Miss Iggy dares this volcano to go boom

Miss Iggy is kidding, of course--she doesn't want a catastrophe on her hands! Before she said goodbye to her summer vacation, Schoolgirl Iggy went on a trip to the Taal Volcano crater lake.  

What did she bring? Lots of sun protection and cameras, of course!

To get to the crater she had to get a boat ride to Volcano Island.

The dormant Binintiang Malaki

When they got to the island it was time to go hiking up to the lip of the main crater.

Nice view you have there, Miss.

The path to the viewpoint is well-worn.  Miss Iggy refused to ride a horse and decided to hike along with her friends.

In less than an hour they reached the viewpoint!

Miss Iggy ooohed and aaaahed at the majestic scene laid out before her.

She was tired after that long walk, so she went to this little stall for a refreshing coconut juice.  It's double the price up here!

Miss Iggy sat with this feline mother and child.

Be careful, Miss!  It's a long way down to the crater!

She had a view of the town of Talisay.

The refreshments stall also sold souvenirs.

Would you like a shirt, Mister Horse? she asked. He grunted.

Miss Iggy wanted a shirt but it didn't come in her size.

Miss Iggy gave the crater one last look.

Then hiked back down the mountain. She was careful of these rocks which had sulfur vents.  They were hot!

Next time, Miss Iggy decided, she was going to bring her own pony. 

Miss Iggy at Ambon-Ambon Falls

Still on vacation, Schoolgirl Iggy went on a hike to Ambon-Ambon (in English, "Drizzle-Drizzle") Falls in the town of Talisay in Batangas.  To go there she had to hike down a hill...

...and go around some trees with interesting roots!

Every step was worth it, especially if this is your view.  Ahhh, to be away from the crowded, cemented city and be enfolded in the green canopy of the forest!  Miss Iggy felt like a fairy!

Oh look! There's a tiny water shower already, the falls must be near!

She asked a friend to help her look a bit closer.  The water was refreshingly cool.

Oh, is that it?  "Not yet, Miss Iggy," said her companions.  They continued to trek along the rocks some more...

Surely that must be it!

It's part of it. You're seeing the foot of the falls, Miss Iggy.  We'll stay here for a moment and have a little rest.  Did you pack any food?

Miss Iggy sure did, and made sure not to litter.  There was a garbage bag nearby.  She was glad that those coming here were so disciplined, making the water and the surrounding area clean.

After snacks she was ready to explore a bit more...

...and was soon able to see the top of the Ambon-Ambon Falls!  It was breathtaking.

According to locals, it was called the Ambon-Ambon Falls because if you got up there, you could feel the drizzling even if you're not standing under the waterfall.

It was fun taking a dip at the falls.  Miss Iggy hopes the beauty of the place would be preserved for the generations to come!