We crossed Surigao Strait in excellent weather. We also had the honor to be escorted by Philippine Navy’s petrol gunboat PG389. The captain is Commander Luz Camacho, the first female Captain of a ship in the Navy. They did an excellent job.
The next 2 days saw us crossed 2 more open water of 25km and 18km. It’s 3 crossings in 3 days. The crossing to Lapinin Island was rough. We felt the effect of Typhoon Pepeng.
We finally reached Bohol. At Talibon, Buzzy’s friends from Tagbilaran joined us with 4 kayaks. The paddle to Pandanon Island was tough. I capsized less than 100m from the shore in big swell. At Pandanon, we decided to proceed to Sulpa Island, which is the island we went training in June where I first met Buzzy. Some paddlers were waiting for us there already.
Next morning, we reached Mactan in good weather. Shangri-La Mactan gave us a warm welcome. It was superb to see my family again after more than a month.
We were pampered by Shangri-La’s hospitality including a spa treatment at its Chi Spa,
Hoz
4 months ago
I agree with Bernard. It’s a little hard to “follow” the expedition without updates, stories and pictures. Maybe they plan on writing a book?
I realize with the trials of an extended trip sometimes taking pictures and writing journals falls by the wayside. Let us hope “Spot” doesn’t malfunction or there wouldn’t be any news at all.
bernard
4 months ago
Why didn’t anyone lent a laptop or they get hold of desktop while resting at Boracay Shangrila? Probably lack of funds? Who knows? The spot locator progressed. Its seems you’ll be facing the hardest part of the challenge! Funds, Typhoons, Previous calamities all from the NORTH! I guess that’s where the problem is.
Hoz
4 months ago
Not many updates from the expedition but “spot” track tells me they are making great progress. I wonder, looks like Boracay (halfway) within the week. At one point they said they needed money to continue the trip past the halfway point.
Has additional financing come in so that the expedition can continue to Pugudpud?
Philip Lau/Shuqun Pr
4 months ago
Hi buddy Swee. It’s me again. Great and relieved to learnt that you have crossed the
Surigao Strait safely. You prayed for safety from the rough open sea and you got a navy gun boat to provide cover! Amazing isn’t it? We at Shuqun continue to pray that
you will have more of such blessings. Take care and btw, our students really enjoyed talking to you during the video conferencing. They are looking forward to another moment with you. Cheers!
bernard
4 months ago
by this time the team have renewed your strength to carry on the sojourn northwards in the misted of the calamities in the island of Luzon. But you are still in the heart of the archipelago with an eye for another Shangrila in Boracay. The Prevailing winds are about or is already shifting Amihan (northeasterly) from Habagat {southwesterly} so expect more headwinds than tailwinds
Maricel KIelkopf
5 months ago
Hi! I just seen your blog and you mentioned the name of the captain as Luz Camacho. I’ve been a good friend of her and we went to the same school in college. We have lost contact and just happy to see her name in your blog.
I’m just wondering if you have a way to reach her or if you can forward my email to her.
Hoz
5 months ago
Sangri-la? That’s high living for a kayaker!