A Peek Into the Neighboring Lumot Lake and Caliraya Lake

Experience-wise, new things are usually found on the most unlikely of places. In an unlikely place such as a mountainous part of Laguna, we found a visual treat: two lakes namely Lumot and Caliraya.

* sceneries on the way to Brgy. Cansuso, Cavinti, Laguna

Perhaps the more well-known of the two is the Caliraya Lake, with its famed man-made origins and numerous resorts and parks around it. But the two lakes form the Caliraya Watershed which provides living for the locals of the towns of Lumban and Cavinti, and power for electricity-consuming citizens, at least in Luzon.

* view of Lumot Lake
* view of a small rice field in Cansuso
* a budding tree I planted

* pandan leaves ready to be made into sambalilo
* mountain views from Cansuso

On this particular trip, we first headed to a village named Cansuso in Cavinti, Laguna where we did a simple yet decidedly crucial tree-planting project. This is where I learned that a tree-planting project is not just a tree-planting project. It requires detailed placement geared for long-term survival. This village also keeps the tradition of sambalilo making, with the villagers doing their hand knitting and weaving on their doorsteps.

* high five on a street sign!

* a gate by the lake!

* my own brand of lunch – lahat marami!

* view of Caliraya Lake from the shore

We then trooped down to the shores of Caliraya Lake, particularly in Brgy. Lewin in Lumban, Laguna. Here we got a treat of some local delicacies. The view of Caliraya Lake exudes a sense of tranquility and enjoyment. Tranquility because the strong winds would definitely aide you in meditating. And enjoyment because you simply cannot resist the temptation to explore the lake’s waters and take a boat. That would be my goal the next time I visit the place.