Switzer Falls Unfinished Hike

They say that experience is the best teacher.  We got lost  on the way to Switzer Falls.   I can now give some details after I do research after the hike. In every hiking, we always google first its difficulty or sometimes call for more updated info. Those details that I  gather usually slip off my almost overused memory before  I even get to the start. I shouldn't rely on GPS  as it is always a dead signal zone in the mountain, thus no maps to guide in the wilderness.   That's actually how I always do, outsmarting GPS and rely on my instinct.

We started our hike at 7am and  entered the burned area towards Bear Canyon. We already walked a few miles when we realized it wasn’t the trail to Switzer Falls and went back to the picnic area already exhausted and tired. We started again the trail, ascending and descending, scaling the edges of the cliff of the mountain, crossing the stream, snags and downed logs. We were almost like twenty minutes to reach the Falls but decided to go back as we were already tired.  

We saw a couple of snakes, lots of squirrels, different species of lizard, birds and skunk, well I didn’t see it but the smell gives a sign that there is. No bear surprised us, and we’re fortunate that no other wild animals showed up in the trail.  

Parking at Switzer Fall needs  an adventure pass. I have an annual pass, 'America The Beautiful Adventure Pass'  which I can use anywhere in the US (please check the website for more details) that I hang in my dashboard for all state parks we go in. Please check REI store and Big 5 Sporting Goods  stores for this pass. You can also get it from a gas station and other authorized sellers.  

I am uploading videos in one account for easy posting as I can’t keep up blogging anymore. Probably will vlog instead and revive my old Youtube account. Because, why not?  

My two daughters joined me on this hike. Made an intense trekking, rock climbing.

Made 16,345 steps / 7miles.  

We never reached the falls but we will be back anytime in unscheduled day this season.  

 How to get to Switzer Falls Trail will be in my next hiking adventure part two. Just hoover at my sidebar and click Switzer Falls  if this post buried in my archive.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0r-5yBDo5k&t=22s

Hitting the Trail at 5am

First, this blog is now taking a different theme which makes me realize how this evolves from one  Stay at Home Mom  to  Hitting the Trail err  Survival of the Fittest.   Half kidding!

I never thought in my whole life I'd do hiking as I did today.   My hiking buddy,  K,  is a hiking enthusiast. It runs in her blood.  Her mom and dad have already been to the highest point of mountains in California.  While I on the other hand only had a few hikes when I was a kid, helping my parents going on a hilly farm for a living. Does it even count as hiking?  I could honestly say,  this is not new to me that helped and trained me and  built my endurance.  Waking up at 3am is not something I would do just for a hike but this is a complete turn of events,  one for a  reason,   my body is starting to feel like breaking down. 

At 4am we headed the canyon trail but unfortunately it was closed so we headed another trail and wasted no time.  We started at 5am while the sun was still hiding and needed a flashlight to illuminate the trail. 

We started at 5am and barely see the trail.  Honestly, I'm scared or mountain lions that I sometimes see in the news crossing the freeways down San Gabriel.  But having the rate of only one attack in hundred years made me feel a little safe.  

     

Too old to hike?   Hiking doesn't require age. It's never too late for everything.   But first, I wanna feel good about myself and hiking releases endorphins.  This pandemic is making me depressed at times.  Plus of course, my body needs some physical workout. 

We are just having a COVID getaway.  K, on the other hand, needs to get away from the office stress.  Seriously,  we have the same goal.  To get fresh air,  physical workout  and be one with nature. 

See this beauty and it's all worth it.  The picture doesn't even justify the scenic view.  And look how pretty are these cacti that stand the test of time and extreme weather conditions.  I truly admire how these plants survive the intense conditions.  

Simply Breathtaking!

Capturing these flowers that stood out from the rest, surviving drought and storm despite the fact they have roots and couldn't move.  Isn't that amazing!   

Cool temperature a little above 60 degrees F and back at 74 degrees made our hiking a little easier which is really ideal for outdoor adventure. This is why I love California. We have the perfect weather.

