So, Julie was telling me over a hot chocolate made in the candlelight at night, that she was into adventure racing in her native Czech Republic. This got me thinking but more of that later, so the next day when she suggested we take for a hike to a waterfall she had heard of in the jungle i figured i would accompany and see what 'off-piste' hiking into the unkown would bring.

The next morning, we packed up a few useful items and headed off from our beachside bungalow into the jungle in the vague direction of a waterfall. I felt safe as there was a big board at the entrance to jubgle saying "waterfall - 5km" Excellent. An easy walk to a lovely waterfall. Julie had packed some trail mix and granola bars for the journey too.

So although it took an hour or so in the scorching heat, we got lost a few times too, but with Julies expertise we did indeed manage to get to a really cool waterfall without a guide or any real assistance.

Then it rained. Boy did it rain!! Needless to say my new found excitment for all things adventure were washed straight out of me. But i had fun doing new things without a plan or a map.

That evening we were treated to dinner with the guardian angel. He initially scared the living hell out of us. Stories about how he was on the run from the authorities in Cebu and his ship not really being seaworthy didnt relax us at all. He insisted on making us his version of Baileys which was effectively rum and milo hot chocolate. Surprisingly it was awesome. Later Julie told me that she had heard stories on the mainland of people being drugged with these drinks and losing all their possessions. Luckily we survived the night.

bats, lots of them buzzing around.

spiders. See photo of Red Gagamba, the spider in our room!

9 hours to el nido