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TWENTY SEVEN June 10 - We arrive in Cagayancillo and it is just beautiful. Cagayancillo is actually a multi-island chain and looks very exotic.
The islands are inhabited by fisherman and wild monkeys. There are many white sand beaches. The Caygayancillo islands are surrounded by what I consider to be one of the most beautiful hard coral reefs I have ever seen. Even more special is the reefs are intact and full of life. It seems that our arrival was timed with the delivery of millions of newborn fish. Like the other areas we visited the reefs here are surrounded by deep walls. We did our first dive at 6:30 and on this dive I stayed mostly on the upper tier of the wall and on part of the reef. It was so beautiful with those millions of juvenile fish I mentioned earlier. On the 2nd dive I decided to go with Al and Ace and see what their secret of success was. I followed them down to about 90 feet and then decided to watch them from above as they moved down to about 150'. They would alternate hiding on the wall for one minute at a time trying to catch and then shoot fish moving past them. I could see they would hold their breadth to stop the bubbles. By doing this the fish wouldn't get spooked. I guess this technique works but is not recommended for obvious reasons. With most of my tank air still left, I then decided to go back to the shallower depths (30') of the reef. I finally found something I could actually catch LOL a spiny lobster. Now I didn't feel like a total failure. However, something happened toward the end of the dive (1000 psi left) I will never forget and what a way to end this dive trip. I encountered about 30 giant Bumphead Parrot fish ranging from about 75 kilos to over 100 kilos in size. They were literally bumping their heads into the reef to break pieces of coral they could eat. What a sight. I wanted to shoot one but my gun was outclassed by their weight and I would have needed a perfect kill shot otherwise, I risked being dragged down in a fight with the fish and I was at the end of my tank. I would probably have lost my gun at the least and possibly more at worst. I am actually glad I didn't as the fish were just so beautiful. However, I dare say that most likely a year from now by our next trip, they will have long been killed and sent to Hong Kong or Japan by illegal fishing methods. This was no doubt the best diving and hunting place on the entire trip. More fish, more beauty. Bing and Jun realized this as well and have promised more time here during next years trip. We left Cagayancillo by 1:00pm and were on our way to Cebu City which we would arrive the next day Sunday by 11:00am Saturday night was spent drinking and camiserating by almost everyone on the boat (except me). It was fun to watch even with Visayan being the language spoken. June 11 - We arrive Cebu right on time. I catch a ride to Eddie's Hotel with Jasper. A wonderful trip ended with a big smile for the great diving and new friends made. June 12 - Lynn arrives with good news about Siargao. I really missed her and enjoy having her back with her smiles and laughter. June 13 - Today we went to the Cebu Yacht Club to meet Dodong who might build a center console boat for me. I brought him some boat building plans I got off the Internet. I should hear back from him in about a week with a quote. The boat design is similar to the Panga I had in the states.
June 14 - We leave for Dumaguete and home today. June 26 - Back home almost two weeks and life returns to normal. Played Golf today with Mike a Norwegian/Canadian. Also just got over what I guess is the flu. Never had it so really didn't know what it was. Anyway. I am feeling my normal self and I actually played pretty goood golf. I think I am getting my swing back. Only distrubing thing is I seem to be hitting my drive only about 225 - 250 yards. Embarrassing. Anyway it was fun. June 30 - After playing with Mike, I have decided to get back into golf in a serious manner. I am feeling good so why not. I found a 9 hole semi-private couse called Bravo. It is a relatively short course but in immaculate condition with well maintained fairways and greens. The monthly membership is 2000php or about $38.00. Caddy fees for 9 holes is $2.00. I plan to play 6 days a week and hope to get my handicap down to a legitimate 10. I am hoping I can do this within 3 months. 2005
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