Mindanao

Here are just a few photos from Sarah's journey through Mindanao. She was there on a Rotary International sponsored Global Study Exchange (GSE) for young professionals. They were there for four weeks from mid April through mid May, 2009. They visited many parts of the island, including the ethnically diverse and politically troubled inland province of Cotabato.

In all, they visited 40 Rotary clubs. They had many vocational tours of hospitals, courts, jails, social service projects, plantations and others. Sarah said she met many wonderful and friendly Filipinos.

Maria Christina Falls outside Iligan City

A typical house in Mindanao

A rice field with a bamboo tower. Not sure what the tower is for.

Some kind of tropical flower

These kids were from a fishing village. Sarah said when they drove up to the village, all the children emerged from the houses and followed them everywhere they went, getting excited every time someone took a picture. The older teens in the background are looking on, amused by it all.

More friendly Filipino children. This was taken at a housing project that is modeled after Habitat for Humanity.

This is a woman in a weaving cooperative for muslim war widows. They receive some support or patronage from a local Rotary club. You can see the Rotary banner in the upper right.

Sarah didn't actually take this one, I think it was Brigid, another member of the GSE team. It's probably the best picture I've seen from the tour.

Jenny and Sarah modeling typical muslim head-wear.

Purple Cloak

This is just from my backyard.

Spring growth is astounding--mostly weeds unfortunately--but there is a small forest of Irises planted by the previous owner. We do nothing to care for them. The only rule of our yard is survival of the fittest. Irises are apparently quite fit.

I didn't manipulate this photo. This is how it was taken. The flowers in the background were quite a way beyond the foreground flower and in shadow which makes them look almost painted.

Fall Creek

Sarah's back after her month in Mindanao. We had Thursday afternoon off, so we drove up to Fall Creek Reservoir and took a short hike there, her first since coming back. It felt warm to me, but Sarah said it felt cold after being in Mindanao where it is extremely humid and hot.

Here is the reservoir:


Just below the dam there is a short trail that leads to Fall Creek. It's a short pleasant hike. Here are a few photos:




A wild Oregon Iris on the trail--