Philippine Islands Sketchbook Diary

The highlight of the trip was visiting the battle grounds where my father, Henry A. Burgess, fought in World War II. My son, Damon, and I also went to a Dive Resort for four nights. Fabulous diving!

This is my grandfather, Joseph Ralston Hayden, who was the Vice-Governor of the Philippines in 1933-1935. We followed his itinerary to visit the mountain towns. My grandmother wrote letters home describing the trip, remarking on the spectacular terraced rice paddies and riding horses between some of the villages. I took a copy of her letters with me. It made a very personal adventure.

Off on my Bike Friday touring bicycle on Bohol Island. Fantastic scenery in hot and humid weather. BUT after two days, it was fine. I stopped often, Drank more water, rested and had fun taking pictures and working on my sketchbook diary every night. Damon went home December, 25, so I spent three more weeks riding my bicycle and scuba diving. Had a fabulous evening with the “Art Girls”, who appeared at my table when I was doing my diary. They gave me art pieces to take home, and I gave them some, too

Giving new meaning to the phrase, “tourist attraction” this Filipino man wanted his picture taken with me and my bike. There were a couple of small zoos where I stopped to see some local wildlife.

On Bohol Island, I rode through the Chocolate Hills, once underground coral hills. Enjoyed meeting this couple from the Czeck Republic.

Leisurely days in the Philippine Islands, cycling, scuba diving, drawing pictures, reading, making new friends.

Loved the food, whether road side stands with rice and vegetables for about $1.00, or roasted on a spit young pig, or crepes filled with fresh mango or bananas for breakfast. Afternoons involved a smoothie, often with fresh mango and pineapple, or mango and chocolate syrup.

Apo Island. Great scuba diving, snorkeling, food and a comfy bed. Since I did not have an underwater camera, I took photos from a book, and drew some impressions.