Mayo Bay is a beautiful and quiet bay. Residents say there are 6 dugongs here and we were lucky to see one. It just popped its head out a few meters from my bow just to check me out and then disappeared. I also saw a sea turtle and dolphins. Catching these illusive animals on photos is more difficult than kayaking.
On the approach to Taragona, we had to pass Lucatan Point where the MILF is located. Luckily, one of their leaders was on our boat. When we were near their shore, he gave an ok hand signal. That was our passport for safe passage. I wanted to pay a visit to their Commander but was told that they need a few days’ notice. Anyway, Taragona’s development officer Nenita told us that they are actually civilians and there has been no trouble.
It was a short day to Taragona and we stayed at the Mayor’s rest house. We were treated to a highland excursion with Nenita and Ariel. We drove up to a cool 800m above sea level. We visited the pastor’s home and tasted locally brewed coffee. It’s sweet with a bitter after-taste. Seeing the highland was refreshing after days on the sea.
We passed Pusan Point, the most eastern point of Philippines. The sea was chaotic and confused with swift currents snaking in and out. It was challenging negotiating our way thru. This is where many people came to see the Millenium Sunrise but was disappointed by a cloudy morning. The coastline in this area is sharp limestone cliffs up to 50m high.
Mayor Alicia Mori waited for us 2 hours at San Luis. It’s embarrasing to have the mayor waiting for us. She opened her home to us. It’s a nice 2-storey of mixed Spanish and Philippino architecture. That night, we had our 4th lechon (roast pig). That is 3 consecetive days of lechon ! We need a break.
Big waves going to Cateel. This is our last stop in Davao Oriental Province. We said goodbye to Juancho here. He has been such a great help since we entered this province, following us everyday and making sure we are ok. I also had a phone conversation with Governor Cora to thank her for her great assistance and her hospitality in allowing us to stay at her home in Cateel. It’s a beautiful mansion.
Barcelona (no, we are not in Spain) was the first stop in Surigao del Sur Province. It’s a quiant little fishing village and again, we were welcomed into the Barangay Kapitan’s home.
Bakulin sits in a deep V-shape cove. It’s a long 3km from the tip of the cove to the village. At the entrance of the cove, there are beautiful islets and rock outcrops. I must come back to explore this tranquil place. Mayor was there to welcome us and again, we stayed at the kapitan’s house. In the morning, the entire village gathered to send us off. Very heart-warming.
From Bakulin, we executed the longest open water crossing so far. It’s 34km across the huge Lianga Bay. Strong wind and big waves from the side kept pushing the kayak sideway. I almost capsized on a few occasions. The most exhausting day so far. And long distance too, 49.6km. We didn’t see land the whole morning until we arrived at the cove leading us to Cagwait. The beautiful Cagwait White Beach more than made up for the tough day. Lala, the provincial tourism officer welcomed us and for dinner, of course, our 5th lechon !
We met the Mayor and he took my recommendations to start the sport of kayaking seriously. He said he would purchase a few sit-on-top and invite me back next year for a kayak competition. It would be exciting to see this idea come to fruition.
It’s a short 26km to Tandag, the capitol of Surigao del Sur. We deserve a half-day rest. This part of Mindanao is the premier surfing site of Philippines. That means one thing, BIGGER waves await us ahead. That should be fun and scarry !
We are making good progress. ETA in Cebu is now 1 Oct. I can’t wait to see my family.They will join us from Cebu to Boracay.
Stay tuned for more stories from the beautiful Philippine coastline….