The Morne Trois Pitons hike is a fun challenge. It usually takes between 2 to 3 hours to get to the first peak, depending on how many times you stop to admire the views along the way. The second (highest peak) is a further hour or so away across very tough terrain. Yesterday our target was the first piton and we were very lucky with the weather. Clear blue sky, thin whisps of cloud and a high ceiling meant that the views were excellent once we passed the hour mark and made the transition from rainforest to montane thicket and then elfin woodland. Not only could we see the top of Morne Diablotin to the north, we could also make out Guadeloupe beyond.
The trail is in pretty good shape. There is a tricky stretch after 30 minutes when it falls away and you have to pass over the edge of a boulder (it has always been like this), the three rope climbs up rock faces are as daunting as ever and should always be tackled carefully (someone should consider replacing the ropes more regularly). The kaklen climb on the final approach is great (muddy) fun but it has suffered a couple of slides and is a little treacherous in places.
If you haven’t hiked up Morne Trois Pitons before, take along someone who has, and you really shouldn’t even think about climbing it alone. It was my fourth time and I still regret the decision that was made to cut away a lot of the kaklen and replace it with log steps. The best steps are those that are cut from tree fern, they give you a much better grip. Wooden logs are slippery and forever threaten to up-end you, especially on descent. Climbing through kaklen takes a little longer for sure, but it allows for three points of contact and is much more fun.
We saw all four species of hummingbird – they were in abundance towards the summit. We also spotted a trembler, a mangrove cuckoo, and we were also fortunate to see a mountain whistler in full voice perched on a branch just a few feet in front of us. Sitting on a rock at the summit, taking in the scenery, I felt like staying there all day.
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