A WEEKEND OF BUTTERFLIES AND SEA OF CLOUDS

July 17-18, 2010 Location: Norzagaray, Bulacan / Rodriguez, Rizal

It was one-year in the making that I finally was able to use my blue shovel for the same purpose. Together with UP Mountaineers Environmental Committee, we headed to Ipo Dam Water Shed to be part of BAROC's tree planting activity. We traveled from Balara to Fairview going inside La Mesa Watershed and Eco-Park. There we saw the restricted area where water is treated to be supplied to Metropolitan Manila and nearby provinces.


Another an hour of travel, we reached Ipo Dam in Norzagaray-Bulacan. We arrived at the site after 30 minutes of boat ride, there we planted total of 400 seedlings. The team is synonymous to the World War II veterans where our main goal is to save the watershed from Japanese forces who wants to disrupt the water supply. We are hoping that this act can help in a small way to feed consciousness to those illegal loggers and poachers in the area.

Before we set sail to the river, we spotted a school of butterflies and I did not hesitate to take macro shots. To my amazement, my patience did it as I was able to take some beautiful shots. The river is also a haven to these colorful creatures.

After the successful tree-planting, our main wish was for him to shower his blessings so that the land will take a grip to these young trees. It was heaven answered as small downpour directed to the site was seen after we are back at the main office.

           


As our itinerary states, we still have a mountain to climb and it situated in Rodriguez-Rizal. We trek using the wide-road trail going to the campsite called “Helipad”. Rain drops were falling on our heads as we reached the camp after two hours. Challenge was the name of game during the pitching of tents and cooking because of the rain. In the cold night, we had a superb dinner namely Crispy Pork Binagoongan, Oriental Pork, Fried Eggplant, Nilagang Talong with Shrimp Paste. On the side was Fresh Melon.




We had a blast during the socials time as the newbies came prepared with their very unpredictable jokes. Even though it was a different kind of theme, the night was still full of laughter and humor. The view from the top was the lights of Manila, Rizal, Bulacan and Pampanga.



In the morning, we were greeted with the sea of clouds hovering the ranges of Sierra Madre. The feeling is so different because of the enticing beauty around us. It was a great time to drink coffee and cook our breakfast Chicken Sopas. After the group picture, we headed down to the falls to experience it.

After the refreshing dip, we freshen up again at the terminal before heading to the highways of Novaliches going back to Manila. Before we jump-off the bus, we saw a small yellow butterfly in the bus. My mind can only verbalize, “How did that butterfly entered the bus and where it came from?”

All I can say, it was really a time to appreciate our watershed, give thanks to the people who are protecting it and enlighten those who want to destroy it and pray for those miseducated individuals.

I will always remember this as a weekend of butterflies and sea of clouds!...




;-)