Storm Crypt
Mt. Pinatubo's Artwork
On Explore/Flickr Top 500, Oct. 3, 2008
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For 500 years, this place was part of a mountain range. Vegetation hid the volcano. People and houses moved in. Not just houses, but -- homes as well. The communities became municipalities, and cities. Food and water was everywhere. Unknown to all the people, this place is all part of a large stratovolcano. And in 1991, after almost five centuries of inactivity, it erupted. One of the most violent recorded volcanic eruptions -- and it was tragic.
Last time I visited this place was 7 years ago, obviously I was 7 years younger, probably 7 kilos lighter as well. But probably I was stronger and faster then. Before there were no 4x4 vechicles that I'm on now. We have to walk the whole -- approx. 20 kilometer stretch of lahar, and streams, and rocks. And a little steep part nearing the crater. Now that hike is cut to two hours with the 4-wheel drive vehicles that ply the route. Funny how times change. Last time I was here, it was almost cloudless, it was the peak of summer. Now, I have to be quick to take nice shots during instances when the blue skies show up. Last time I was carrying almost 20kg of supplies on my back, tent, and water. And some added weight of laundry -- formal clothes which I have to bring since the trip was just a continuation of my trip accompanying my brother when he applied for law school at metro manila. That was so long ago. Before, this mountainside was barren, now I can see green all over them -- and my brother is already a lawyer for three years now.
All I can recall, was that previously, I came here, with some of my worst enemies -- some traitors who were my friends before. Its long ago. I thought I'd forget them. I thought till I saw these familiar canyons again. Look now, when I say traitors, they had been my friends. How can they be traitors if they're you're enemies at the very start. Just so, in case you ask.
But anyway, good thing these blue skies show up occasionally. Its good for the soul. And good for the trail. This is about 15 kilometers east of the Mt. Pinatubo crater lake.
Mt. Pinatubo Trail
Tarlac, Philippines
Mt. Pinatubo's Artwork
On Explore/Flickr Top 500, Oct. 3, 2008
__________________________________________________________________
For 500 years, this place was part of a mountain range. Vegetation hid the volcano. People and houses moved in. Not just houses, but -- homes as well. The communities became municipalities, and cities. Food and water was everywhere. Unknown to all the people, this place is all part of a large stratovolcano. And in 1991, after almost five centuries of inactivity, it erupted. One of the most violent recorded volcanic eruptions -- and it was tragic.
Last time I visited this place was 7 years ago, obviously I was 7 years younger, probably 7 kilos lighter as well. But probably I was stronger and faster then. Before there were no 4x4 vechicles that I'm on now. We have to walk the whole -- approx. 20 kilometer stretch of lahar, and streams, and rocks. And a little steep part nearing the crater. Now that hike is cut to two hours with the 4-wheel drive vehicles that ply the route. Funny how times change. Last time I was here, it was almost cloudless, it was the peak of summer. Now, I have to be quick to take nice shots during instances when the blue skies show up. Last time I was carrying almost 20kg of supplies on my back, tent, and water. And some added weight of laundry -- formal clothes which I have to bring since the trip was just a continuation of my trip accompanying my brother when he applied for law school at metro manila. That was so long ago. Before, this mountainside was barren, now I can see green all over them -- and my brother is already a lawyer for three years now.
All I can recall, was that previously, I came here, with some of my worst enemies -- some traitors who were my friends before. Its long ago. I thought I'd forget them. I thought till I saw these familiar canyons again. Look now, when I say traitors, they had been my friends. How can they be traitors if they're you're enemies at the very start. Just so, in case you ask.
But anyway, good thing these blue skies show up occasionally. Its good for the soul. And good for the trail. This is about 15 kilometers east of the Mt. Pinatubo crater lake.
Mt. Pinatubo Trail
Tarlac, Philippines