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The next morning we decided to leave most of our luggage in Dinadiawan as we headed for Casiguran. We left at 9:00 a.m.

We were told that it was impossible to go to Palanan so we decided to go only to as far as Casiguran. Chem, Rolxi and Kuya Oli decided to let the others go back to Dinadiawan and try to go as far as the road will lead us to, and then turn back.

But sometimes things happen and you couldn’t do what you wanted to do. After about a 10- to 15-kilometer ride to Casiguran, Rolxi got a flat front tire. Kuya Oli took it in stride since he was able to bring a German repair kit. Rolxi brought a hand pump, but they quickly found out that they have a problem - the valve was torn and was detached from the tube. They tried to glue it but it didn’t work. So they decided to just remove the front tire and bring it to a vulcanizing shop.

Around 7-8 kilometers further was a vulcanizer who did a great job. Once everything was fixed it was already 11:30 a.m., too late for our plan. We went ahead to Casiguran. Chem, Rolxi and Kuya Oli followed at a bit faster speed. It started to rain again, and Kuya Oli put on his raingear. Somehow the ground was a bit soft and Chem's bike fell over making the side stand broken. They’ve had to find a hardware store and a welding shop.

I didn’t know where we were at this point. All I could remember was the coastline. I asked the other two to rest for a while as we waited for the others.

I happened to be on the first group with Rolxi and Sunset Rider, and without knowing why, I suddenly noticed I was all alone. I was so worried and scared that the group might have not pushed through with the plan after waiting for approximately half hour. My wallet (and mobile phone?) was kept by Rjmvirgotaurus because those were a little bulky I didn’t want to put them in my pockets. That moment I learned a very valuable lesson.

I thought I was dead.  Then I saw one buddy! Then another! Then we went on and on till we stopped again for gas.

A while later they arrived at Casiguran where we were waiting at an eatery at the market. So they also took their lunch. Meantime, the rain got harder. And since it was really late already our plan to go further just went down the river. They told us to go back to Dinadiawan. Kuya Oli’s group went to buy bolts and let the welding shop do some welding on the side stand. It took them another hour. Then Rolxi, Chem and Kuya Oli followed us back to Dinadiawan.

Since the road between Casiguran and Dinadiawan was such a great way, Kuya Oli was tempted to go a bit faster so he caught up with all the others except me who arrived a minute or two before him at the resort. He, he, he.

Soon the others arrived and we packed our things to leave for Baler. But it was 4 p.m. already when we finally hit the road.

We arrived together in Baler at around 6:30 p.m. and stayed at two different resorts as there wasn't enough space at the first house.

We had dinner at an eatery in Baler. I asked them to take a walk with me around the town but nobody wanted to join me. So I said I’ll just be roaming around by foot. And on my way home, Kuya Oli saw me walking so he stopped and gave me a ride back to the resort. I told him to slow down though! Before signing off, we talked about the take-off for the following day. I told them I would be staying in Baler for another whole day. I never wanted to go home yet because I haven’t spent enough time to explore the place.###