Refreshing Matin-aw!🍃

Ever felt the call of the wild while you were amidst brain-cracking paperwork? Eheh. That feeling when you want to temporarily escape your work because you know, when you come back you will be fully charged and a hundred and one percent functional. Do you think this is something negative, a distraction, or an excuse to flee? or a much-needed breather? For me, it’s the latter.

So, if you are like me, who considers nature as an energy and dopamine booster, come with me then! Let’s get our busy selves soaked in nature (a little while) and come back alive! (wink!)

Taraaa! Lezzz go!

REFRESHING MATIN-AW

Everything happened spontaneously, fast forward, and I already found myself taking the trail going down to Matin-aw Spring. Going to Matin-aw Spring is quite the opposite of the treks I’ve done so far because instead of walking on plains and open fields or climbing up the mountains, we needed to descend over a steep hill onto the rocky bottom just to get to this hidden paradise.

The trail going down needs one to be extra careful and cautious. The locals warned us to descend slowly and cautiously as we would be stepping on dried leaves causing the path slippery and with one single mistake we would end up at the rocky bottom. Nervous, I was not, instead I found the thrilling path challenging and entertaining and a very perfect way to save my mind from the hustle and bustle.

The Matin-aw River and Spring is Barangay Bagtik’s hidden gem. It’s a huge river filled with rocks from the mountains straight to the open sea. Sadly, due to our heat index now, the river had turned completely dry leaving the big rocks a good place for light climbs and treks.

Amazingly, aside from the river, Matin-aw also has a spring that has become the source of water for the place of Bagtik and the neighboring barangays. The opposite side of the river must have completely run dry, but starting from the spring a source of water gives life to the other side of the river!

And since Matin-aw lies at the bottom of between mountains, the atmosphere of the place is colder and chillier than that on top of the mountain. I think its location and the body of water it has made the whole place greener and lushier.

Aside from the giant rocks in the river, I was even amazed by the giant tall trees that grow in the area. One of the giant trees there is I bet larger than an average Filipino house! It is so huge that I even get scared to get near to it. It’s weird but the tree has this ambiance of a dwelling place of creatures whom we call “not like ours”. Sadly, my phone couldn’t capture its total size! It’s just so huge!

_{I so love this photo of mine because I look younger than my age. Hehe. I believe this is the profound effect of indulging myself with nature.}

Instead of going to the most gigantic tree I’ve seen so far, I only came close to the second largest. I want to feel its energy and be relaxed. And yes, I did! I was in my most relaxing and calm state!

Grilling Bananas

After we partially toured Matin-aw, we started to grill our bananas for our lunch. J and A gathered firewood and made the fire. When everything was set, we started grilling the banana, and its smell spread the air.

We had a fun conversation while waiting for the banana to be fully cooked. After which, we spread some margarine and refined sugar, and viola! We feasted on the bananas! Haha! We were hungry for more and I regretted that I only brought 1 hand of bananas.

With a full tummy, we followed the river to discover wonderful views and rock formations.

Our feet brought us to clear waters, rocks, and two river pools. We took a stop and lingered on these small yet wonderful views of nature. We hear nothing but the small amount of water gushing on the rocks and the sound of trees.

We reached the bigger pool whose color was as dark as the lush trees we passed by. This was surrounded by boulders which offered a good spot to sit, ponder, and freshen our minds. I wasn’t contented with just sitting so I tried laying on the rocks. I had an uncomfortable position, but I had so much fun!

We stayed there much longer and had a fun conversation along with the beautiful view and harmony of nature. When we had enough, we decided to head back and prepared ourselves for a hard climb as we went back to the top of the mountain and our drop-off area.

I came back home, more alive and rejuvenated, all thanks to Mother Nature who never fails to ease and soothe one’s weary mind.

The whole escape was recharging. It was comforting. It was relaxing. Thank you Matin-aw!

🖊️@callmesmile

_{📚She is a public school Teacher on weekdays, a Jill of all trades on weekends, outdoorsy on holidays, a mother, and a blogger in between. 😉}

_{🍃She's in love with nature and the simple life of the countryside. As a lifelong learner, as she is, she is attracted to learning opportunities and growth.}

_{❤️Join her as she shares life's simple joy and its beauty through traveling, exploring nature, the wonders of creating things through some of her DIY, the good things about countryside life, a glimpse of being a Public School Teacher, and more!}

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_{"TOGETHER LET US MAKE LIFE MORE BEAUTIFUL.
SPREAD KINDNESS AND SMILE MORE OFTEN.🥰"}

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