Friday, October 4, 2013

the end of the adventure


After our hike up Mount Puting Bato, we climbed back on those motorcycles 
and headed down toward civilization. 
I felt relieved to hit flat paved roads again.
We stopped at a sari sari for something to drink (bottom left)
and then headed on toward Hagimit Falls.
Michael takes the plunge at Hagimit
 We spent a refreshing hour at the falls,
enjoying the cool water and the peaceful setting.
This little girl (bottom right) sold us cold drinks.  
She was so sweet, I asked if I could take her photo.  
I love how she's framed by all the colorful goods for sale.

It had been a high-energy morning, and it was time to head home.
We said good bye to our trusty motorcycle drivers
and boarded a little ferry boat (below, right) homeward.

Elise and Amy baked a fabulous chocolate cake and served it up that evening for my birthday.
And Amy's birthday gift to me summed up how we all felt after our adventure...
There's No Place Like Home.

"Maybe that's the best part of going away for a vacation - coming home again."
-Madeleine L'Engle

Amy crafted this piece for me using a paper-cutting technique called scherenschnitte.  
The patience required for such precision cutting is beyond my comprehension, 
but I'm loving my beautiful gift!  Thank you, Amy!


8 comments:

Jessica Dearly Loved said...

Love the adventure! Love the one of you with the cake. I noticed the "No place like home" sign today in your kitchen! Ah! I should have known the artist!

Rosalie said...

Gorgeous pic of you Barb, and love the cake and Amy's beautiful gift to you!

Betsy de Cruz said...

What a beautiful gift! Amazing. I was looking and trying to figure out what it was until I read the explanation. Enjoy your week off of school!

Choate Family said...

Loving catching up on your blog! What a great adventure and sweet memories for your birthday :-)

us5 said...

thanks, friends, for stopping by! ♥

Anonymous said...

What a great adventure! Y'all know how to have family fun. It makes me want to go too.
Hank

Janelle said...

My mom and I thought that the water at the falls were SO SO SO beautiful!!! Thank you for sharing with us.
I love you guys!!!!!!

The Church Cook said...

You look radiant in that b-day cake photo, Barbs!!