Back to Banaue

Woke up to loud crowing of roosters, rested and ready for our hike out of Batad. Wrote blog posts from the porch and watched the sun creep down the terraces.

We hiked out single file together with the French, bookended on either end by our respective guides. Our 2.5 hour hike back to our tricycle took us past more villages and terraces. We ascended a particularly good example of the stairs built sideways into the walls of the terraces. The extended blocks serving as steps vanish into the wall when viewed head-on. 

Every 45 minutes we stopped to take in the view and take a water break, which was appreciated in the already-significant morning heat. 

Upon reaching the road, we bid adieu to the French in their waiting tricycle while we hiked along a little further. We came across Bangaan village and terraces, which seemed even more picturesque than those before. 

Graham hopped on top of our tricycle to get a good picture of Aaron and me against Bangaan. I thought our view summed up our adventurous guide and daring driver. 

Last stop on the way back to Banaue was a walk across a suspension bridge leading to town. For some reason Aaron wasn't too enthused about the soundness of the structure. I was too excited because I recognized the floorboards as Marsden matting--steel planks used to quickly prepare airfields in WWII. Also the gaping holes in the planks allow you to conveniently determine how high up you are when crossing the river!

Now we just relax outside in the fresh air before another overnight bus ride back to Manila. Banaue and surrounding towns were a great trip!