February 26, 2011 Island Adventure in Southern Palawan
It was another long restday for our shift. Our team leader. Ariel, suggested we go to Birds Island since he has not been there. So we made our arrangements and preparations for the trip. The idea was also opened up to the other section to cut down expenses.
Waking up early on a restday was so hard. Those who will be coming from the dorm was fetched at 530AM as agreed. Spid, Orlando and Dexter came in so early. After we took some stuffs for the trip, we went to the ladies dorm to check Terh and Tiffa. Soon came our ride going to the pier where we waited for other shiftmates. The tricycle we rode stop by somewhere at the piersite village where we walked a few meters towards the pier. I think we got there so early that we saw passenger boats (Balabac bound) preparing for their trip. There was this coast guard station also at the pier where we waited for the others.
Waking up early on a restday was so hard. Those who will be coming from the dorm was fetched at 530AM as agreed. Spid, Orlando and Dexter came in so early. After we took some stuffs for the trip, we went to the ladies dorm to check Terh and Tiffa. Soon came our ride going to the pier where we waited for other shiftmates. The tricycle we rode stop by somewhere at the piersite village where we walked a few meters towards the pier. I think we got there so early that we saw passenger boats (Balabac bound) preparing for their trip. There was this coast guard station also at the pier where we waited for the others.
Our scheduled trip of 630AM supposedly went to 730AM due to some items not yet prepared. Ariel brought with his family also. Kids do have a hard time waking up that early but we did not mind. The long wait was still worth it because we witness the life of boatmen and coastguards at the pier. When everything was already okay, we set sail to the open sea.
Sailing into the Open Sea
One of the added treat for this trip was seeing ships on the open sea. Our boat was dwarfed by one ship we passed by. It was like we were on the busy port when seeing this vessels.
Change of plans
Weather was fine that time and the sea was calm. I got a spot near the front of the boat for the view. I slept for a while until I was awoken by a splash in the face. It started to be a rough ride with the winds blowing harder. It was kinda dangerous for us to proceed still to our destination but having kids with us on the trip, we thought of the safety of everyone. We were already half way supposedly to Birds Island. We told the boatman to go back to the nearest island we passed by earlier which was the Ameril Island.
Nearing the island by about 200 meters, one of the boatman dived into the water to check if the boat can still navigate through shallow waters. Rex even went to take a dive to swim ashore supposedly but he went back because the boat moved still in slow speed towards the southern end of the island until it made it closest achorage. Rex got up by the outrigger. The wind was still blowing giving him chills that he had to hide inside one of the containers used for fishing in the boat.
Nearing the island by about 200 meters, one of the boatman dived into the water to check if the boat can still navigate through shallow waters. Rex even went to take a dive to swim ashore supposedly but he went back because the boat moved still in slow speed towards the southern end of the island until it made it closest achorage. Rex got up by the outrigger. The wind was still blowing giving him chills that he had to hide inside one of the containers used for fishing in the boat.
Ameril Island
We were transferred into a small boat in groups for us to get to the island. There was this shallow part (almost knee deep water) where we got off from the small boat and made a walk towards the island. It was like our boat was capsized and we were castaways finding an island. It was an adventure unfolding.
While the rest of the guys prepared for lunch, some of us went to explore the island. From our spot, we were surrounded by towering trees with lots of aerial plants. There were rocks of different formations too. A nice stretch of white sand beach lies from where we were.
Came lunch, we enjoyed the food we brought and shared with everyone. And we were on the island, some of my guys found some sea urchins and giant clams while enjoying the waters earlier.
After lunch the spirit bottle was opened. It was not enough for heavy drinkers so they decided to check the other side of the island for a store. To get there, the small boat will be used. I wanted to go but only five can be carried by it. Anyway while waiting for the ones who bought, some of us went to swim and some of us went to check the forest.
Tired from swimming, we spent the rest of the afternoon chatting. Some went to take a nap. We may not be on the island we wanted to be but it turned out that our day in Ameril island was adventure worthy. It was really relaxing and stress relieving to be out there.
Going home was another fun since the tide was rising. We were transported in groups again to the larger boat. While waiting for the rest of the guys, some decided to take one more dive. The guys really enjoyed the trip. Too bad we had to call it a day.
Note: Some photos from Terh.
“…adventures don’t come calling like unexpected cousins calling from out of town. You have to go looking for them.” — unknown