Mount
Gimie sits serene like the unsung crowning jewel of Soufriere, Saint Lucia. Not
as popular as the great twin peaks of the island’s “bread basket”, but in its
own way it is very much the defiant and proud mountain with a unique history to
match its raw beauty. All I have to say is “Police Motay Mt Geemi” (St. Lucian
Reggae from the 1970s).
Start of Mount Gimie Trail (December 10, 2018)
At 3117 ft
above sea level it takes the average hiker 6-8hrs to climb and descend Saint
Lucia’s highest Mountain. Covered in tropical rainforest the invasive tree
roots are an essential part of holding the soil in place but one can’t help but
feel like they are there to discourage your progress as well. If there ever was
a time to wear sensible shoes it’s while hiking mount Gimie. I can still hear
the blood curdling screams of one of my hiking buddies sliding down the
mountainside before grabbing hold of a sapling. Luckily the buddy in question
did not panic and was able to get herself upright and back on the path with the
help of a chain of strong arms.
Descending into Mt. Gimie Hiking Trail
A two hour hike from the starting point to the base of the mountain took me to the clearest stream of water I had ever seen. The Gurgling crystal
clear water splashing against smooth stones produces a crescendo of musical
notes which if you are not careful would seduce you into spending the entire
day right there by the river. I settled for just sticking my feet in and
splashing the cool refreshing liquid onto my face before plodding on.
River
at the foot of Mt .Gimie
The
overgrowth provides much shade and so sun exposure is limited, and a blessing
especially when hiking during daylight hours under a merciless tropical sun. Don’t
miss the ever popular incense or Lansan tree. It bears its scars well, an
ageless tree which has had its sides slashed and its life force bled several
times to satisfy the occasional hiker’s curiosity. I believe her biological
name is "Protium attenuatum".
Picture
Depicting Undergrowth (Mt. Gimie)
There
is something for every nature lover. If you listen closely you can hear the “Caw
Caw” of the Amazona versicolor. A Beautiful
parrot endemic to Saint Lucia and ever threatened by extinction.
They
say Mount Gimie is riddled with Snakes, both the Fer-de-lance and the boa constrictor
but I have not encountered any. I can’t figure out whether that is bad or good
thing.
The
climb up the mountainside gets painful a few hours in and you keep thinking “are
we close yet”. After a while it is “mind over matter” and though tired there is a
hunger to reach the top to sample the fresh air and the promised 360 degree
view of Saint Lucia.
Picture
of Foliage (Mt. Gimie)
I
have ascended and descended Mount Gimie twice, both in the same year and I have
never been able to escape the sword like blades of the razor grass. My cuts
have since healed and all evidence of their injury disappeared. Avoid the razor
grass, they are especially prevalent close to the top of this majestic
mountain.
Picture showing Razor Grass at the top of Mt. Gimie
The
air on top of mount Gimie infuses your lungs and clears the head. Combined with
a 360 degree view of Saint Lucia it is a beautiful assault on the senses. Mount
Gimie is often surrounded by mist so I was quite lucky on both occasions to get
an unobstructed view from the highest point in Saint Lucia. In clear view are Babonneau
to the North and the Maria Islands to the south. I couldn’t help but feel a
sense of wonderment, and kept thinking there is no way to enhance or make this
experience any better.
View from the Top of Mt. Gimie
While on top we spent some time, eating, talking, laughing and enjoying the sunshine
before commencing our descent. If the ascent was a bittersweet torture then
the descent to the river felt more like a Marathon. We all wanted to
get back to the starting point before darkness catches us under the canopy of trees.
Once at the river, it is a very steep ascent thereafter. The route from this point onward
is quite the ladder and if you had not done your arm and leg work outs for the week
do not be alarmed, because you will fulfill your exercise quota on this last
1-2hrs of the hike.
Hiking
Group at the top of Mt. Gimie
At the starting point once again I could see the shadows of the evening were slowly turning
into a solid dark cloak.
Having conquered their latest challenge it is not uncommon for first timers to throw themselves on the ground in exhaustion before raising their heads to hydrate. Pain in the arms and legs usually come as a delayed reaction. You will find your legs a bit reluctant to climb stairs the next day but you will live. I have found a nice warm Epsom salts bath is a boon to sore limbs.
Having conquered their latest challenge it is not uncommon for first timers to throw themselves on the ground in exhaustion before raising their heads to hydrate. Pain in the arms and legs usually come as a delayed reaction. You will find your legs a bit reluctant to climb stairs the next day but you will live. I have found a nice warm Epsom salts bath is a boon to sore limbs.
Picture
taken at starting point facing East
