Chasing Mayon Volcano

Our past two days in Bicol had been exceptionally rainy, but the pouring of rain finally subsided on our last day. The sky was still overcast, but we were on a great mission: to see Mayon Volcano. After all, it was the region’s most iconic attraction.

Mayon Skyline

We headed north of Legaspi, traversed the highway along the coast and passed through the town of Tabaco. We drove along the twists and turns of the mountain, towards the supposed majestic viewpoint where one could get closest to Mayon. Unfortunately, it became more and more foggy as we climbed up. By the time we got to the Mayon Skyline, the view was nothing except fog – an opaque mist covering what was the tip of Mayon. Needless to say, it was a great attempt with a pathetic result.

To make the most of our long drive, we spent some time enjoying the multitude of coconut trees offset by the ocean down below. It could have been so much better…if only the sky was clear!

Cagsawa Ruins

We proceeded on our quest by going down the mountain, aiming to go to the Cagsawa Ruins. Along the way, the volcano’s massive base was showing itself. It was as though somebody put a giant cover on Mayon, lifting it little by little to taunt us. As we drew closer to Cagsawa Ruins, more than half of Mayon could already be seen. Oh please, pretty please.

Just as we got down the vehicle, the fog has finally lifted off Mayon’s tip. Only a few clouds were present; it’s almost a picture-perfect perfect cone! It was exciting to finally see what we had been chasing all morning long. 🙂

At times, a pool of fog would envelop Mayon again, but a little wait would reward us back with a perfect cone. A series of wait and photoshoot followed, extending our time there. We left Cagsawa Ruins content, with so many photos that would rival the trip’s total so far. We dined at Bigg’s for lunch before checking in for our afternoon flight.

Legaspi Airport

Mayon was the backdrop of Legaspi Airport’s runway, much to the amusement of all waiting passengers. As I was waiting for boarding (my friends were on a different flight), the other waiting passengers suddenly scrambled to the window. Lo and behold, the clearest view of Mayon was right before my eyes!

The skies were bluer than any of my photos in Cagsawa Ruins, and not a single speck of cloud was hovering around. It was really the best Mayon could offer. Such a sweet ending and a warm goodbye! I guess I was still a lucky traveler after all. 😉