Tired sole.

 Elevation gain: 1,503 feet 

16,465 steps 

7.4 mi 

 I survived! 

The Road to Anza Borrego

Plenty of sunshine, lots  of  spring wildflowers, pleasant weather and  scenic view   await the road trip in southern California. Your eyes would be full  but you would crave  to go deeper and chase  wild flowers, rocks, mountains and canyons of  the  600,000 acres of  life and color of Anza Borrego State Park.  With that said attractions,  a day trip is not enough. And who would stay in a resort in Palm Springs if you can camp  and see the sky full of stars at night in the desert. Ok, we're tourists  and not locals who are used to stay in RV and camp out. But yeah, 'maybe the next time we got lost, we might find a way to life just like desert where wildflowers and cactuses grow naturally and find its way to survive.

We  passed by Coachella Valley, Indio, Palm desert and Salton Sea. But what's supposed to be the Anza Borrego which is on   our  top destination now has become another next spot to visit. We went off the road like a jeep trail. I drove a few miles of uneven and cracked road like it has been damaged by the earthquake. Believing smooth road is ahead and  there was no vehicle along with us or coming from opposite side,  I pushed a few more miles. It was an empty road that seemed to be abandoned.  I guessed when I googled that the two wheel drive is ok  and  off road jeeps are not necessary  only meant for those coming from the east.  Seeing this sign "5mile off-road ahead" made me a quick u-turn.   GPS pointed me to other direction.  Know before you go.  I'm trying to outsmart Google here.  Added to that chills, my  celphone showed no service and that's when I decided to go back to highway  and headed the resort.

The Anza Borrego is just right there, it may not be our luck this time but there's more spring to come and our eyes already feasted  with the beautiful lined palm trees.  The photo below is from Joshua Tree National Park as we enter the  desert. Yes. I also thought we're going straight to Oasis Resort in Palm Springs.  The park is just as  spectacular and thats in my next post.

Summer Fun and Adventure at Sandbox, Alviera

At  31°C,  with  humidity of  46%,  there is no doubt that summer is  officially here.   At the  media launch of  Sandbox at  Porac, Pampanga last Saturday, April 5, 2014,  I felt that the weather forecast was not accurate.  It could be more than that  because  I could feel the sun in my skin. It was extremely hot and the  sky was so clear.

For  adrenaline junkies and those looking for adventurous activities, this kind of weather doesn't make any contribution to stop  them from heart pumping and thrilling rides.

For family activity, the place is also perfect for  kids  because they have a themed  playground with picnic areas, mini golf and camping sites.

Sandbox  features an array of exciting attractions  such as  Giant Swing, Aerial Walk, Adventure Tower that features, Free Fall, Rappel Wall and Wall Climbing,  Roller Coaster Zipline,  ATV,  and more  that visitors will surely enjoy and  have a memorable experience this summer as they will officially open to public on April 12, 2014.

My two daughters as they were getting ready to do rappelling and wall climbing.

It's the CLIMB!  The siblings that climb together stay together. :)

Adventure Tower,  with 15 meters of wall climbing fun, rappelling and free fall.

Wall Climb

Rappel Wall

The Giant Swing that will take your breath away.  Get ready to scream now.. 

Giant Swing

There you go.. my two daughters as they tried the giant swing while they embraced the summer sun.
  
The Giant Swing is the tallest swing in the Philippines with 10-meters high.

Doing the Aerial Walk

The Aerial Walk is a high rope adventure with the added challenge of being in an obstacle course.

Sandbox also offers ATV AND mini-ATV rides.

ATV and UTV Rides at the Sandbox

Sandbox's UTV and ATV Rides

On April 12, 2014,  a concert featuring Bamboo Manalac  will be held in the open field  as the park will be officially opened to public.  They will  also  feature kite-flying and kite making workshops, health and wellness program this summer. 


