Sat Jun 22 2013 Luzon Datum As part of Rowena’s training as one of our guides, I took her and her friend, as well as one of our friends, Irene, with me to the Luzon Datum which is the primary geodetic reference for the entire Philippines. The Balanacan Station, created in 1906, was included as one of 39 original stations in the US geodetic service survey of the Philippines just after the turn of the 20th century. Originally the primary datum was in Vigan in the far north of the country, which had led to inaccuracies, but in 1911 the primary reference was changed to the Luzon Datum at Station Balanacan We set off from home at 06:00 and drove to barangay Hinangayon, near Balanacan , Mogpog. It was our intention, if possible to drive as far as the hill on which the datum is located, but the condition of the road made this impossible as one section was quite badly rutted. Fortunately we met somebody who was able to show us a shortcut, but this was over quite difficult, slippery terrain and I almost gave up the idea of continuing due to the difficulties I have been experiencing with stiff joints following a viral infection. Luckily the trail soon improved and I was able to continue. The shortcut led us over a ridge and then back down into a valley before ascending again at the base of the datum hill – a total distance of about 1km. Although there was light drizzle at first and the trail was a little slippery, it wasn’t so steep that I couldn’t successfully negotiate it. After another half kilometer or so we reached the base of the 268 steps which climb to the summit. It had taken us about an hour from where we had left our vehicle to get to the datum, The datum consists of a hole which has been drilled in a piece of rock protruding through the grass. Regrettably the rock has been vandalized, the top of the rock having been smashed off at some time, so that the original marking around the hole has gone. Furthermore the hole which was originally about 6 cm deep is now only about 1cm deep due to the missing rock. The datum is surrounded by a circular footpath with the four points of the compass marked out on it. There is also a monument on the southern side of the path with a plaque and inscription describing the history of the datum. Adjacent to the datum is a small pavilion. Fine views are afforded in an arc from Balanacan port in the south, through to due west and the San Andeas islands The views in other directions are partially obscured, even so, through the trees, we could clearly see the coast of Quezon province and parts of the northeastern Marinduque. After about 45minutes we set back off down the hill. We did not try to follow the shortcut back; instead we followed the graded road back to Hinangayon – a walk which took just over and hour and a half. On the way down we observed a big sign directing visitors to the Barangay hall to ask permission to visit the datum and to make a donation. We did not of course see this sign on the way up because we had taken a shortcut off the main track into the village. A little while later we got back to our vehicle and returned home. Mon 24th June Lady of Lourdes Grotto The weather today was good and yesterday had been dry, so I decided, despite a few stiff joints in my legs still, to take the opportunity to take Rowena and her friend on a training walk over one of the routes are offering our clients. We set off at 6am while it was still cool on a leisurely trek up to the Lady of Lourdes Grotto. Rowena is fairly fit and managed the climb to the grotto easily, but her friend, who would like to loose a little weight, was struggling a little bit so we took frequent short breaks. Even so we reached the grotto in about 70minutes; a fairly good time. From the grotto we took the trail westwards along the top of the ridge running parallel to the Caiganan River watercourse back to the southern end of Bancoro and walked the final 2.5km back along the National Road. We completed the 10km trek back to my house by 08:30, a fairly leisurely pace. Conditions for the walk were perfect. Rain two days earlier had slightly softened the surface of the trail so that our footwear would get good grip, but it was not so soft as to be muddy or slippery. Although I have described this trek previously, I have taken the opportunity to include a few more photographs.
Posted on: Wed, 26 Jun 2013 01:28:57 +0000
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