Considering the ongoing trouble, I believed it best to get off Mindanao Island
a.s.a.p. Though I still had a long way to go, rumours were that the northeast coast
was safer, and once at Cagayan De Oro (CDO), all should be well.
The next day was spent in Pagadian, doing the usual rest day chores and eating
practically anything I could lay my hands on while still giggling about the man
falling out of his hammock.
Pagadian – Tubod – 80 km
The initial gentle and effortless cycle veered inland along a good climb over the
mountains. The route climbed almost forty kilometres before eventually winding
down to the ocean. This descent offered fantastic vistas. Once along the coastal
plains, the excellent road surface made it comfortable riding into Tubod.
Inquiring about accommodation, directions were to an upmarket and expensive
hotel. Still, I thought, what the heck and stayed the night. Unfortunately, the hotel
was on the outskirts of town, and supper at their equally pricey restaurant. The
food was, nonetheless, excellent and well worth the price.
Tubod – Iligan – 66 km
The day started with meeting the friendliest bunch of people one could imagine.
They attended a three-day conference at the hotel and invited me to breakfast.
Filipinos are incredibly hospitable and kind, always ready to share a meal. They
were also tremendously polite, generally greeting one with a “Good morning,
ma’am.” Being called ma’am always leaves me feeling uncomfortable.
From Tubod to Iligan was a short sixty-six-kilometre ride that ran close to the
ocean offering excellent views. Shortly before Iligan was the Maria Cristina falls - a
magnificent sight but my photos could have been much better. Oh well, there’s
always another waterfall.