Wolfe's Wanderings: Playing Tourist

Puerto Galera, PH map

I took Grace to Puerto Galera for her birthday present. We played tourist and took a boat tour of the island, went snorkeling to see the giant clams, visited the underwater cave, went para-sailing, drank drinks with names like, "Sex on the Beach," and had a great time. The day we went home, we couldn't beat vendors off with a stick, and I don't know how many times one brought out a lighter to "prove" his pearls were "real." Grace has several gay friends, and developed a rapport with several of the drag show performers in their day time capacities as wait staff and bar tenders, so she got the inside information about who sold real stuff and who had simulated pearls. She also got tips on what a good price was, so she bargained hard and hopefully we are all set for Christmas presents except for each other.

I guess I posted too many pics. If they don't all display, you can click on the gray square, and you should see the pic full size and in all it's 10 Mega Pixel glory.

On the bus from Manilia to Batangas Port

Typical outrigger boat that shuttles passengers from Batangas Port to Puerto Galera

Always smiling when I'm on a boat, even a stinkpot

Vendor in small outrigger boat

Leaving Batangas Port - Roof is plastic tarps, clear plastic rolls down to keep out spray, and curtains for the hot sun

Ticket check leaving Batangas Port

Boats and the ocean always make me smile

Sailboat anchorage at Mulle Port, Puerto Galera

Even seeing other people's sailboats makes me smile

Medium size outrigger boat used for island tours and snorkeling trips

Approaching White Beach, Puerto Galera

Performers playing with fire on White Beach, Puerto Galera

Stage show at one of the beach bars on White Beach, Puerto Galera

Our room just off White Beach, Puerto Galera

In a boat on the ocean with a pretty girl...no wonder I'm smiling!

Heading out for the island tour and some snorkeling

Leaving White Beach for island tour

On the way to the under water cave

Pulling the boat up on the beach

Tour boats on the beach at the under water cave

The cave is under the rocks of the point

Path to the "easy" entrance to the under water cave

Those rocks are razor sharp

Tunnel entrance to the under water cave...too small for me!

"You want me to crawl in that little tunnel? Get serious!"

Previous tour groups leaving the under water cave's beach

Grace was braver than me and climbed the rocks

Grace in the under water cave

Pic was taken from the rotting wooden ladder that is the "easy" entrance to the cave

Wouldn't want to be here at high tide!

Under water cave, Puerto Galera

Ocean entrance to under water cave

Looking toward the ocean

Grace in the under water cave

Holding on to keep from getting pulled out to sea

Better than a mermaid!

Grace working her way along the 4 inch wide ledge after climbing the ladder out of the cave

I can't believe I did it!

Model for the figure head if I ever have a sailing ship

The guide went barefoot so Grace could have his sandals. Hers weren't up to the rocks.

Going down is always harder than climbing up. Just ask a cat stuck in a tree.

A star I found in a tidal pool

Snorkeling to see giant clams. Don't touch, there is a 100,000 peso fine!

Beach bar at Sand Bar, Puerto Galera

Getting ready for para-sailing

Hooking up to the kite

He's laughing because Grace is screaming

Coming in for a landing on the stern of the boat, still screaming

White Beach

Para-sailing boat...we were the only passengers when we went out. Climbing the ladder on the bow is tough, especially in the big waves we had the day before this pic was taken.

Trail to Aninuan Falls

Aninuan Falls - Privately owned, 20p each to get through the gate.

Aninuan Falls

We made it to the top. A guide is necessary to get here safely. There are multiple river crossings, and the current is very fast during the rainy season. The trail is unmarked.