Spellbound by Northern Blossom

I just don't know what's with the Northern Blossom that it kept on lingering in my mind and that I didn't stop trying to go for it? And it even made go there all by myself! I started reading blogs and viewing images about the farm for a long time, learning how to get there and when to go there. Anyway, Northern Blossom flower farm is located in the mountainous Atok, Benguet,  approximately a 7-hour travel by land, it is well known for its cold climate which usually drops at a low temperature, and  with vegetable terraces along the road which makes the landscape more appealing to travellers.

Atok bound bus

Due to my eagerness to go there, I decided to go on a solo trip, which I haven't done all my life! I mean I haven't gone to distant places all by myself! Or go on vacation alone! I usually travel with my family and  friends but that time I am proud to say that it's my solo flight! As the day of my departure gets nearer I became unpredictable as to whether I am going or not? I also thought of asking for signs if I should go? What? Hey I will go! I packed my things, hailed a cab and took the bus as chance passenger!

Okay, bloggers says that I should get off at Atok Municipal Hall, register at the tourism office and then I can go to the flower farm. The reception area of the farm is modernized, the flooring is tiled, the steel gate on the doorway are well painted, the furniture are nice and neat! It was very far from my imagination of a cold muddy place with old wooden fence. I just laughed at my perceptions.

Let the sunshine in!

After paying the entrance of 250 pesos, a young man was assigned as our tour guide. Oh by the way,  I said "our", yes "our"! I am not alone that time, I met two young ladies in the bus who were going to the farm too! We were all strangers in that part of the world so we just stuck together and enjoyed the moment! Whatever happens, we just have each other!And  as we entered the farm, these was what we saw!

That's me gazing at Mt. Timbak!

Oh my goodness! Thousands of flowers were exposed into my field of vision...oh wow! Flowers of different sizes and shapes and colors blooming on terraces overlooking the prominent mountains of Benguet!! Of course I gave a salute to Mt. Timbak, Mt. Tabayok and Mt. Pulag. Are you all calling? Because I am not going! It is like a grand flower arrangement on the slopes of the mountain being offered to the Gods of nature.

Thousands of sunflowers!

Pardon me for posting too many photos, I just can't get enough! You know that overwhelming feeling when you all want to do is swirl and smell each of them! Everywhere I look, it's all blooming!

Cabbage roses.

Everlasting flowers.

Hens and chicks.

Yinyan of succulents.

Pineapple?

Refreshment is served at the end of tour, consisting of  brewed coffee and bread under a cozy veranda.

Enjoy!

I am not in Holland, I'm in Atok!

In this journey, I have learned that it's not really unexciting to travel alone at times. As a wife and a mother, I have always prioritize the needs of my family especially with the basic things to be prepared and it has always been that way even on family vacation. I was scared going on a long trip I admit that, but sometimes we have feelings of accomplishing things that we desire for not for somebody else, not as a wife, not as a mother but as an individual. It has been a remarkable journey,  and I will do it again!

HOW TO GO THERE?
1. If going by bus, take bus going to Baguio City, in Cubao, Q.C.
2. Take Sagada bus bound in Dangwa terminal in Baguio City.
3. There are also UV express going to Atok in Dangwa terminal.
4. Get off at Atok Municipal Hall, register at tourism office at the back of the municipal hall and pay 20 pesos.

5. Then you can go to the Northern Blossom, pay entrance fee of 250 pesos. Landmark Palawan Pawnshop at the street corner.

THANK YOU  FOR READING!

The Mt. Kufafey and Mt. Fato Connection Hike

As a continuation to my previous blog,  "The Maligcong Rice Terraces", I will write about our exploration in the forests of Mt. Kufafey and Mt. Fato.  Just to let you know, I am writing this blog after my second climb in these two mountains (December 2018 and April 2019). I think the journey in Maligcong, Bontoc wouldn't really be complete without going to these summits. On my first visit we planned to climb Mt. Fato on our first day but it was raining so we have to move it on the next day.  It has become a tradition among the visitors to go to its summit to see the sunrise and the famed sea of clouds.

It looks like a wing of an angel.

On the second day, the weather was better, we made a connection climb on Mt. Kufafey and Mt. Fato which I preferred to do again in my second climb, because it was easier! We got up early, ate breakfast of boiled eggs, banana and coffee. It was still dark when we started to hike on the narrow concrete trail of the terraces then later onto the forested area. The lights from our flashlights flickered like fireflies guiding our way to the forest. Every time we take a rest we are truly amused by the millions of heavenly bodies that covers the horizon. It will only take an hour before we reach the summit which we didn't had a hard time because of our helpful local guides and guide dogs!

Kunig

Tamtam

And it didn't take too long, we reached the summit just in time for the sunrise! It was such a breathtaking moment as I see the sun shone on the grass and pine leaves filled with morning dew
and creates an orangish flare on each of them giving off vivid colors to the landscape!
A phenomena that I don't get to see everyday...so it is precious.

Summit

We stared at the valley waiting for the sea of clouds but there was none and instead we gazed on the mountainous view of the rice terraces and the overlapping mountain as its backdrop and its beautiful even though there was no sea of clouds it was still worthwhile.

Cloud 9

We started to prepare for our next destination, Mt. Fato.  We packed things and walked along the tall pine trees, passing by colorful flora and fauna. The hike to Mt. Fato is one hour depending on our pace.

   

We passed by some cliffs that we need to slow down at times, there are some fallen trees on the way which makes a good resting place and photo opportunity too. The sun was up but it didn't kept us from walking because the temperature was pleasant.

Ready 1...2...click!

 Our guide also showed us views of other rice terraces from neighboring villages and  told stories about their ancestors.

 And after some time passing that view of the terraces, Mt. Fato here we come! You know you're in the summit of Mt. Fato when you see the huge rock with its name on it. One can see the 360 view of nearby villages and mountain ranges. I can imagine how awesome it is during sunset. By the way,
the best time to come to Mt. Fato is during sunset if  the weather permits.

Oh well, we were all tired  and hungry so we went to walk  again for another hour or more, our eyes  were all filled with such great scenery, bringing home all the memorable experiences we had and leaving only our footprints which will remind that we were once a visitor  in this lovely world of living things.

 Take nothing but pictures,  leave nothing but footprints.

 HOW I GOT THERE?
1. I commute by bus. I took CODA Lines bound for Bontoc in Cubao, Quezon City.
2. I got off in Bontoc town proper, went to the jeepney terminal bound for Maligcong.
3. Tell the driver to drop you at Dongelay Homestay, it's a cozy place to stay. It is clean and food is good.

THANK YOU FOR READING!