Gros Piton

Central America Caribbean » Saint Lucia » Soufrière
July 14th 2018

Published: July 15th 2018

Edit Blog Post

StLucia

SAM_00011

View from the first quarter mark

Not much to say, just a lot of pictures!

Today we climbed Gros Piton. Its around 2600 feet tall, super steep and super rocky. It was incredibly difficult to climb both up and down. You really needed to be fit to do it, and I'm not fit enough. The steps on the way up were huge, so Alex and I couldn't actually step up on to them, we have to grab trees or rocks and hoist ourselves up. On the way down I had to sit on one step and jump down to the next. After halfway, the ground was a bit wet and slippy. I managed not to fall over, but still got ridiculously muddy from having to scramble up all the rocks. We were all drenched in sweat pretty early on. They said you needed 1.5L of water each, but I took up 3L and still drank it all before the end. It was mostly in the shade of the trees, but still obviously quite hot. I have got a graze on my hand and arm, which must be from the rocks. I also feel like every muscle in my body is about to cramp, and I can

IMG_20180714_093250

Halfway up, with a view of Petit Piton

barely walk or move. Climbing up the stairs to my room when I got home was seriously difficult and painful. I think I'll be paralysed tomorrow.

Also we saw a tarantula. The guide had to fling it into a bush because it was on the path and Alex and I would never have gone near it.

But the views and the feeling of accomplishment were definitely worth it. A lot of people only make it halfway up and have to turn around. It took us 3 hours up, and 2 hours down, but we did it. I wanted to cry or give up so many times, but I'm proud of myself for doing it. And I'll probably never do it again.

Additional photos below

Photos: 17, Displayed: 17