A virtual climb up Petit Piton
Since not everyone will have the opportunity, or the desire, to make the trek up Petit Piton themselves, I happily share the following photos from our hike yesterday so that you can ‘virtually‘ experience the climb as we did. This is not such a bad thing as there’s a lot less sweat, dirt and risk than actually doing the hike yourself!
Amazing…..I have a very similiar experience with just as great verticle climb too…….I once climbed the famous caves of Virgin Gorda!!! The verticle climb is incredible and dangerous that you guys are doing…..The picts probably dont even do it justice……wow
You’re right, they don’t really do it complete justice. There were definitely some times when we had butterflies in our stomachs (to say the least). The downside of falling in a place like that would be monumental!
Third picture from the bottom: HUH? It looks like you’re falling. I am guessing you’re jumping but to where? I can’t envision a good landing no matter how hard I try.
I was just messing around. I am actually sitting on a slab of rock. 🙂
Hi Mike,
St. Lucia has been our ‘home-away-from-home’ since our honeymoon 17+ years ago. We’ve joked about what that climb must be like many times, but there’s no way! So, thank you for sharing this visual for those of us less adventurous back-roads travelers. 😉
Though my husband was a sailor for many years, doing several Port Huron-to-Mackinac races many years ago, we now just live the sailing world vicariously through the likes of Windtraveler (how I discovered your site), you guys, and a few others.
When we next return to our beloved St. Lucia (via Michigan), and a small cottage in the rainforest, we will now always think of you and Rebecca and those two climbs up to the heavens via Petit Piton. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your adventures with those of us who have chosen a different, quiet path away from it all. Take care and stay safe and healthy.
Hi Karen
Thanks for the nice comment. I’m not sure if you’ve seen it but here is the report/pics from the first time that we made our way up Petit Piton.
http://www.zerotocruising.com/petit-piton-check/
🙂 Yes indeed Mike, I read that one first this morning. Let me just say, YIKES! Oh my, that rabbit hole! And the spider web! And I don’t even want to hear about any snakes! LOL!
I’m sure our ‘adopted’ St. Lucian son would get a kick out of my reaction to seeing your pictures.
Thanks so much for sharing. Looking forward to learning all about Patagonia. Maybe we’ll cross paths someday, on dry land. 🙂
We can share a Piton when that happens!
Hello,
I have scheduled a hike up Petit Piton with a local guide in a couple of days, and I admit, I am a little nervous. I found your amazing photos by chance as I was browsing the web to see what I am about to face.
Do you have any specific advice for me on how to approach this hike, and complete it successfully? I am in pretty good shape; I work out regularly at my local gym, but I know that treadmills and aerobic classes can only prepare you for so much. My Lucian guide seems to think that it’s no problem…I will be just fine…anyone who can climb Gros Piton (I did) can also climb Petit Piton. Of course, the local guide has done the hike hundreds of times, and he knows every inch on the trail.
Thanks so much! Once again, loved your photos!
Vessy
Disclaimer: We have never hiked Gros Piton.
With that in mind, if you can climb Gros Piton, and you are in shape as you have said, you should have no physical trouble climbing Petit Piton. Bear in mind though, the two climbs are not the same. There are no steps on the way to the top of Petit Piton. You will need to hold onto roots, branches, and in some places, sketchy fixed ropes, to pull yourself up. There are also several places where a misstep will be fatal. I don’t say this to scare you but we had one friend actually start crying when faced with this because she was so afraid.
If you’re going with a guide, you should be fine. We’ve done the climb twice, both times without a guide, and if presented with the opportunity, would do it again. The view from the top, and the satisfaction for having completed the climb, make the effort worthwhile. Enjoy!
Please report back and let me know how you made out.