Day 3

I did not know how to start this off, so this is how I decided to begin. After an early start with breakfast at 5:30am we hit the road at six on our way to Subic Bay and the J.E.S.T camp :(Jungle Enviroment Suvival Training) approx 4 hours drive from Manila, through very heavy traffic. After arriving, one of the instructors showed us how to make a cup, plate and spoon from a stick of bamboo using a very sharp bolo (knife). After the display each one of us was given a knife of our own and taken on a tour of the camp itself. This included an aviary/butterfly house. Then it was on for real! Our instructor Kuya James led the way on what should have been a 2 hour trek but it lasted a bit longer because of  slow Mrs T! :)

The first part was gentle down hill stroll then things changed. The down hill stroll became an arduous, exhausting trek. Fortunately we had our Bolos to hack away at the bamboo which was blocking the path very regularly. The track was getting very steep so we had to help one another clamber over giant fallen trees and rocky outcrops. The humidity was extremely high and at one point it started to rain, thankfully.
At the top of a very steep climb was an amazing view out across the valleys and mountains of Subic Bay. After some truly spectacular photo opportunities and several wacky poses by certain members of the team we started our descent, back down the steep hill side.

After taking a new track for about 10 Kilometers we arrived at the spot where we were to have lunch, some of the events along that stage of the track included more hacking at bamboo, Mr Beacham falling into a wee hole up to his knees and another river crossing. At the lunch area there was a water fall, camp fire, more bamboo and some more members for the J.E.S.T camp. We were required to make the spoon, cup and plate the instructor showed us back at camp. While our lunch of rice, chicken and vegetables where cooking in more bamboo contraptions the group decided to take a dip in the river below the waterfall under the watchful eye of Mr Beacham.

Lunch was delicious. However a lack of water was starting to take its toll on the group, so we made one last attempt for the rendevous with the bus. With our clothes quite literally ringing wet with sweat from the tropical heat we arrived at the bus 30 minutes later.
On our way back to drop the leaders off at camp, we noticed a troop of monkeys at an intersection, Some people wanted to adopt them.

After another lengthy trip home we had an authentic, traditional Filipino dinner which mainly consisted of Big Macs, Quarter pounders, Cheese burgers and MC chickens.
Then we headed back to the Ministry Centre for devotions and what I am doing. I would like to take this opportunity to point out just how difficult it is to type and think when you have a minature choir singing just metres aways, however I must stress they are very good :)

By Chris Curtis