Jan 3rd

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Sorry I've been tardy in the updates folks, but between less than average wireless coverage and a busy couple of days it's not been that easy.

First important note - I've switched from Colt 45 to SML (San Mig Light) - shorts are getting too tight. - BTW by light they do NOT mean low alcohol, merely claim fewer calories per serve - still 5%

Jan 3 finally saw some nice weather and we traveled to Cagsawa ruins and then for another trip up the side of Mayon. Actually got to see something this time, but hazy as usual so I've tried some GIMP tweaks on contrast etc. I was surprised, given how hot it was down at ground level, it was really chilly (Melbourne chilly) up at 800 plus meters above sea level. I was alos intrigued at the number of people who call the slopes of Mayon home, scratching a existence out of its soil. Mind you, in this sense Mayon is extremely generous - the soil is soooo rich, you can almost see the fertility.

Other than that - I think I'll let the pics do the talking again.

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Photos

Cagsawa Ruins
This is the bell tower of the church. We are standing on the roof with almost 1200 people buried below us when the place was buried when Mayon erupted in 1814. We are many kilometres away (see kml) and over 100metres above sea level. People came here for safety because it was the highest point in the area only to be covered and suffocated by ash. You can see Mayon in the background.

After the eruption - typhoons
This cross commemorates typhoons that swept through the area (I think in the 1600's) causing major mud slides killing many 100's of people again. Apparently more people die as a result of mud slides after an eruption than the eruption itself

Boulders
These boulders were thrown here from the Mayon eruption - so I'm told. I wonder just how far away from these thiungs you need to be to be safe????

On the way up the side of Mayon againa
Just took a fancy to this view - we're part way up the side of mayon looking down at rice paddies

Kiddie by the side of the road
This is a really common sight as you zip along in 3rd gear at about 70 kph

By the road
Livestock simply graze by the side of the road - no fences. It's also not unusual to see dogs basking in the sun in the middle of the road.

Station of the Cross
You may recall my mention of the stations of the cross - the walk is all the way up a winding road up to 820+ metres - and then they beseech you to pray the rosary

Legaspi City
A view of Legaspi City and the Ocean from 1/3rd the way up Mayon - the highest we could go.

Nipa Hut
Typical of the accomodation up the side of Mayon. The thatching is Nipa - a dwarf variant of coconut