquake which can cause landslide, breaking away boulders from the mountains which tumbles down to these rivers or moving the rocks and stones changing the scene.

Landslide can also be caused by "kaingin" (slash and burn) agricultural system and also small scale mining. Gardening and mining are two major local industries.

On our way to my grandfather's house is this iconic boulder of a rock turned into a lion's head. It has changed in colors over the years. It had a black face with orange mane, brown face with yellow mane. It had improvement over the years. Photos of this had been used in some photo albums then. This is a landmark that signifies you are already near the City of Pines. This is a welcome sight that after your trip, you are now entering Baguio City. There were no tigers or lions here in our mountains but I don't know why they decided to carve a lion out of this boulder.

This is a new installment. This is a statute of a highlander garbed in traditional outfit complete with spear (gayang) and shield (kalasag). There is also a shed covered with hanging plants beside this which serves as a resting place for travelers.

Businesses were taken advantage of by the locals. Since this is a spot where travelers like to take photos, stalls which sells goodies and souvenirs were set up near this lion's head. It is a part of Baguio City experience to stop over here. One time there were a lot of these roadside shops that some were encroaching the road. They had to be taken down because of hazard issues. There was a designated place for them but I wonder why nobody would like to set up their stalls there.

This tree near the lion's head seems to have grown in the rock. Ever since I have been made aware of this tree, it has been like this. I guess nature will always find its way.

The past few months of rain brought about landslides to this access road. Rains would cause landslide which brought about destruction and claiming of lives. Reckless driving will cause accidents to this winding road. Bridges could be destroyed and road could be blocked.

When part of the road is closed, no vehicles travel here except those that can only travel up to a certain point. We were then lucky to have a photo in this landmark we call lion's head because there were no tourists.

These hanging bridges are your path going to the river. This particular river is what we call Hydro 1. Water comes from Sto. Tomas or Mt. Cabuyao. These mountains also adds water source for the Baguio Water District. I remember when I was a kid that these bridges were worn out and there were missing platforms and in place were planks of wood that with misstep could be dangerous. I was terrified crossing these but my desire to go to the river was stronger.

Even when the bridge is completely set up, it sways a lot that it gives you doubt how sturdy the bridge is. There is anxiety especially when it your first time. It was super fun though! The relief when that you feel gives you a sense of accomplishment for making it across.

These are the kinds of rocks that you see here in this river. Most are colored with orange or rust color. There are rough and sharp so be careful when walking on these rocks and stones and be sure that you have a strong foothold. You should also be able to balance yourself in this uneven pathway of rocks.

There used to be a tunnel here where somebody started a small scale mining. However, the tunnel had been covered by these rocks. The tunnel have weakened the base which caused the landscape. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

You will always find spots in the river where there will be dams like this. It will make create a pool. A part of the river had to be deeper where the rapid is not that strong and wide enough to swim.

It is amusing to see how strong the rapids are but that did not deter us and a dozen or two to take a dip and/or swim. The water is cool and so refreshing.

It was not a flowering time so there were no sunflowers that can be seen. There is some lantana and some wild tiny flowers. Aside from those, all green of different kinds. There are also lots of dragonflies and butterflies.

I would like to think this rock is shaped like a heart.

There are also lines of water tubes that runs through or crisscross above the river. These will carry fresh water to the locals.

Here are some very short clips taken at the river.

Do you remember this photo?

I went back to where I originally took it. Not surprisingly, those rocks where no longer there. Here is a photo of where I took that.

There were boulders piled in the pool when I took the photo then. Now, the pool is cleared again of those rocks. I wanted to go to the waterfall which near this spot but there is no way to go there. The rock that we usually climb to get to it no longer has the tubes of water that used to serve as a line for support.

I went back to where there is a spot for a nice dip and test how strong the rapids are and did this:

It was a test of strength. The current is strong that without secure foothold, you might be carried away. The river is shallow but one mistake could lead to a serious injury. I welcomed the chill of the water as it engulfed me.

My brother-in-law and my nephews also hunted for crabs at first. They were able to find some but then released them and decided to catch goby fish (wading/bunog). They had fun turning over rocks searching and catching these elusive creatures.

It was a refreshing beautiful Sunday at the river. Of course it was not a complete day without spending a meal at my grandfather's house.