Sandbox is a perfect place for family picnics,  team building sessions, sports and active life enthusiasts, outdoor hobbyists and outings with friends. 

The Sandbox is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

 For booking guidelines, visit the Alviera at  http://www.alviera.ph/ and http://www.facebook.com/AlvieraPH.


 How to get there.

Summer is More Fun at Island Cove

We've been at the Island Cove for three or four  times  already but never had a chance to explore much of  the resort mainly because we  just want to  dip ourselves into the pool and have some rest inside our room.  Last Thursday was a different experience. We explored the whole resort,  dined in different restaurants, toured at  their sports and recreation facilities such as Oceania Water Park, Fishing Village,  Interactive Game Room, Table Tennis, Airsoft and  Paintball Field.

What you want in a getaway is there in  Island Cove not to mention  the location  which will only take you about 15 minutes  from MOA via Cavitex  that  wont give you  too much stress.  With just a few minutes drive from Manila,  you would feel like you are separated from the rest of the world. 

We left Manila  at around 7am  and reached the place  just in time for our breakfast served by  iCafe  which deserves a  separate feature.  The food totally  made my day.  Our lunch was held at  Fishing Village and snack at Sangley Point which will  also be posted in another entry.  Each restaurant caters different dishes. I can describe the food in three words;  YUMMY AND TEMPTING!


We  were greeted by True Colors Band with old classic songs.  I did not let the chance pass without  a  photo op with them.   And that's how I want to start  my blog   not  a selfie or look-up  but a photo with a band to jump start my post. :)

That's me with a guitar feeling like a musician.

iCafe, Sangley Point and Fishing Village offer different kinds of dishes;  mouth watering Filipino and international food at affordable selections.  Let me just give you a teaser of what we had during our meals.

Breakfast at  iCafe

We had our breakfast at iCafe. I'm leaving you  an array of food on the  buffet table.  It offers delicious Filipino food, cakes and pastries.

I concluded my meal with brewed coffee.  I will post a review soon and link here when I'm done  so you know what overwhelmed me.  I already emptied my cup when I remember to take a photo of my coffee. :)

Lunch at  Fishing Village

Delight in Filipino dishes while dining in one of the native huts at the Fishing Village.

Enjoy your meal and don't count the calories.  I tell you, I tasted the crunchiest and tastiest lechon   in my  life that is Lechon sa buho.  I could hear the sound  cracking while eating.  Okay,  these are just a few at the table.  Wait till I post the complete lunch with  Seafood, Dessert, Filipino Dishes and more.

So you think it's only the food that will make your day?

Well, that's just  icing on the cake!   At Fishing Village,  guests can do fishing and the ambiance will  make them  feel relaxed  during their  stay.

How about  refreshing yourself with some buko drinks?

Sangley Point

Sangley Point serves  international dishes such as Pizza and Garden Salad.   The restaurant is proud of their homemade salsa which I promise to blog later.

Look here, a very classy recycled jar!   

 
Garden Salad

 

Yummy Pizza!

Accommodation

Island Cove offers a selection of  accommodations depending on your needs.  They have hotel rooms, villas and more. 

For a family or a large group, they have Dormitory type or Cabana with two or four bedrooms. They have dormitories that can accommodate 16 pax or more.

One of the many paintings I captured on the wall that shows the hotel pool.

At the hotel lobby, one can just sit down and relax.  This is my  favorite area for my online business. I was here last summer with another friend. We blogged the experience right  on the spot.   There is a strong wifi at the hotel and on most of the parts of the resort.

Souvenir items are also available near  Sangley Point. 

Oceania Water Park

The first time I heard of Island was many years ago  and 16 years after,  it still has the best facilities that attract both local and foreign guests.  They  maintain the cleanliness and  the level of  quality and service,  and facilities were more improved.  They just opened  (or should I say  about to open)  the Splash Park which is another added attraction this summer that will thrill  kids and adult alike. 

Splash Park

With my curious mind,  I actually touched the flooring of the  Splash Water  which is soft and  rubberized.   The water coming from the splash is purified.

