Journey to the the top- climbing the Gros Pitons
The Pitons were the first feature I noticed on arrival in SLU back in August last year. I snapped her from the plane. In September I got a little closer the the majestic twin peaks , by November my obsession grew even deeper and I jetted past them in power boat on a rainy day. On Saturday, I stopped being a spectator and embarked on my journey to hike the 2,619 ft of forest to the top of Gros Piton, the larger of the twin peaks.
There were no major features on that way, being the dry season, animals were few and conditions were dire. The accomplishing the climb is simply for self satisfaction. I am not a spectator!! I can boast having reached that top….literally!
11:35 am The journey started with a tour guide brief, we decided to go without one,it was cheaper too. Cell phone number exchange, water stock check, walking stick collected and we were off! ( Lies: the day started off with a solid breakfast, a hour drive down to the south coast)
12:00noon First rest stop…I can almost touch the sister peak, Petit Pitons.
Although it is the dry season……beauty was found in every plant.
On all four for some spots.
SHOW OFF!
Tourists need tourguides…..I don’t!! Scoff!( rolls eyes)
2:30-the top….in the absence of the Jamaican flag I planned to plant, I did a Usain Bolt special “to the werlll”!!!! View from the west side of the Gros Pitons over looking the Piton Piton and the Caribbean sea.
The east side of the Pitons, facing the Atlantic ocean.
Hats off to Debs, 3 months pregnant and on top of the Pitons! We feasted on water, saltfish sandwiches, almonds, cashews, bananas and chocolate bars! Yum!!
Going down was just as hard.
5:45pm Looking back at the peak I conquered.
