 Coron Wrecks, Busuanga Island, Palawan |
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Happy New Year!!!
The drive to from southern to northern Leyte was very beautiful and then I got to Sogod, which is quite the bustling city. Rather than wait for another jeepney, I took a van, which meant being crammed into the back of one with about 15 other people for 2.5 hours. I am glad I did though, since the roads were not good - especially at the top of the mountains where the roads had been partially washed out by rain water and rock slides.
The day I was in Tacloban, it rained off and on, and I walked the streets and fish/vegetable markets looking for Internet places with good connections since the earthquakes around Taipei effected communication lines all over Asia. I seemed to be the only foreigner and that was obvious by all the "Hey Joe's" I got, especially from the kids who wished me Happy New Year and came to shake my hand and say "Hi".
The next morning, I took a tricycle to see MacArthur Park and Monument and then rush to the airport. A flight delay from Tacloban to Manila caused me to miss my connecting flight to Palawan. This meant
MacAurthur Monument
After fleeing from the Japanese early in World War II, General MacAurthur returned to this spot, near Palo just south of Tacloban, for the Battle of Leyte Gulf .
I have been in Coron almost a week now diving World War II wrecks (as big as 500+ feet long). These are quite the wreck dives like I have never done before and may never get to do again. The wrecks are deteriorating quickly due to oxidation from SCUBA air and new divers kicking up a storm or trying to cram through tight passageways or bomb openings. The wrecks, mostly cargo ships, have multiple decks, huge cargo holds, and lots of rooms to explore. It's fun to see the old sinks, staircases, cars, bulldozers, cement bags, 55-gallon drums just lying there with fish swimming around the corals and sunlight beaming down in the next room or space over.
Unfortunately, today is my last day to dive. I am off to Manila tomorrow for the weekend prior to departing for home (and work).
Apo Reef
I wanted to dive Apo Reef, but high winds prevent trips to the area during this time of year. At least I got to see the place...
Coron Island, Palawan
Coron Island is one of the bigger of several hundred islands in Coron Bay, Palawan. The area is the site of 12 Japanes wrecks from the close of World War II.
Busuanga Island, Palawan
The road to the one fighter wreck on the north side of the Busuanga. The remaining wrecks are visited south of Busuanga by boat from Coron or a resort on another smaller island.
More of Busuanga Island, Palawan
Off the high road to the one fighter wreck on the north side of the Busuanga.
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