By Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter
The group makes its way down Jacob's Ladder. - Daviot Kelly Photo
THIS HAPPENS to me too many times.
An idea comes along and I jump at it immediately, only to ask myself "What were you thinking?" in the middle of it. This time, the realisation of what I had done did not manifest itself until I was half way up Blue Mountain Peak.
The choice was given to me to climb the peak and tell about making it to the top or just spend another boring weekend at home. Whether it was a rush of blood to the head or a sense of adventure taking over, I said "Yes, I"ll do it". Admittedly, Jamaica is not exactly a high country, but then the highest I've ever been is the roller coaster that used to be at Coney Park.
Sun Venture Tours offers Blue Mountain Sunrise, a package which offers groups the opportunity to hike to the Blue Mountain in time to catch the sunrise. That means that we would have to leave at around 12:30 a.m. yes, and, in order to get to the top in time. Though terrified of having to walk at that time of night, er, day, I figured walking up a mountain when the sun was high was not the best idea either.
Penlyne Castle was the community where we found Wildflower Lodge. A rustic place, there is no electricity. The only light is provided by lamps which gives the place the look of your grandmother's house in the country. There are bunk beds for you to get some rest.
I wasn't sure if I could sleep because of the excitement, nerves, gas etc. The other members of my group, Muna and Timmie, their dad Trevor, Joe, Matthew, Julius Chris and Kerry and our guide Mr. Robert Kerr.
Due to the 12:30 a.m. scheduled starting time, flashlights are a must. The tricky falloffs were perfect for a mountain goat, which I decidedly am not. My legs predictably started to feel the pressure of the hike. Jacob's Ladder, as that part of the trail is called, is more like Jacob's staircase; a very long staircase. Each turn takes you to a higher incline.
The half-way point of the hike is Portland Gap. We enjoyed some well needed and deserved rest. Our legs cried, ankles protested and feet cursed some 'cloth', so this stop was a good idea. The ranger station is equipped with food and medical attention just in case. But we weren't stopping. Determination overtook fear and we took on the second half of the peak. According Mr. Kerr, a great way to help you climb the hill is to think about the work problems on your mind. Since for me this was work, I had to find something else. So I struck up a conversation with Trevor about a co-worker who won't give me the time of day. He offered consolation by saying "All women are trouble". Though that didn't solve anything, it at least helped along for quite a few metres.
Of course, these deep woods reminded us of all the Friday the 13th movies we ever watched. So before long, there were a few ghost stories and talk of the spirit world going around. Julius told one especially weird one about shadows holding him down in his bed. That got me and Joe humming the themes to "Twilight Zone" and "X Files" respectively.
Making it to the top feels like the sensations of a million things you've accomplished rolled into one. The view from the top was everything I expected. I could see hundreds of miles into the distance. Portland, St. Thomas, Kingston, St. Andrew and Clarendon all seemed within my grasp though common sense reminded me they were far away. Once you're at the top, you aren't that keen to come down. For one thing, you want to savour the moment to the fullest but you also remember how far you walked just to get there, so it's the same length back down.
We marvelled at the beauty and magnificence of the surrounding hills and valleys which we couldn't see on the way up in the dark. A new appreciation of how far we had climbed sunk in. With the sun now way up, you see just how deep the falloffs were. But you also see the greenness of the vegetation, might glimpse a hummingbird or two, and learn about some of the plants; field trip style.
The welcoming walls of the lodge await you on your return. The cool winds soothed our tired bodies and the benches acted as suitable sofas. The bumpy ride in the Land Rover is a breeze in comparison to what we just encountered. As we descended the hills back to Gordon Town and Papine, I thought about what I had just accomplished.
Call me crazy, but I think I might
actually do it again.
Preparing for the hike
EXERCISE FOR an hour and a half, three days a week for two weeks. Indoors or outdoors, doesn't matter. You won't need as much Ben Gay or Tiger Balm after you're done.
On the day of the tour, eat a substantial breakfast and lunch.
ON THE HIKE ITSELF
When resting, don't bend your legs. Best to put them up and shake them slowly. Gently rubbing them also helps.
Whatever you're drinking, do it slowly. If you gulp it down, you
will get 'stitches' when you start
hiking again.
Best to use a sturdy stick to help you climb.
WHAT TO BRING
A backpack is the best choice. You don't want something in your hands. Oh, and travel light. The heavier your backpack, the harder to carry it up the hill.
Three bottles of water, gatorade, etc. should be enough for both up and down. Light food, high in
carbohydrates.
Two sweaters or sweater and windbreaker. It can get nippy,
especially in the latter months of
the year. Gloves are optional.
Bring your camera. Too much scenery to go uncaptured.
Sun Venture Tours offers various tours including hiking, sightseeing, safaris and bird watching to all parts of Jamaica. This tour, Blue Mountain Sunrise costs $JA 3000 per person, (locals), $US 80 (non-residents). The rate is based on a minimum package size of ten.
You get: Accommodation and lunch at Wildflower Lodge (Penlyne Castle)
Guide Service & entry fee to the National Park
Four-Wheel Drive transfer from Kingston to Penlyne Castle
For more information call
920-8348 or 960-6685
