Photo by Daryl Tolero: Coffee or me? or Coffee with me?
"Coffee or me?" or "Coffee with me?" the famous line that woke me up that very cold morning. This has been the killer line which I've heard the moment I open my eyes which signals that the night is over and another challenge is waiting for me and the rest of the group. Well, if you are curious of who said that, by looking at the photo above I am pretty sure its obvious and by looking at the photo below its obvious with whom that killer line is for. I thought the fun and noise last night is over, but I was wrong. Maybe I did slept at around 2 or 3 o'clock dawn but then its time to prepare for the next challenge.
I've heard that the first group which I referred to as Team A was not able to explore the cave which Team B first explored the other day, because there was heavy rains. Likewise, the MSU Marawi team arrived late the other day, therefore these two groups plans to set an exploration after breakfast. Nonetheless, the group decided not to pursue the plan as there are inevitable circumstances which did not permit them to do so. After some time it was decided that the group shall go down and proceed with the next activity as planned and that is visiting two of the wondrous display of alluring waterfalls around Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte---the Cathedral Falls located at Brgy. Waterfalls, Kapatagan Lanao del Norte and Sta. Cruz Falls seemingly located at Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte. When everyone are done with our meals, we started packing and we set to downward.
Kapatagan's Cathedral Falls
Cathedral Falls is located in Brgy. Cathedral and Brgy. Waterfalls in the province of Lanao del Norte - "Land of Beauty and Bounty." It is considered as a site to behold, because of its rock formations which resemble cathedral posts where it got its name. I was here first in 2009 with a classmate and friend Kim who resides in Maranding and Diana, but was not able to save photos when friendster got closed. Actually, I considered the invitation to participate the Malinas challenge as an answered prayer. Going to Cathedral Falls is easy as it can be accessed by vehicles of any type. Some locals said that the water is not safe to dip yourself for a swim with, but I saw a lot of people enjoying their swim in the mid-day.
Kapatagan's Santa Cruz Falls
After a short fun-thrilled visit and picture taking at Cathedral Falls we dropped by at Kapatagan Town Center and deposited our bags and other belongings at Iligan Computer Institute's office, before proceeding to our next destination---the Santa Cruz Falls. The night before we set to climbed Malinas peak, Daryl showed me a photo of the falls which made me very much excited and vow to visit the place and should be able take photos of myself and I am proud to say that I did that. Thank you Daryl for granting my request! My first time experienced with Santa Cruz Falls was totally extra-ordinary because of the group I am with.
Going to Santa Cruz Falls was a surprise for me, you may asks why? I don't want to sound complaining, because I don't complain, but I really thought it was just a short walk. Maybe, I was too tired that I almost feeling like flying while walking. My legs don't hurt but it feels so heavy. Daryl said that going to the falls will require a 20 to 30 minutes hike and it did, except that it feels like I was walking for about more than an hour already and every time I gaze on my watch it really feels like time moves so slow. Despite that it was all worth it! Why? Well, look at my photo? Needless to say it was really worth it! I asked an old man who was hiking with us, if its safe to swim and he said, it is and when I was in front of the falls, I felt that it was useless to resist the inviting water waiting for me. So, I removed my clothes and joined the others who were already swimming delightfully.
When you are in Kapatagan Town Center, hire a local motorcycle driver or tricycle driver and spend P10.00 going to the dropped off crossing going to the falls. Then, prepare yourself for a 30 to 40 minutes walk depending on speed.Visiting the Santa Cruz Falls requires you to wear slippers, because it is expected that you will definitely get wet along the way. The walkway to the falls is not paved and you'll need extra effort and patience crossing with the river as the trail to the falls is by following with the stream, which makes visiting it unsafe, during rainy seasons or every time there is heavy rains, because normally when there is rain the river's water level will definitely rise.
I want to extend my warmest and heartfelt gratitude to the Local Government Units (LGU) of Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte, through Daryl Tolero who invited me. I would say I am looking forward for future activities with you guys. I've heard and read that local food is worth the taste specially the seafood's :) I missed that during the travel. The ICI mountaineering group, though, I was too tired to mingle with you guys---it was all fun listening all your funny conversations. Looking forward to see you and join you in your next climb wherever it maybe.
Do you want to join us in our next adventures?
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