 

The giant slide, kid's pool and more pool.

I wanted to jump at that moment, right there with the clear water  that's calling me but I  guess  the  kiddie pool  is  just  perfect  for me   where I can swim safely  and have fun with the  kids.  Haha.

 

 

 

Island Cove is a perfect venue for family weekend getaway,  celebrations like baptism & weddings, corporate functions,  team building  or company outings.

The  resort  has  several function rooms with quality audio-visual equipment for meetings and presentations.  

This is the only photo I can provide. The other function rooms that we visited were occupied at the time of our tour so I didn't bother to take some.  You may check the website I provided below for more photos and info.


Bayside KTV

Sing your heart out at Bayside KTV located beside the Fishing Village.

At  KTV,   "I did it my way"  and  showed off  my  singing prowess.  Because I was behind the camera,  I have no photo here. I hope the video while I was singing wouldn't   make a viral  hit  in  You Tube.  You can choose from more than 3000 songs of different languages.  Bring it on.  I can sing different varieties  of musical genre,  it's just that I don't hit the notes.  Okay, I am seriously kidding here.  I am just a videoke addict. :)

Adventure

You may explore the island on a bike or a horse.  For those with a spirit of adventure, there is a  Paintball Field  and Airsoft Site.   Are you ready for more adventure?  Then put on your military game mode  or  challenge yourself  at an obstacle course.  You may also opt to explore the island on a bike or a horse. 

 Paintball

Airsoft Site

Enjoy the beauty of nature at Animal Island.

We walked around the Animal Island and took  a few shots of  the beauty of nature.

Some of my friends took the opportunity to have photo with the tiger but I dare not do it.   No way.  It just scared me a lot.  Cats are not my friends. I'm a dog lover. :)

Alright!  That's  me with  an  ostrich's egg.  I think I am safer here.  I just moved a little bit farther because I sensed that  the ostrich wanted to snatch the egg from me. :) Let me segway my way,  I forgot to put on my SPF lotion so I used my shawl to cover myself from direct sunlight.   

The biggie python which I can only imagine hanging around my neck.

I asked the staff  how many crocodiles are residing at Animal Island but I couldn't remember it now.  I was busy on the other side looking at the monkeys begging for some bananas. Ooh carefree monkeys.  You may ask the management  if  you want to feed the animals.

There's a lot more to do;  Maze Challenge, Giant Outdoor Chess, Billiards, Tennis and more.  My   friend took only about a minute and a few seconds at the Maze. You may want to try it and face the  challenge.  Who knows you find the route easier and make a new record.  

Playground

Interactive Game Room

You may want to play golf or tennis here..

Wellness Center

Island Spa and FIT Club is located right beside the Hotel

I want to try  Island Spa soon which I've long been wanting.. I deserve it right.

Overall I was quite impressed with how the management maintains the resort to its condition now.  In sixteen years in the business, the features and the level of quality of service are  even more improved.    Some of the areas are being renovated but they do it  one at  time,   because the  guests  are coming in especially this time of the year that is  summer.

Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park  is  ISO  certified and accredited as a triple "A" resort by the Department of Tourism.  

Did I mention Island Cove is  environment-friendly and if you are just like me who can't leave my  pet alone in the house, then worry no more,  because the resort is pet-friendly too.

About the resort's safety,  their  first aid  and life guards are certified by Red Cross.  They have  clinic and have doctors on weekends. At any given time, they have two or three knowledgeable staff  to do  CPR.


I can't wait  to go back  and  bring my family at the resort.   There's a lot more to do,  so  get ready with your summer gear,  hats,  sunglasses,  sun block  and yes,  just have fun under the sun and feel the heat of summer.  Please check the website because they have special discount which will last till March 31.




Island Cove
Binakayan, Kawit Cavite
www.islandcovephil.com
Cavite:   046.434.0210
Manila:   02.810.7878
inquiry@islandcovephil.com