A full seven hour sleep and a carbo-loaded breakfast were futile. No matter how perfect our preparations were, still our energies were obliviously pumped off by the one hour drive in the alternating uphill and downhill slope and rough road. Furthermore, the trek on the steep and broken down trail added to our physical fatigue to the point that we were laboriously breathing when we reached the spot. But, the agonizing trip was forgotten in an instant. The sound of the falling water was a medley of relaxation and the cold vapor was a refreshment of our tired soul.
The Consocep falls is located at the foot of Mt. Isarog in Tigaon, Camarines Sur. It is the main attraction of the natural park which is maintained by the town’s local government because of its vital roles. Primarily, it serves as the basic source of water for the community and for agriculture and livestock. Water flows directly from natural springs to the pipes placed so that it can be accessible by the people. Also, the falls is the life for the canopies which in turn home for many animals and rare species of orchids. And the most evident role, it is the fountain of livelihood. The rural residences profit from selling fruits, “kakanin”, ornamental plants and house decors; and, offering services such as sanitary staffs and tour guides.
When I saw the falls, I was in dilemma whether to plunge into the water or to keep myself warm. But the cool breeze was inviting. The water was really cold and literally froze me to my bones as soon as I touched the water. I stood at the center of the mini-pool carved from a large rock to observe my surrounding.
Nature has its marvelous way of sculpting the place into a beautiful art. The shadows of the tall trees cast an illusion of time for it was midday when we were there but looked like it was five in the afternoon. The overcast sets the mood of the place because it gives a relaxing blue hue to the place. The wide and towering bedrock serves as a wall around like a huge natural fort which confines the cold air inside. The hanging vines atop the rock walls are decorations which add to the look. Below the walls, the huge rocks and boulders, as if there was a powerful hand, had been stacked orderly to fortify the place and to create several little swimming pools. And, the Consocep falls, the focal point, supplement vitality to the space. The water pours down to the rocks and flows to the mini rock basins where people bathe in chilling yet refreshing water.
We were reinvigorated and had regained our energies to intensity. We were ready to take the thousand steps out of the forest and back to the real time— for it were just 3 o’clock pm. Outside, I bought some souvenirs and a bunch of bananas which cost only ten bucks. The ride down the slope made a perfect closing for our excursion for it filled our spirits with more love for nature. We should protect and preserve our environment because we might be tired again someday; at least, there is a place where we can find an elixir to pump us with another full bar of life.
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