Caving in the Philippines – #3 Langun-Gobingob Caves

Posted on January 15, 2017 by marilyn

Catbalogan > Calbiga > Catbalogan, Samar Island – 13 & 15 January 2017.
This trip is our “extreme adventure” as Joni’s website calls it.  Three days of caving, one night underground and the second night at the exit of the cave.  Gobingob is the largest part of the cave system, easily accessible taking 3 hours to get there from Catbalogan, with only 1 hour of walking. Its main chamber is huge, 340 by 140 metres at its widest points, and there is an upper level which takes 3-4 hours to explore.  Continue reading →

Posted in Caving, MSS, Philippines | 4 Comments

Caving in the Philippines – #2 Lobo Cave 12 January 2017

Posted on January 12, 2017 by marilyn

Joni has put up a number of FB posts highlighting the trips we did and titled them “Veteran Caver from Australia”, I thought he was talking about Jim, being that Jim’s had quite a bit of experience.  But no, wasn’t Jim he was talking about, turns out it was me, because I’m the oldest woman that he’s had on one of his trips.  Not sure whether I’m flattered or insulted about being called a “veteran”.  Makes me feel I should have fought in some sort of war somewhere!  Continue reading →

Posted in Caving, MSS, Philippines | 9 Comments

Caving in the Philippines – # 1 getting there

Posted on January 11, 2017 by marilyn

Sydney > Manila > Tacloban (Leyte Island) > Catbalogan (Samar Island) – 10 & 11 January 2017
When MSS President, Jim C, asked if anyone wanted to go caving with him in the Philippines, it was too good an opportunity to pass up.  So, I booked my flight to Tacloban and Jim, who knows his way around the Philippines (after a few trips over there), did the organising … two caving trips on Samar.  Jim’s sister-in-law, Monique, was to join us on the 12th January for the 2nd caving trip. Continue reading →

Posted in Caving, MSS, Philippines | 3 Comments

Superfood substitute for nut bars

Posted on January 5, 2017 by marilyn

I am so over nut bars when I’m out on a trip.  Yes, they’re easy, but the only ones that I like are full of sugar and don’t deliver much bang for your buck.  Jenny H visited me a while ago and brought along some Sesame Balls that she’d made, talk about delicious!  So, I thought I’d make some up, but also give dehydrating the mix a go (I figured it might be like Italian Biscotti). Continue reading →

Posted in Recipes | 5 Comments

A hidden gem

Posted on January 1, 2017 by marilyn

Newnes Plateau – 1st January 2017
Ever since I’d read Rod’s trip report in the MSS magazine about a canyon on the Newnes plateau, I’d wanted to do it.  So I paired it with Death Trap (also on my wish list), and put them on the MSS calendar.  It helped that Rod said he’d go along so I didn’t have to navigate!  Trish, Rod, Jim and I rocked up to the campsite on Friday afternoon, joining Jo, Ed and Heather who’d been at Mt Wilson over the Boxing Day to NY break.  We went off to do Death Trap on the Saturday, drank champagne on New Years Eve and then set off Sunday morning for our canyon. Continue reading →

Posted in Canyoning, MSS | 5 Comments