Destination: Taal Volcano - 10

We arrived safely at the foot of the mountain. Well, it was a fun-filled experience for all of us though our sight-seeing trip was short. I suggest that you'll climb the crater in the earliest possible time so that you'll have ample time to enjoy the view and you'll also have enough time to freely roam around.



The banca that we rode this morning had been waiting for us. During the afternoon, waves start to grow bigger. You have to wear your life vest to secure yourself. But since it was just a 20-minute ride, you don't have to be that afraid during the course of the trip. Anyway, from time to time, bancas are just within your sight. Just enjoy the trip and ride high with the waves.



We had lunch at our contact's place. Though part of the package was a sumptuous lunch, we had other things in mind about the food. There was nothing extra-ordinary about the food. But since we were already hungry, we simply enjoyed our food.



After lunch, we still had enough time to enjoy the day. We agreed to visit other places in Tagaytay, since we were already there. And so we had to endure again the zigzag ride going to Tagaytay, praying that we will have a safe passage.

Destination: Taal Volcano - 9

It was almost 11:30am when we decided to return to Talisay. For sure, this will be another adventure for all of us since we were going to have another horse ride down the mountain.



When going down the mountain, this time, you have to lean backwards in order to balance the ride. It was a good experience because from time to time, little lessons could be learned along the way.



Our downhill ride was a bit slow because it would be a dangerous one if you are going to hurry given the nature of the place. Sharp rocks and narrow pathways should be carefully considered and you should be extra careful not to get hurt in the process.



Since the trail was dry and when riders converged all together, dusts freely fly all over the place. You must have something to cover your nose or even your face.



There was one funny moment during our downhill ride. There was a lady tourist who rode a small horse. If the horse could only say its piece, for sure, it will not take the lady for another ride. There was an instance in the trail when the horse seemed to lost its balance because of its load. Luckily, the guide was quick enough to help the horse and they had to stay stationary for a while in order for the horse to regain its balance, allowing other riders to move ahead of them.

Destination: Taal Volcano - 5

The main crater of Taal volcano was within sight. I got excited of the scenery that lies ahead. In order to reach the crater, an uphill climb requires some minutes. At first, the track was just an ordinary one.



But as we progress closer to the top, the terrain became rugged. Our journey was slowed down by the jagged landscape.



There was even a portion of the terrain that emits smoke. It shows that the volcano is active.



The terrain became more difficult as we moved closer to the top of the mountain. You can't afford to fall down from your horse because definitely the damage would be severe. So, you have to be extra careful of your ride.



And when you are riding a horse where the climb is steep, you have to lean forward, closer to the horse. This manner will maintain the balance and prevents you from falling backwards.



And finally, we reached the final stretch of the ride. We had to pass the narrow passage towards the resting ground of the horses. Yes,we were almost there!

Destination: Taal Volcano - 4

After sometime, it was a solitary ride. There was only my guide, my horse, and me. The rest of the group were together and they kept a good distance from us. I guess my horse opted for a stride rather than to gallop. But on the bright side, it was better that way since I don't like the idea of riding a running horse. Every now and then, my guide would whip the horse in order to hasten the pace.



There were uncomfortable passages along the way. I simply can't just imagine passing along these passages during night fall. For sure it will give me goose bumps from head to foot.



As we made progress, we experienced some more challenging channels and I would say once again, I had to cling even harder to my horse. At some point, it was agonizing coz my horse don't felt like going on with the trip.



When we reached the plateau, it was a sight of relief and it was a relief for my aching ass likewise. The bumpy ride made we want for a walk but it will slow down my pace even more and besides, I paid for this ride. So, I simply convinced myself that I had to complete the ride until we reach the crater. But on the bright side, a slow and steady ride gave me again a perfect opportunity to enjoy the sight and to capture more pics of the island volcano.



And when I gained sight of my group, they were literally far far away. Their very sight made me longed to speed up the pace of my horse but my horse doesn't felt like running. Hayz.

Destination: Taal Volcano - 3

We arrived safely on the island. A minute of walk from the shore, we approached a queue of horses. Part of the package is a horse ride and this would be our first time ever. Anyway, we don't have to fear a ride like this one because each one of us will be accompanied in the entire duration of the trip.



I have to accept that I had reservations from the start. I would say it was a mixed emotion, emotion of excitement and fear. Excitement because of the experience of riding a horse and fear because I might fall at any given time. It would be a bad thing for my camera. Hehe



During the entire ride, it was really difficult to take pictures. I wonder if horse riders can really aim their gun on their targets and hit them with little difficulty. But in my case, it was really a challenge. Since my feet were on the saddle and the movement of the horse was up and down, I had to quickly learn how to balance myself and have a good aim on my targets.



I was the fourth rider, Leah being the lead followed by Leo and Raul, while Mike and Raymond followed me from behind. Since I was riding a small horse, the five of them left me behind. Well, it was not a disadvantage after all. Since the horse was slow, it gave me a perfect opportunity to capture more pics along the way and I even requested by guide to either slow down or stop for a while just to take some pics. Lucky me.



When we reached the open space, the guides rode with my team and they galloped the horses leaving me far behind. We tried to catch up with them but only to a certain extent.



Anyway, after passing the trees and the bushes, we passed by narrow openings, rocky and uneven slops. As the ride became bumpy, it was really a pain in the ass. You must have a comfortable support if you are not used in riding horses.