Batanes (Day 2, Part 2) – December 29, 2009

From the Mahatao lighthouse, we proceeded to what my guide Dwight referred to as the Spring of Youth via the Diura Fishing Village. We parked at the edge of the village where we walked around 1 kilometer to the spring.

En route, once again… great views.

We then passed an old settlement… of course just ruins now.

It was at this time that Dwight shared the story of the spring of youth. The old chief of the village had a daughter who was quite sick. All of the doctors could not cure her. One night the old man had a dream to bring his daughter to the spring and bather her in the healing waters. The next day, the girl was cured.

The spring water is so fresh, you could actually drink the water.

I followed the water from the spring and what I saw certainly more interesting to me than the spring itself… I walked to the beach area. And I what I saw was – ok I sound redundant – breadth taking!

Just amazing!

My favorite picture of the entire trip. Mountains, Sea, Rocks, Clear Skies… patches of clouds.

Next stop. Marlboro Country. Ok, I have no idea why it was called Marlboro Country, my guide didn’t quite explain it. But what we had was sprawling hills! And of course Great Views!!!

Next stop… an abandoned US Naval Base.

Apparently this US Naval base was recently abandoned, around 1986 it was turned over to the Philippine government. Since it couldn’t be maintained, it was abandoned. Of course I was more interested in the hill next to the base.

I just love those fences

A view from inside the abandoned US Naval Base.

We then proceeded to the town of Ivana.

The Saint Joseph the Worker Church of Ivana is the oldest Roman Catholic Church, built in 1860.

Proceeding from the church, we passed the oldest still occupied Ivatan-style stone house called the Dakays.

The occupant was actually in the house. I was told I could enter the house. I was too shy to do so. The cogon roof is changed every 30 years.

Finally, we passed an old Spanish Church, built between 1850 and 1860 is still passable by vehicles and people.

Back to the lodge.

End Day 2 in Batanes.

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