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Post by Deleted on Nov 26, 2008 23:32:25 GMT 8
hi!
i may be in the philippines in january, and if i can find a way to escape long enough from my other obligations, i may try to visit fort drum, and possibly fort frank.
what is the best way to arrange transport to see these islands, and is there a way to get there from cavite province?
thanks ;D
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Post by batteryboy on Nov 27, 2008 8:21:18 GMT 8
Yes there is. If you are coming from Caylabne or Ternate, you can hire a banca to bring you there. However, I would suggest that you bring along someone who has been there and who knows how to get in and out. Its no cakewalk.
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Post by Karl Welteke on Dec 5, 2008 10:16:08 GMT 8
From Corregidor one can hire a boat or one orders one from Bataan. The boat may cost now 3000 Peso as of Dec 2008. I will put it very stronger terms, the visits to ex Ft. Drum and Ft. Carabao are risky. First, with the Philippine outrigger boats it is very hard to get on and off either island. If there are rough sea conditions it is very risky. Second, one really needs a person who has been there before to help you find things, warn you of the physical hazards (holes, cliffs, tides, darkness). Thirdly, you need companions in case things go wrong, accidents or worse. Karl
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Post by fots2 on Dec 5, 2008 17:29:51 GMT 8
Karl has brought up a subject that I don’t think I have seen very often. That is ‘Safety’. Those who have chosen to move outside of the secure guided day tours already know what I mean so I address this to others who have not. Here is my humble opinion: Remember that the areas we discuss here are actual battle sites and not a Disney theme park. There are no safety nets or manned first aid stations around each corner. On one trip, I was fortunate to accompany Karl, EXO and others to Fort Frank. Being an island I expected only wet feet on the shore but they let me know ahead of time what it could be like. On departure the wind had picked up and the ocean swells were larger and stronger. Crawling aboard a banka in calm water can be fun but that day it was a little dangerous. Wait for a break in the waves and jump. I got a little surprise when the boat moved and I banged my ribs again the side. A couple days later I could not lie on my left side or take a deep breath. A quick trip to the clinic proved nothing broken and a few pills later, I was fine. Also on that trip, one of the group tripped and fell in a shallow black hole. He was fortunate to only lose some blood. Getting someone with broken bones or worse off that island would not be fun at all. I certainly can appreciate Karl’s strong caution to everyone. I think the photos we take in the tunnels and passages are deceiving to many. You see bright clear views. In reality, you cannot see your finger on your nose in these tunnels. They are hot, humid and bats can be whizzing by your face occasionally brushing you. Along with these distractions, other critters can be present also. Meanwhile you move along alternating between watching where you are walking and seeing whatever you went there to see. If it is time for a photo, point your camera in the general direction you are interested in, press the shutter button and hope for the best. Repeat many times if necessary. I have seen holes from a few inches deep to a couple stories down. God knows what is hiding under some of those deep piles of spongy bat crap we walk over. Be careful. Sometimes I am alone in my travels. A few times I have had to tell myself, “that is far enough” and then get out of there. Whatever happens, I alone am responsible for myself and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Generally I am a loner and I prefer that but I also understand the value of a mate or two if something goes wrong. Having said all that, I would not want to miss a second of those trips. There is always an element of risk but it is not worth dwelling on. I will be back on the Rock next month and I can’t wait. ;D For the newbies, listen to guys like Karl. That is experience talking. John
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Post by The Phantom on Dec 6, 2008 6:21:12 GMT 8
Well said, both of you. I will travel with fellow adventurers if they are available but I also will strike out on my own. (I tend to stand in one place and relive the History a bit to long for some). With the knowledge that in the states I couldn't do what I can do on Corregidor. Most everything would be roped off and pictures of the good places would be on sale for $5.99, plus tax.
In the words of a good friend of mine who went with me once, years ago.
"Look Loraine, (his concerned wife, he had had 2 heart attacks), I'm 3 stories up in a WWII bombed out building and if I'm not careful, I could fall 3 stores through a hole and be dead".
You are on your own there. I have personally tested many aspects of safety on Corregidor. I had the back of my hand punctured by a sharp, previously cut vine, on one trip into the jungle and ended up in the Hospital in the states months later. It was infected by an unknown bacteria and I was operated on, spent a week in the hospital, and 6 months on antibiotics. I was told after it was all over that I could have lost my hand or been dead, 50/50 chance.
This last trip I had a heat stroke but had the necessary meds with me for my repair. I was attended to by the island nurse, and a visiting doctor from Cavite. They examined my meds and and said follow the directions.
This trip I'm bringing my nurse a First Aid kit that cost me about $20.00 but which will mean the world to her and those injured. I gave the Hotel the same last year after I saw theirs had 2 band aids left when I showed them my cut hand.
But I will be back this year, with bells on, ready for the next adventure Corregidor brings.
I know what's under that bat crap, I'll bet its SNAKES......
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Post by Deleted on Dec 6, 2008 10:10:55 GMT 8
i'm glad all of this is coming out into the open, because with all the pictures that are being put up, it can be very deceiving (and tempting at the same time).
and i'm glad that you brought up the potential health hazards, because i actually have to remind myself that i am a recently diagnosed diabetic, and wound healing may not necessarily be one of my strong suits.
the advice is well heeded, and i will probably err on the side of caution -- despite my eagerness for the exploration. anyway, i'm not even sure if i can get away from my other obligations on my trip to even make the attempt.
then again, i can always hope.
thanks & regards,
dr demented
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