Well – I was still on a mountain, right? So there was still the way back ahead of me. My ankle ended up with a new bandage, I also had managed, to get a second walking stick – – so now slowly but surely got going and – one step after the other and highly concentrated – made the 5km hike back to, where the 4WDs were waiting for us. The hike down did follow the same trail as the way in yesterday – and took me just less than three hours to complete. In retrospect, I have to say, considering the circumstances, it worked out quiet well.

Obviously I was very busy on the way down (concentrating on and planning for the next couple of steps), hence no photos from that part – I only restarted taking photos, once I sat in the 4WD and we were heading back to the guesthouse, where our main luggage was stored.

After a lunch in the same coffee shop as yesterday (spaghetti and salad again – no reason, to not go for this yummy and delicious option again) we had the opportunity, to freshen up (i.e. take a shower) – and for me also to assess the damage. – – The foot was swollen considerably and there were bruises all around – clearly this had to be examined by a professional and also an x-ray was called for … a hospital visit was indeed a necessity.

With everyone freshened up, we got onto our bus and engaged into the 120km drive to Manila (with a stop at an outlet mall on the way).

My destination was the Manila Doctors Hospital, where I went through the relevant checks (including x-ray). To make a long story short, the diagnosis in the end was, that the ankle was indeed just sprained and that – with some medication and a bit of rest – I was good to proceed with the trip. So – with the prescription – I got my drugs and was then on the way to the hotel …

You can probably not imagine, how relieved I was at that point in time 🙂 . Remains the question, where I caught more radiation – during the x-ray or during my visit to Chernobyl in September?

Here we were at the viewpoint overlooking the crater lake of Mt.Pinatubo – amazing and fully rewarding after the hike.

We still had plenty of time until sunset – so most of the group made their way down to the beach of the lake (probably a vertical 50m down, reached through a set of stairs). For me however this was not an option at this stage – with a hurting and by now well swollen ankle. So I made it to our paramedic instead, who took well care of me (cooling and proper bandage). Given the overnight nature of our trip, it was an official requirement, to have a paramedic, to come along with each group … I guess, they usually don’t have too much do – – well, this one was in business.

After sunset we got together for a game of cards (UNO pocket, courtesy of REWE) – soon after which dinner was served (some real nice fried bangus, grilled chicken, a pork dish, vegetables and rice). Dessert was do-it-yourself style, with a bonfire, marshmallows and sticks provided. To wash things down, we shared a bottle of gin as well (which turned out to be my last alcohol for the next week).

Most were in bed (or should I say tent and sleeping bag) around 21:00; it had been a strenuous day and also temperatures now had dropped quiet a bit. Also chances for star-gazing were limited, with clouds going through constantly.

Over night it got quiet windy and from within the tent it sounded, as if some heavy rain was going through as well – in the morning though, there was no sign of moist all around – – it turned out, the sound of rain was indeed the sound of the trees in the wind.

Breakfast was a basic affair – but then few things beat a toast with peanut butter and a banana for breakfast, when there is a busy day ahead … and indeed the walk back to base was still ahead of us.