Phillippines | Sept 29-30 2024 |
Sector 7, the final leg of my north Luzon journey (2024). A nice drive through Aurora National Park, then back into highway blah, capped off by 2 nights (oops, I mean days) in Angeles.
While I had been lucky in the week leading up to this ride, where I had just skirted rain numerous times, the day I left Baler there was a major storm brewing, with dangerously high wind, and nasty clouds. The ride up into the park was not the main route, but I am glad I took it, a great twisty road with little traffic. I got about 30 minutes of torrential rain, but just kept riding. Post mountains it was boring highway riding again.
In Aurora National Park and into the main highway
This was my umpteenth trip to Angeles, so I was not exactly stoked to be heading there. I stayed at Orchid Inn, same as in 2006 - and I don't think it's had any form of an upgrade since (and long before, perhaps). But it is still quiet, clean, and comfortable. Located at ground zero of what appears to be the apocalypse, the Orchid Inn does have some bright sides, such as that fact it's near many local "highlights", one being Tequila Sunrise, a seriously world-class Mexicano joint that I eat breakfast and dinner daily when in. town. Two of their margaritas will put you (me) in a coma. Two nights in Angelese is usually one too many for me, so I was soon on my way to Manila (where two nights can also be one too many).
A few snaps at and around Orchid Inn (staff are setting up Xmas decorations, Sept 30)
Ride: 200 km / 5 hrs
Stay: Orchid Inn $30 ***
Wow the Orchid Inn looks run down. Enjoyed this ride report. I am pondering if I shall ride Philippines or Thailand in February. I have this idea to do island hop ride from Bohol but seeing the mountain province photos makes me want to return to explore more of the roads now sealed there. Regards, Warren, Motorcycle Paradise.