Batanes Running 2

Having an hour or 2 break until the next event for that day, I decided to take a short run. 

Initially, I decided to run a bit around the Basco streets, passing some beautiful old but decrepit houses interspaced with cyber cafes! Ahh, progress, you really can't stop it.

As I was finishing up my run, I passed by the town plaza and sighted this.

Confirming that the lighthouse was in fact just a kilometer or two out of town, I decided to make my way there.

I made my way North of Basco. A few minutes of running on paved roads and after asking directions from a friendly old lady, I found myself here.

Apparently, it was a short cut which would go straight up the mountain, rather than a round about way.

Just a quick run pass the cemetary...

and a short but wild trip up some underbrush; I ended up at the base of the light house.

Of course I couldn't stop here. I didn't come all this way to check out the base of a lighthouse. But before going in, I saw this...

Yes! Solar powered! High tech! And Green!

So, on to the more important things. The base of the lighthouse is apparently always open so any one can make his or her way to the top.

50 Steps later and I encountered this a ladder with a sign.

NO ENTER! Being in the Honesty capital of the Philippines, I decided to heed the request. Even if the inner kid in me screamed to find out what was up there.

Instead, I steped out on the circular balcony the goes around the top of the lighthouse and took in the spectacular view.

That's Mt. Iraya in the background! Seeing its summit perennially covered in clouds during my stay there is one of the top reasons I am going back to Batanes.

From up here, I could see that path I took going up. 

Don't worry, there's a less exotic but longer path if you choose. 

After visiting the lighthouse, I decided to take in some of the sights surrounding it.

Check out the beauty of the rugged Batanes coastline.

And what I think is an abandoned former American something.

Running Batanes Part 1

For me, the islands of Batanes is a must visit for every Pinoy Nature Lover. The scenery that you will encounter there is probably like nothing you have ever seen before here in our country. I know this is cliche, but in a away it reminded me of Lord of the Rings!

Being there recently for work, I couldn't help but also getting some running in. 

So what is it like running in Batanes.

Firstly, pack accordingly. In the three days I was there, the 1st two had searing heat and blinding sunlight, only suddenly turn without warning to turn to a light drizzle with gale force winds! Very very Cold! The locals say such tempermental weather is the norm for the area.

What kind of shoes?

If you choose to run the town proper of Basco, all you would encounter is asphalted or concrete roads. So road shoes are ok. But I really urge you to get out of town and experience the beautiful views as you run. 

For this you may need trail shoes as the roads can alternate between paved and unpaved. However I used a highly cushioned road shoe with little trouble, so long as you're careful. 

But I suggested you bring trails shoes like I also did if only to experience the vast single track network that Batanes has to offer.

Which at one point, took me to what I call "my lonely little spot at the edge of the world."