Holden Caulfield in the Flesh: And so we went to Pinsal Falls

I had a dream come true. It was my dream to set foot to Pinsal Falls on Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur. This day, we went there for the first time. It was the Christmas Program of the student Council and since I am a part of that, I joined the group.

Pinsal Falls. Whoa.

It was a long and winding journey to finally go there, however, I underestimated the journey there.

Howe to really go there?

To get there, you need to get a thirty minute ride from the main road. And then, walk along that long and winding road to the falls. The rocky road would add to the difficulty of walking on the road. No permanent stairs are there so expect to be a hiker-professional to cross that road perfectly. The wild plants surrounding you and the narrow road itself would give more difficulty to the road until you see the falls itself. It does not stop there. A longer road would be the next chapter on the course. The road just got steeper this time. More rocks would come across you while you continue your way. Fortunately, to the end of the course, a fence is made and metal stairs to ease the people to go there. By this time, you’re already dead tired. There you see the welcome sign. But it does not stop there. You have to jump on big rocks to cross over them. A single mistake would cost your life so carefulness is needed. A life and death experience would lead you to the second floor of the falls.

Or you could just get the ride, walk on the rocks beside the river, then go to the stairs which would eventually lead you safely and soundly to the second floor of the falls.

Wait, why second floor?

Actually, the whole Pinsal falls is divided into parts. The first floor is where to picturesque falls would be seen. You can see the clear water falling from up above. However, when you think it ends there, you are definitely wrong. When you’ve reached the second floor, where the big falls fall, a wide area of rocks and water and some smalls falls would be seen. Picnics can be done here. When going to the third floor of the falls, you need to walk on the steep rocky path. It is so steep some of us slept. Algae and molasses are already found here and streams of water flow on this vast area until reaching the third floor. Another group of falls are here, but 1/3 smaller than the main falls. Pool-like areas can be found here, so people can go swimming. I did not swim there because I do know I have limitations. The water is so inviting anyone can go jump in the pool. Another path will lead you to the fourth and last floor where some streams, rivers and rocks can be seen. This would be the last floor since there’s no floor left.

Mountains surround the whole area. It was extremely an experience to go there.

I also enjoyed the preparation of our food. We got to grill some fish. It was my first time to do that so I find it exhilarating and enjoyable at the same time. Yes. We were like Survivors, but not really. I also discovered that water from the falls can be used as cooler.

What is festive is that we ate a lot of food that I came home full. My stomach is still full right now. It came to the point that I almost threw up and haven’t finished the food I got, but, hey, I still managed to eat them all.

After the gift giving, the epic photo shoots, the almost-winning-of-a-t-shirt-bit-ended-up-winning-20-pesos, and the long epic walk back the cemented path, we all went home dead-tired and slept in the car on the way home.

Will I still go back to Pinsal Falls?

If given the freaking chance, I will! I want to return.