WE DID IT! We climbed Gros Piton!!

[weloverunning]

We (family of seven) just returned this morning from the Pearl. We were able to fulfill our (my) goal to climb Gros Piton. We rented a car ahead of time from Costless who met us at the port with the car. We then drove the 1 1/4 drive to the base of Gros Piton. It took us 2 1/2 hours to hike up and about 1 1/2 hours to climb down. We hung out up on top for about 15 minutes. So roundtrip it was 4-4 1/2 hours. We then drove back to Casteries stopping along the way to take pictures. I have to admit...it was more difficult to climb than I thought it would be but did it anyway:D

[woodofpine]

We (family of seven) just returned this morning from the Pearl. We were able to fulfill our (my) goal to climb Gros Piton. We rented a car ahead of time from Costless who met us at the port with the car. We then drove the 1 1/4 drive to the base of Gros Piton. It took us 2 1/2 hours to hike up and about 1 1/2 hours to climb down. We hung out up on top for about 15 minutes. So roundtrip it was 4-4 1/2 hours. We then drove back to Casteries stopping along the way to take pictures. I have to admit...it was more difficult to climb than I thought it would be but did it anyway:D

 

GOOD FOR YOU!

 

But I couldn't help but wonder what your family and fellow travelors think of accompanying you on their (your) goals?! :D Just kidding, summiting the Pitons would certainly make a memory! There's a nice beach located between the peaks Anse des Pitons - maybe next time...

[weloverunning]

Woodofpine: It was hubby, me and our four sons and one daughter-in-law. The agreement (which they agreed upon before we booked the trip) was we would pay for all of them to cruise if they had dinner with us every night and climbed Gros Piton. They kept their part of the deal as did we:D

[woodofpine]

Hey! I'll climb the Pitons too if you pay for my cruise! I'll even carry the water! :D;):D

[heychadwick]

Wow! That's amazing! I saw the Pitons and was not relishing the idea of climinb them. Good for you!

[MaryPoppinz]

That's very impressive on two counts -- the climb, obviously, but also the guts to take on that adventure in the limited time of a cruiseship port call!

 

Congratulations!

[2112]

Pictures, pictures - post your pictures!

[weloverunning]

Mary: You are so right. We were concerned about the time line so it was not a leasurely hike. We also had the added pressure of having had two flat tires-one on Sunday in Samana and one on Monday in Tortola (no jack in rental car:mad: ) so there was a little stress about getting back in time. However, we did check to make sure there was a jack in the rental this time. We arrived back to port and turned in car with 35 minutes to spare before the last tender.

[pghsteeler1]

Thanks so much for posting this. This makes me feel better about doing this when I'm there. Good for you.

[Abberboo]

Congrats that is incredible. Do you have any pics? I think its amazing you did this! I was just in St. Lucia and our tour guide was telling us how people climb it and I am amazed.

[weloverunning]

Here are a few pictures. The first two show the terrain we encountered almost the entire way. It has now been just over one week and I've already forgotten how difficult it was.:D

[pghsteeler1]

Great pictures, thanks!! Looks like a great experience

[LA_FadeAway]

Wow, that must have been awesome!!

[ruddenp]

This climb looks like something my wife and I would like to try. How far is the trailhead from the dock? Can we walk or bike to it?

Did you use a guide for the climb? I see on the trail website that a guide is required/recommended.

Thanks,

Paul R

[weloverunning]

Hi Ruddenp: It is 1 1/4 hour car ride from Casteries to the trailhead. You are required to have a guide. You have to go onto the place where the guides live in order to access the trail. That is where they assign a guide and collect the mandatory $25 per person fee to climb.

[geoherb]

Wow! Congratulations on making it up and back safely. We saw the Pitons last week on our Emerald Princess cruise. I have no interest in climbing to the top, but they looked gorgeous from a distance.

[twofacelady]

Hi rpb: Are there guides available every day? How old was your youngest family member?

[maryln]

I am so impressed! Not only the climb, but driving on those roads. I was there last week & visited the beautiful beach between the Pitons. That's an island I'd definitely return to.

[weloverunning]

Hi twoface: Someone is always there. You actually have to go to the village where they live. When we arrived by car, approximately six people came out to greet us. Our youngest son is 15. He climbed it without breaking a sweat.

[weloverunning]

Hi Rlyans: I bumped this up for you. Make sure you look at thread #11 where I posted some pictures. I am the mom who is 53 years old and while it was tiring, there was never the possibility that I wouldn't make it. (Heck, I'd have to listen to my fours sons the rest of my life)

We just shopped at the local stores (there's an indoor mall with lots of stores at the pier) upon our return. Let me know if you have any questions.

[rlyans]

Thanks rpbcouple, We are talking about trying to do the climb. My wife said she wants to see alittle town. (my kids are all for the climb) You do make it sound like it could be rush...rush... we have a few months to decide. Thanks for your input. Rlyans

[rlyans]

Where did my post go? Rlyans found it (it's now on the 2nd page)

[airlink diva]

Here it is Debbie!

I hope this helps you!!!