This day really began with the meeting of the three boys. A meeting that was both fortunate for us and fortunate for them. Fortunate for us as they stopped us being smashed into the rocks by the waves of the sea (more on that later), and fortunate for them as they conquered their fear of heights (more on that later too).
The B family and I were walking up the coast from Tamaraw to Talipanan when we came to an outcrop of boulders that extended into the sea. At low tide we could probably have sidled round it, pity that was more than an hour ago, I was chest deep in the ocean investigating the possibility of wading past and Master B was already attempting to climb over. Then a mixture of Tagalog and broken english sounded from the jungle saying something along the lines of “this way, don’t kill yourselves out there!”. These voices emerged as 3 young boys. Ian, Robi and Raymond. Before too long we had 3 native guides taking us to the waterfall which was “malapid malapid na” which means very very close. I was quite proud to have understood him, I didn’t suspect for a moment the information might be have been inaccurate.
During the course of our hour long journey I did get the chance to witness the damage that the super typhoon had inflicted.
We passed over streams, through the rocks and with many a wet sandal ascended the narrow bamboo filled paths. We came across a village with their famed weaving displayed outside the doorway. Here are our 3 guides and Master B (with his trusty fishing rod) trekking through.
Eventually we climbed up the last pile of rocks to behold a stunning rush of water, 20 feet high and plunging down with the sound of an avalanche. Without further ado we clambered into the pool and I sidled behind the waterfall to attempt diving through it. The feel of the waterfall was exhilarating, almost like a living force. And ultimately unstoppable. When I dived into its midst I was immediately forced down into the pool below. There was no give, no gradual descent. If you went in to the white spray you were going down.
Eventually the time came where man and mouse were separated. The challenge was to leap from the top of the raging waterfall into the foamy water below. (Mice who attempt this feat generally drown). I will admit to hesitation. No one had jumped yet and the waterfall had never been this strong before according to Mr B. That being said, with a quick prayer and my last will and testament written on the sand beside me… I jumped. Suddenly the 20 feet gap vanished, the white water beside me joined in my descent as the pool rose up frighteningly fast to catch me. There was a moment of silence and the feeling of sinking down onto a pillow (I imagine that was the foam of the water) And then it was over. The waterfall was conquered.
My jumping caused a chain reaction, one of the other lads, Ian said he’ll jump if I jump, Â as did Master B and even Raymond conquered his fear of heights after a lot of encouragement and a gentle push (I’m kidding here of course). All in all I jumped 3 times and so did Master B. I’m very proud of the 11 year old as this fall must look enormous to one of his height. Eventually lunch called and we found ourselves again back at Lucas, the Italian restaurant.
Tell me that this doesn’t look like heaven in a plate:
Back at home Master B and I had a sunset uke session, ukulele on the beach… Life doesn’t get any better than this. Finally I dipped my feet into the foam whilst playing for the ultimate experience.
The last order of the day was a game of pool and greeting my new Texan friend (you meet all sorts at a resort) then an infuriating card game session where I lost every round very heavily…
All in all it’s been quite a full day hasn’t it?
Just wait for tomorrow 😉
The adventures of the Ukulele kid 
Hi Ukulele Kid,
Your Mum sent me the link for your blog.
My oh my, what adventures! It is like reading an adventure book.
So glad that you are well and having an awesome time. Thank you for sharing so openly and honestly. Your story is addictive – we cant wait to see the next instalment.
BTW We shared a great time on Christmas day with your family here in Aust. – feasting and laughing – but we did miss you being with us as we shared in our celebration of Jesus’ birth.
Please stay safe, well and at all times in the centre of His will – may He bless and keep you, be gracious to you and send you homewards when the time is right – able to testify to His greatness.
Praying for you from good old Adelaide.
Blessings
JB
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