Exploring Philippines 26 - Zambales (Post 6 - Anawangin Cove)

When the left the island, it was high noon. The time was perfect to hop to another place. The waves were barely noticeable. Though, at some point, a sudden rise and fall of some waves were apparent but the experience was not disturbing.

We reached Anawangin cove after 30 minutes. Since it was a week end, a huge turn out of tourists were flocking the cove. The boatmen were in a hurry all the time, mostly bringing the tourists to the cove. 

Upon our arrival, we tried to look for a vacant cottage or even empty benches but the whole place was literally populated by tourists. Colorful tents were erected, covering almost all vacant spaces defining a festive ambiance.

Since it was hard to find a decent place, we opted to settle on the first available spot on the ground. As we wait for lunch to be serve, some of us dozed off for a while lying on the sand. Others were simply passing time sharing stories, exchanging jokes, and laughing to their hearts content.

But some words of advice before you visit Anawangin cove. Bring your own stuff like tent, cooking utensils, food, and water. If you don't have a tent, cottages and tents for rent  are available but  you  may spend a night  under the shades of pine trees and suffer mosquito bites if cottages and tents run out. Drinks and other food items for sale here are very, very expensive. Though they are readily available, you have to ready your pocket likewise for their cost may sky rocket up to times five of its regular selling price.

After lunchtime, we rested for a while because the heat of the sun was too much to bear. By 3:30 in the afternoon, we started to explore the place. We started on its shoreline going towards the foot of the mountain. Every time the sand touched our feet, it was like walking on a hot surface. We opted to walked on  the shoreline just to ease the heat of the sand.

Since it was a hurried walk, in no time, we reached the part of the cove where the fresh water and salt water meet. The moment we set foot in the water where the fresh water rush to the sea, we felt different sensations as we walked towards the inner part of the swamp. At a particular point, the water was lukewarm and after several steps it was a bit cold. The floor of the swamp was uneven, from low to deep and back to low again.

When the heat of the sun was already tolerable, we made our way to the sea. At last, we were able to enjoy the water and the much needed dip which we longed since we set foot at Pundaquit. And that time was the perfect time. Since it was low tide, it was surprising to know that you can walk for several meters and the water is still within shoulder level.

Before 6pm, we had to leave the place. Our short stint at Anawangin was enjoyable but it could have been even better if we were able to spend a night here. Maybe next time around if I have another chance to go back here at Anawangin.

As we traced our way back to the shores of Pundaquit, we had a surprise of our life. At the cove of Anawangin, the ride was smooth. But the moment we reached the open part of the sea, it was one scariest ride of my life. Firstly, the waves were so harsh that everything inside the boat, including us, were soaked in sea water. Secondly, the waves were like disturbed entities because they could not find their rhythm and tossed our boat up and down at irregular manner. Even with the abundant life jackets on board, I found it hard to console my worried mind if ever some unfortunate event will fall upon us. As my hands hold on both sides of the boat and reciting  prayers on my mind all over again, the disturbing feeling of the waves tearing our boat apart at any given time was one hell of a dreaded scenario that I could not simply shake off. Thirdly, since it was low tide, several rock formation lined the whole stretch of the side of the mountain and they too could contribute to certain disaster once our boat cannot sustain its distance away from them.

A sign of relief was felt when our boat neared the shores of Pundaquit. For me, it was a torture ride. I have had similar scary sea experiences that's why rough seas always bring me discomfort and dreaded expectations. And if I have my way, I'd rather travel by morning where the sea is still gentle.  We were extra grateful because no harm fall on any of us, though some of us enjoyed the scary experience, most of us were not happy about it.

And before we left the shores of Pundaquit, I asked them to spend extra minutes on the beach because the sun was about to set. As usual, every passing second watching the sunset brings a sense of peace and happiness to my tired and weary soul.

Our whole day experience at this part of Zambales was totally awesome. Though tired and a bit shaken, our spirit was still high as we went back to Gerard's place to rest for the night. Tomorrow would be another adventure to look forward to.

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