We hiked Gros Piton....WOW!
Serai
Jason and Emily Willis
Tue 9 Jan 2007 13:29
We hired a car and drove down from Rodney Bay through the windy hilly roads and arrived 90 minutes later at the National Park base. We were greeted by our guide Damascus and had a short overview of what we were about to embark on. Just before we were about to leave we had another person join us, Gareth - he had just come by taxi from hiking the other Piton, Petit Piton, but don't let the name fool you - its a much steeper hike than the one we were about to do. He was about to climb both Pitons in the same day - fit devil!!!
We set off down a trail at a cracking pace and i have to say i was a little shocked - if i was to keep up this pace all the way i'd do well. The hike on average takes 4 hours. 2 hours up and 2 hours down. We got to the half way mark in 35mins - needless to say a little shorter for breath. Our guide tells us that we have just completed the easy bit and we are now going to start climbing the steeper rockier bit. GREAT! As we continue to ascend the air gets cooler and the oxygen gets a little thinner. Other hikers coming down the mountain have huge smiles on their faces and tell us to keep going because its worth it.....all i hear is J mumbling in the background that it had better be.
Eventually we arrive. There are two lookouts at the top - one to the South and one to the North. Both are beautiful and we sit down to enjoy the view and munch on some oranges and grapefruit i had bought with us. After a good 10 minutes rest we hike another 15 minutes to look out number two - WOW - to be honest it just takes your breath away. There you are 2600ft above sea level looking down at the cool blue water and out onto the other Piton. Just beautiful, and if this was not enough a rainbow decides to make the image complete. AWESOME.
Once back down the mountain, with weary knees and in need of refreshment, we headed by car straight to Ladera Resort. This is a luxurious resort that lies between the Pitons. From the veranda you can see Gros Piton on your left and Petit Piton on your right and a beautiful bay out in front. We supped a couple of "Piton" beers (the local brew) and had a bight to eat. Its a stunning venue, and was recommended to us by Shaz and Jock. I believe both Shaz and Oprah rate it as one of their favourite hotels in the world! It was certainly a magical place.
Since the hike our days have been filled with getting the boat ready for the arrival of Paul and Sally and also getting the engine "fixed" - of course it isn't but at least he tried! We also got the stuffing box re-packed. Now I've seen it done I feel a lot happier about doing it myself next time - in fact its easy and water does not come pouring in, as previously thought!
The big delight in all this was that we managed to catch up with Warren and Bridget here in Rodney Bay. They were on their way from Bequia to St Martin and decided to drop in and see us. Bridget treated us to a fantastic roast chicken dinner and Warren let us use his water to take the best showers we have had in weeks. They have a temporary third crew on board, in the shape of Paul, and thanks must also go to him for fixing our sewing machine.
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Anyway, I have the outside of the boat to clean before we head out to the airport, so until the next time...
Lots of love
J and Ems xx