During my recent adventure of Finding Linaw Spring, I also discovered the secluded beauty of the Waterfall of Catmon. And so today's blog, I'm taking you with me for the continuation of my adventure and another discovery of exploring the humble barangay of Catmon where life flows abundantly.
Let's go! Taraaa!
My destination for that delightful quest was to see for myself the Linaw Spring which created a buzz among nature lover who loves to take a refreshing dip in natural springs and river during this super hot weather in our country. To my astonishment, I learned that there was a hidden waterfall not so distant from the spring and only very few people come to this waterfall and indulge in it because 1. the waterfall pool is very deep and 2. the spot is very secluded and steep going down.
My excitement fueled my steps to search for this secret cascade. I just couldn't wait to see this hidden waterfall!
Thanks to the kind local I met along the way who taught me the direction going down to the waterfall. I never asked for more details and landmarks, because for me finding a waterfall is just a piece of cake. Easy to discover one because of the obvious sounds of its cascade, but also the temperature that gets colder, and the presence of plants that thrive in areas near a water body.
The path and some wild animals greeted me!
I was told that the easiest way to get to the waterfall is passing through the Barangay Road uphill and then have a quick descent going to the location rather than strictly following the river because the trail is dangerous due to the extensive pile of weeds and vegetation.
True as the locals said, the path was convenient. The vegetation was lush but the narrow path is clean and clear with the presence of pebbles along the way making it a little slippery.
I could tell that I'm getting near to the location because of the vegetation that gets thicker and greener due to the cold temperature. However, I was doubtful because I'd never heard any noise of the crashing sounds of the waterfall's cascade. I tried to listen carefully and heard the rustling sound of the leaves instead. I followed the sound and look what I found!
A Bronze skink, snails, and snake along the way!
The Bronze skink (tabili) or the East Indian Brown Mabuya was leisurely lying on the ground. But when I approached it, it quickly run away to the grasses. I only not saw one skink but two skinks along the way!
Guess what, I also saw a snake (thank God a small one) on the path and was very quick to hide. Too late to get my phone camera out!
Abundance of Snails
As I found myself immersed in the lush vegetation, not only did the whole surrounding feel cooler but I also saw plenty of snails (takyong) on the branches and leaves. If only I brought plastic bag with me, I might be harvesting these clean and healthy snails. These snails taste great in the halang-halang (spicy) recipe. Now, I could sense the hidden wonder I was looking for was close as I could already hear the murmur of the cascading water growing louder.
The water source
After being welcomed by those brown-skinned wildlife I reached the main source of the water. The main source I thought was huge and deep is just a tiny river of water flowing out from the mountains foot. There were two pipes attached to the source so it's easier to catch the water for usage. Right enough, I was thirsty, I tried the water and refill my water container as well.
The water was clear, clean, and fresh, drinking it taste like a bit of earth. We stayed there for a while to enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings and listen to the babbling melodies of the water.
Unveiling the Hidden Waterfall
Determined on my hike and my search for the elusive hidden gem, my footsteps took me on a path of wilderness. The lush vegetation embraced me as I pressed forward and each step I took felt like I’m closer to the prize I sought.
My heart leaped when I caught wind of it – the faint yet exhilarating sound of water in motion! Eagerly I continued and my eyes widened when I finally saw a tranquil emerald-green pool of glistening water surrounded by lush foliage.
And though the pool was right before my eyes, I was never contented with the view! There was a giant rock covering the waterfall from my view and so I ventured closer and there Oo.Eem.Gee, I uncovered its hidden beauty!
With so much caution, I climbed and passed the rock to finally stood at the top of the waterfall in awe. Behold before me, the majestic waterfall, a spectacle of nature, the Busay Waterfall.
The green pool was surrounded by lush vegetation of tall trees.
It’s not that huge in size but I could tell that its pool is deep. I tried to estimate the towering height of the pool as I stood there on top and it would not go less than 12 feet above the water pool level.
I tried searching for clues if locals also come and enjoy this grand beauty of nature and I found traces such as the names being written on the rocks. I smiled because I also want to write my name on the rocks but in the end I remember that I will only leave footprints in every place of nature I explored and bring only memories of it with me.
I stayed there for a little more time and filled my lungs with fresh air and the grand view of nature. The symphony of the waterfall reverberated through the forest as it also harmonizes with my own racing heart.
At that moment, I stood humbled and captivated, a witness to the unveiled beauty that lay hidden for those who dared to seek. The journey, the suspense, and the discovery had culminated in a scene of majestic wonder—a secret cascade now shared between nature and me.
I learned a valuable lesson from my adventure in the outdoors that day. In life, once you pursue your goal, and you enjoy every bit of the things you do along the way to getting that goal, rest assured a beautiful and majestic reward awaits you. Just like my adventure in discovering the Busay waterfall.
Thank you for reading guys. I wish you all safe and well always.
Don't forget to smile often!😊😍🤗
