San Fernando – Santa Juliana – 70 km
My slow start was due to a windowless room and I only emerged at around eight
o’clock. Breakfast was from the 7-Eleven, after which I continued my trek north.
The area immediately north of Manila was significantly different from the rest. One
could easily imagine being in a foreign country.
I met with Ray Cayabyab, cycling to his hometown in San Carlos. He was doing
exceptionally well on his old rusty bike with a basket in front but had to stop at
each petrol station to pump his tyre. We chatted non-stop (when the traffic allowed)
as he spoke good English.
Planning to visit Mount Pinatubo, I waved him goodbye and turned off to Santa
Juliana. Mt. Pinatubo was a volcanic crater lake. On 2 April 1991, people from the
lower slopes of Mt. Pinatubo witnessed small explosions, followed by steam from
the supposedly dormant volcano’s upper slopes (the last known eruption was 600
years ago). Then, on 12 June, the first of several major explosions took place. The
eruptions were so violent that shockwaves were felt in The Visayas. A giant ash
cloud rose thirty-five kilometres into the sky.
Santa Juliana was a tiny settlement offering a few houses and a tourist office. First,
they gave me all the info regarding the volcano. Then, pointed me in Bognot
Homestay’s direction, a comfortable place run by Alvin and his wife, Angie. Being
the only accommodation, I soon met other travellers. Together, we decided to visit
the crater in the morning.